Picture this: you're enjoying a delicious meal, savoring every bite, when a drop of that delectable grease finds its way onto your favorite shirt or pants. Cue the panic! We all know grease can be quite the slippery customer, but don’t worry–we've got your back. Whether it's a splash of cooking oil, a greasy handprint, or an unfortunate encounter with a buttery popcorn kernel, we'll spill the secrets on how to remove grease from clothes and save your cherished garments from an oily demise.
What causes grease stains?
Grease stains on clothes can be a pesky nuisance, but have you ever wondered what causes them in the first place? It’s time for a quick science lesson! Grease is commonly found in oils, fats, and other lipids. These substances are made up of molecules known as triglycerides, composed of fatty acids and glycerol. When these triglycerides come into contact with our clothes, they can transfer onto the fabric, resulting in those dreaded grease stains. The nature of grease is to be hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This hydrophobic property makes it challenging for water-based detergents to break down and remove grease from clothes easily.
If water doesn’t help, then what can you do? Read on to learn what takes grease out of clothing and how to remove grease from clothes quickly and easily!
How to Remove Grease from Clothes
What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Laundry Detergent, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods, Oxi Booster Pods
Step 1: Remove Excess
The first step in grease stain removal is to remove any excess grease from your clothes. Use a Swedish Dish Cloth or kitchen rag to gently blot any excess oil away from the fabric.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stain
Dampen stain and add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the stain in cool water, massaging it between your fingers until it begins to lift. The enzymes in the detergent should break down the proteins and oils that make up the stain. Repeat as needed.
Step 3: Wash
Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item in the hottest water permitted by the care label. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod, which contains enzymes for extra stain fighting. You can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra cleaning power and brightening! If you see grease stains on clothes after washing, repeat the stain fighting process.
Step 4: Dry
Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can cause stains to set permanently. We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry, preferably in the sunshine. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to remove grease from clothes? We’re here to help with all your grease stain removal needs.
Will vinegar remove grease from clothes?
Looking to learn how to remove grease from clothes using items in your pantry? Vinegar is a great natural astringent that can assist with removing grease stains. Soak the stain in white vinegar, then gently scrub the fabric to remove the stain. Vinegar also serves as a deodorizer to remove any strong oil smells!
Is there a way to get old grease stains out of clothes? How do you get dried grease out of clothes?
Determining how to remove old grease stains from clothing can be difficult, but is not impossible! Enzymes, which eat away at the oils, proteins, and sugars that make up a stain, will be your secret weapon here. Apply an enzyme-based cleaner, like Dropps Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, directly to the stain. Use your finger to rub the product into the stain, then let sit for at least five minutes before rinsing in cold water. Depending on the age and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat this process several times.
What home remedy takes grease out of clothes?
Did you run out of laundry products but still need to tackle that grease stain ASAP? Does grease come out of clothes without laundry detergent? Absolutely! Here are a few home remedies and tricks that people swear by!
- Vinegar: soak the stain in white vinegar, then gently scrub the fabric before rinsing in cool water.
- Baking Soda: sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to sit for 24 hours. Vacuum or sweep the powder away, then wash by hand.
- Shampoo: shampoo is designed to wash away natural oils on your hair and scalp, and it can do the same for your clothes!
- Dishwasher Soap: Dishwashing detergent that contains enzymes can act as a great stain remover in a pinch!