14 Effective Ways to Get Grease Out of Clothes

Save your clothes with these expert-backed laundry hacks

Grease stains aren’t water-soluble, so they won’t rinse out in your standard wash. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to pull oily marks out from fabric using products you probably already have around the house. Whether the stain is fresh or set in, grease removal usually involves pre-treating the stain or coating it with an absorbent substance like baking soda before washing the garment as normal. Keep reading to learn all of the best techniques to try next time grease splatters onto your clothing.

1

Dish soap

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Liquid dish soap breaks apart oil and grease safely on any type of fabric. Choose a dish soap that is specifically labeled for dissolving oil since these often have a special type of oil-eating bacteria as an ingredient. Dish soap may also work on older set-in stains as well as fresh ones.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Blot up excess grease with a paper towel.
- Apply dish soap to the stain and work it in with an old toothbrush.
- Let the soap sit for about 30 minutes so it soaks into the fabric.
- Toss your clothing in the washer on the warmest cycle the fabric can safely tolerate.
- Dry your clothes if you don’t see the stain anymore. Air dry the garment if any grease remains since the heat from the dryer will set the stain into the fabric.

2

Baking soda

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Baking soda draws the grease out of the fabric and absorbs it completely. Baking soda works especially well on dense fabrics, like denim, but it’s effective on any type of clothing. Just be sure to test the baking soda in an inconspicuous spot before using it to treat the stain.
- Mix equal parts baking soda with warm water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste onto the stain in circular motions with an old toothbrush until the stain starts to fade.
- Wash your clothes with regular detergent on the warmest water cycle the fabric can tolerate. Add a splash of distilled white vinegar to the load for extra stain-fighting power.
- Dry your clothes if the stain has disappeared.

3

Baby powder

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Baby powder sucks out any wet grease stains from the fabric. Baby powder is super absorbent, and it naturally pulls the oils from the stain out of your garment. Baby powder also works well on delicate clothing, like silks and satin. If you don’t have any baby powder, talcum powder works just as well.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Dab any excess oil with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle baby powder over the stain so it’s completely covered.
- Leave the baby powder overnight to absorb all of the grease.
- Shake or brush off the powder with an old toothbrush.
- Wash your garment normally following the care tag instructions.

4

Cornstarch

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Cornstarch paste works to pull the grease out of any type of fabric. Cornstarch absorbs moisture and oils so it’s not stuck on the fibers of your clothing anymore. Cornstarch works great on delicate fabrics and suede since it doesn’t leave stains or discolor the fabric.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Make a paste using equal parts cornstarch and water.
- Apply the paste onto the grease stain so it’s completely covered.
- Leave the paste on the stain until it dries completely.
- Brush or vacuum the excess cornstarch off the garment.
- Wash your clothes using detergent and the warmest cycle your garment can tolerate.

5

Salt and stain remover

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Adding salt to stain remover makes it more effective on stubborn marks. Stain remover alone may be enough to completely get rid of the grease stain, but salt draws the oils out of the fabric. This solution works best for stains on thicker fabrics, such as denim or linen, but can also work on any non-delicate garment.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Sprinkle table salt over the stain so it’s completely covered.
- Let the salt sit and absorb the grease for 10 minutes.
- Work the stain remover into the salt and stain with an old toothbrush.
- Wash the garment with detergent using the hottest cycle your clothes can handle.

6

Shampoo

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Shampoo can cut through fresh grease stains quickly. Shampoo washes out the natural oils and grease from your hair, so why not use it for the same process on your clothing? Shampoo works similar to laundry detergent, so it’s safe for any type of clothing.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Spread shampoo directly onto the stain in a thin layer.
- Let the shampoo sit for 10 minutes.
- Wash your clothes with regular detergent on a standard cycle.

7

Chalk

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Crushed chalk will draw the grease out from the fabric. Because chalk is such a fine powder, it easily absorbs the grease in your clothes and makes it easy to remove. Chalk doesn’t leave stains, so it’s perfect if you got grease on delicate fabrics, like silks.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Rub or crush chalk over the stain so it’s completely covered.
- Let the chalk sit overnight so it absorbs all of the grease.
- Brush off the excess chalk dust.
- Wash your clothes with detergent on the warmest cycle that your clothes can tolerate.

8

Lestoil

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Lestoil floor cleaner acts as a degreaser for your clothing. Because Lestoil is already made to cut through greasy spots on your floor, it works well on durable garments as well. Just avoid using it on delicate fabrics, and always test it on a small, inconspicuous spot of the fabric before putting it onto the stain.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Work the Lestoil into the stain with your fingers or a small brush.
- Wash your clothes with detergent using the regular cycle.
- Let your clothes air-dry.

9

Hairspray

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Hairspray can lift dried grease stains from your garment. If you don’t have other cleaners nearby, reach for the can of hairspray in your bathroom. The chemicals in hairspray can help eat through the grease so it’s out of your clothes.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Place cardboard or a towel underneath the stain to prevent it from spreading.
- Spray the stain with the hairspray until it’s damp.
- Let the hairspray sit on the grease for 20–30 minutes.
- Wash your garment following the instructions on the care label.

