Getting rid of grease stains 

Washing grease stains can often be easier than washing other types of stains, as oily substances are broken down more efficiently by most laundry products that you can buy, such as detergents. Here we have collected some clever tips on how to wash grease stains from fabric and how to remove grease stains from clothes.

Get rid of grease stains – work fast 

The most important thing to keep in mind if you have accidentally spilled grease or oil on your clothes is to work fast. This way, you have the best chance of getting rid of the entire grease stain. Do not give the grease stain time to solidify and harden, as it will be much more difficult to remove the grease stain.

Avoid water on grease stains 

Another important thing to keep in mind when removing a grease stain is to avoid water, strange as it may sound. Do not try to rub off a grease stain with water (unless you have mixed the water with some kind of detergent or dishwashing detergent). Grease does not mix very well with water, and if you try, there is a risk that the stain will only get worse.

Grease stains – check the washing label first

Always check the symbols on the washing label before you start washing to remove the grease stain. The instructions on the label are the most important to follow, as they contain very specific information for that particular garment and the garment's material. If the garment is dry cleaning only, it is best to take the garment to a professional cleaner. It is also a good idea to follow the label’s advice on which type of detergent you should use, especially on delicate textiles such as silk, velvet or suede.

Here are three different methods for getting rid of grease stains. You will need: 

• Paper or cloth
• A clean, white towel 
• Cardboard
• Washing machine 
• Detergent 
• Water 
• Shampoo 
• Hair spray 

How to get rid of grease stains with detergent 

This is one of the easiest methods to remove grease stains from clothes, as detergents and dish soap are specially formulated to break down oil-based stains and grease stains.

• Make sure the stain is flat and easy to access. Place some cardboard or a clean towel under the stain, inside the garment to be washed. 
• Gently wipe off as much grease as you can with a piece of paper or cloth. 
• Mix about a teaspoon of liquid detergent in a bowl with a little water. 
• Cover the grease stain with the mixture and gently rub the detergent into the fabric (on the grease stain) with your fingers. 
• Let sit for about five minutes, then rinse off the detergent in running cold water. 
• Wash in the washing machine on as high a heat as possible (check the washing label).
• Allow to air dry and then repeat the steps until you have completely removed the grease stain. 

Hot to get rid of grease stains with shampoo 

• Shampoo is another product specifically designed to get rid of oil and grease stains. 
• Pour shampoo directly on the stain. Make sure you cover the entire stain. 
• Let the shampoo soak into the fabric for about 10 minutes. 
• Wash as usual in a washing machine, on as high a heat as possible. 
• Allow to air dry, and repeat the steps until you have removed the grease stain. 

How to get rid of grease stains with hairspray 

• It may sound a bit clumsy and ridiculous, but hair spray is actually good for removing grease stains. 
• Lay the garment flat, with the grease stain clearly visible. 
• Place a towel or piece of cardboard under the grease stain, inside the garment. 
• Apply hairspray on the stain until the garment is moist (make sure you cover the entire grease stain). 
• Let the hair spray soak for 20-30 minutes. 
• Wash as usual in a washing machine, on as high a heat as possible.
• Allow to air dry, and repeat the steps until you have removed the grease stain.

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