Here’s How to Get Oil and Grease Stains Out of Your Clothes

Do you feel like all your clothes are permanently stained from that last oil change or bike repair session? Are you starting to give up hope of ever getting those grease and oil stains out of your wardrobe? If so, don’t despair! 

With the right cleaning approach and tools, it’s possible to get stubborn oil and grease stains out of both colored and white fabrics. Read on for a guide on how to effectively remove these unwanted blemishes from your wardrobe with minimal effort.

Step # 1: Address the Stain Immediately

The faster you react to a stain, the easier it is to remove. As soon as you notice an oil or grease stain on your clothing, act promptly. Leaving stains untreated allows the oil or grease to sink deeper into the fabric fibers, making them more challenging to eliminate. 

Start the cleaning process by blotting away as much excess oil or grease as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel, avoiding rubbing the stain further into the fabric. Prompt action is your first line of defense against stubborn stains.

Step # 2: Blot the Stain

As a preliminary step, use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much oil and grease from the stain as you can. This step is crucial – it helps to lift a significant portion of the oil or grease from the fabric, making the subsequent cleaning process more effective. 

However, remember not to rub the oil or grease into the fabric. Doing so will only spread the stain further, making it more difficult to clean. Instead, gently press or dab the stained area with your cloth or paper towel to absorb the oil or grease.

Step #3: Pre-Treat with Detergent

Once you’ve blotted the stain, the next step is to pre-treat it with an enzyme detergent. Apply the detergent directly onto the stained area of the fabric. 

Enzyme detergents are particularly effective at breaking down oil and grease, making them ideal for this task. Let the detergent sit on the stain for about 10 to 15 minutes before proceeding to the washing stage. 

It allows time for the detergent to penetrate the fibers and break down the oils. While waiting, avoid rubbing the detergent into the fabric, as this could cause the stain to spread further. This pre-treatment effort significantly improves the chances of completely removing the stain during the washing process.

Step # 4: Wash on Hot Water Setting

Hot water is particularly effective at tackling oil and grease stains. The heat helps to dissolve the oil, making it easier to remove during the wash. Set your washing machine to the highest temperature setting that is safe for the fabric (always check the garment’s care label first). 

Load your stained clothing into the machine and proceed with the washing cycle. Using hot water significantly increases the chances of fully eliminating the oil or grease stain from your clothes. 

However, it’s crucial to ensure that the high temperature won’t damage the fabric. Always adhere to the care instructions provided for each garment to prevent causing unintended damage.

Step #5: Let Air Dry Before Treating Again

If you’ve washed your garment and the stain persists, don’t fret. Instead of tossing it in the dryer, allow the fabric to air dry. Heat from the dryer can set the stain permanently, making it much harder, if not impossible, to remove. Once the fabric is dry, inspect the stain. 

If it’s still visible, repeat steps 2 through 4 – blot the stain, pre-treat with detergent, and wash on a hot water setting. Continue this process until the stain has completely disappeared. Remember, persistence is key when dealing with stubborn oil and grease stains.

Step #6: Rinse with Cold Water and Vinegar Mixture

To ensure total removal of any lingering oil or grease residue, give your clothes a final rinse in cold water mixed with a few tablespoons of white vinegar. The vinegar helps to dissolve any residual oil or grease and neutralizes odors. 

To do this, fill a basin or sink with cold water and add 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar. Submerge your clothing item in the solution and gently agitate it. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water. The vinegar treatment ensures a thorough cleansing and leaves your garment fresh and clean.

Step #7: Consider a Professional Dry Cleaning Service

If, after all these attempts, the oil or grease stain remains stubbornly in place, it may be time to seek professional help. 

Take your garment to a reputable dry cleaner. These professionals have access to specialized cleaning methods and solvents that can effectively remove even the most stubborn stains. 

Keep in mind that certain fabrics, such as silk or wool, may require professional attention from the outset. While it might feel like an extra expense, a professional dry cleaning service can salvage a cherished or expensive garment that would otherwise be ruined by the stain.

Summing Up

Now that you know how to effectively remove oil and grease stains from your garments, use this knowledge to help keep your clothes looking their best! You can also bookmark this page for future reference so you can easily look up best practices in case those pesky stains return. So stop worrying about stained clothes and start cleaning them with confidence!

About Us

Keeping your clothes clean is more than just about hygiene, it is also about wearing clean clothes that look stylish and make you feel confident. However, to make your stylish couture last, you must take care of them. That’s where Greener Cleaner comes in. 

We are one of the few dry cleaners in Chicago that use zero petrochemicals in our cleaning. From your wedding dress to chic leather jackets, we dry clean everything in an eco-friendly manner. We can also alter your outfits to create a flattering fit and add a new spark to your old wardrobe favorites.

We also provide pick-up and delivery services for your clothing, so there is no hassle associated with laundry cleaning. You can reach us at (773) 784-8429 or fill out our contact form to know more.