Grease stains? Gross! How to get stubborn grease stains out of clothes

Whether they happen in the kitchen or the garage, grease stains can be notoriously pesky to remove from clothes. But we have a solution.

Grease stains are hard to eliminate without the appropriate cleaning techniques and solvents due to their remarkable ability to penetrate deep into fabric fibers and their resistance to water-based cleaning agents. But don’t get rid of that bacon-stained shirt just yet. Even the toughest, set-in grease stains can be effectively banished with the help of a few household products and a little know-how. Here’s how to rescue your clothing from ruin and get grease stains out like a pro.

Watch the video above to learn how to get grease stains out of clothes.

How to get grease stains out of clothes

• If the stain is fresh, blot any excess grease from the garment using a clean rag or paper towel.
• Place a layer of foil or parchment paper underneath the stain to prevent it from transferring to other parts of the garment during stain treatment.
• Sprinkle baking soda or salt generously over the stain to absorb the oil.
• Let the baking soda or salt sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes or overnight if the stain is heavier. The longer it sits, the more oil it will absorb.
• Gently brush off baking soda or salt using a toothbrush after treating the stain.
• Treat the remaining stain with dish soap by applying a small amount directly onto the stained area. Rinse the garment under the sink with cool water after.
• If the stain persists, include the garment in your regular wash cycle.
• For old or set-in stains, pre-treat the area with a dab of dish soap and let it sit before adding the garment to your regular wash cycle.
• For stubborn, old, or heat-set stains, use a more vigorous dabbing motion to penetrate the fabric fibers and absorb the ingrained oil. Repeat this process as needed.

Reviewed-approved laundry recommendations:

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More tips to successfully remove grease stains from clothes

• Act quickly. The sooner you treat a grease stain, the easier it is to remove.
• Use a mild dish soap. Harsh detergents can damage fabric fibers.
• Rinse the area thoroughly after treating the stain to remove excess soap, baking soda, or salt.
• Wash the garment in cold water. Hot water can set a stain.
• Air dry the garment. Heat can also set a stain.

More problems solved

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grease stains? Gross! How to get stubborn grease stains out of clothes