10

WD-40

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WD-40 helps flush the oil out from the fabric. WD-40 is normally a lubricant, but it also works as a laundry hack for oil and grease stain removal. WD-40’s effectiveness may vary depending on how old the stain is and the fabric. Just test the spray on the fabric to check for discoloration before applying it to the stain.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Place cardboard or paper towels behind the stained fabric so the grease doesn’t soak through.
- Spray the stain with the WD-40 to cover it completely.
- Dab the stain with a paper towel, working from the outside toward the center.
- Rub laundry detergent on the stain and wash it using the regular cycle.
Lift stains with dish soap. "I never realized Dawn dish soap could be so effective at removing grease stains. After an oil splatter on my favorite shirt, I followed the tip to apply Dawn directly on the spot. With some scrubbing and soaking, the stain came out completely in the wash. Dish soap saved the day." - Regina J.
Release stuck stains with WD-40. "An old grease stain actually got set deeper into my pants after going through the washing machine. I tried Dawn a few times with no luck. But spraying WD-40 directly on the stain and letting it soak in before washing did the trick. It took some persistence, but WD-40 got the stain out." - Neice M.
Scrub away fresh grease splatters. "When fresh grease splattered on my new pants, I thought they were a goner. But using dish detergent, warm water, and scrubbing with an old toothbrush lifted the stain right out. I'm so glad I tossed them straight in the wash instead of letting the stain set. Quick action saved my pants." - Stephen C.
Avoid dry cleaning bills with home remedies. "I was thrilled to learn household items like cornstarch and chalk can remove grease stains from silks and delicate fabrics. No more dropping big bucks at the dry cleaner, thanks to these clever stain removal hacks. A little scrubbing with cornstarch absorbed the oily spot on my silk blouse." - Maria M.
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11

Saddle soap

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Saddle soap works best for grease stains on leather. Saddle soap is an astringent that pulls oils and grease out of leather, so it can work to lift up stains. Because saddle soap can cause leather to dry out, make sure to condition the leather afterward to maintain its quality.^{[10]XResearch source} Just avoid using saddle soap on suede because it may cause discoloration.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Rub the saddle soap over the surface of the stain using your fingers or a leather brush.
- Let the soap dry for a few hours at room temperature.
- Buff the soap off with a clean towel.

12

Dry cleaning solvent

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Dry cleaning solvent works best for fabrics that you can’t wash. If you have delicate or dry clean-only fabrics, then the solvent will cut through the grease without using any water. Because the solvents are dry-cleaning grade, they should work out the stains almost immediately, making your clothing look good as new.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Cover the stain with baking soda and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Blot the solvent onto the stain with a clean white cloth or sponge.
- Dab the stain with a clean, dry towel to lift up the grease and cleaner.

13

Aloe vera gel

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The amino acids in aloe vera gel get rid of set-in stains. If you have a stubborn stain that’s still present after washing your garment, try aloe vera gel. Use 100% gel so you have the most effective stain fighter. Some aloe can stain clothes, so just be sure to test it in a less noticeable spot first.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Wet the stained area of your clothes with cold water.
- Rub the aloe vera gel into the fabric with your fingers or an old toothbrush.
- Wash your clothes on a cold water cycle to remove the stain.

14

Enzyme cleaner

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Enzyme cleaners break apart stubborn, set-in grease stains. If you already washed and dried your clothes and there’s still a stain, the lipase in enzyme cleaner eats through the old grease. After a pre-soak with stain remover, the grease will easily lift off of the surface.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Spray the stain with your enzyme cleaner until it’s completely covered.
- Work the enzyme cleaner into the fabric with a brush, following the direction of the fibers.
- Let the cleaner soak in for 15 minutes.
- Wash your clothes with regular detergent on the hottest setting for the fabric. If the stain is gone, toss your clothes in the dryer.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do you get a grease stain out of jeans?
Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification.
Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Answer
Using circular motions, brush baking soda paste into the stain with a small bristle brush until you see the stain subside. Then, wash the jeans in warm water with regular laundry detergent—you can also add vinegar to the wash cycle to ensure that the stain is completely removed. Dry off the jeans by sticking them in a low-heat dryer cycle.
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How do I remove a grease stain from a 32 degree jacket?
Community Answer
You can pour 1/2 cup of vinegar onto 2 tablespoons of baking soda and mix up the solution. Once the baking soda is mixed in, take a sponge to soak up the liquid you have created and scrub throughouly for 30-60 seconds until grease is removed.
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How do I remove stains from antique fabric?
Community Answer
Antique fabric may be too fragile to be cleaned. If it's an item that has sentimental or monetary value, it may be best to consult a textile conservator before doing anything. (A local museum may be able to point you in the direction of one.) A textile conservator will also be able to advise you on how valuable the item is. Also, how you proceed will depend on what caused the stain to begin with.
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Try to treat grease stains as soon as possible because they’ll get more difficult to completely remove the longer they sit on the fabric.
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