How To Get Oil & Grease Stains Out of Clothes - Tried & Tested
If you're having dinner at your dream restaurant and suddenly spill sauce on your favorite shirt, that dream dinner could quickly turn into a nightmare. It's relatable, isn’t it? There could be several other possible mishaps and we understand that accidents happen, but removing oil and grease stains can be challenging. Keep your cool, and we'll manage!
At ByNext, we pride ourselves on providing premium laundry services to simplify your life and laundry routine. We know how to tackle oil and grease stains professionally, ensuring your clothes always stay fresh and vibrant.
Additionally, we offer laundry services and home cleaning services tailored to your needs and requirements. Our team is experienced and committed to delivering exceptional services. Trust Bynext to keep your wardrobe fresh and pristine with our professional care and attention to detail.
Why Are Oil and Grease Stains Hard To Wash Off?
Since grease is a lipid and is insoluble in water, oil and grease stains on clothes are, at times, hard to wash off the clothes. However, the sooner you act, the more easily it will be removed. It repels water, and the water or other detergents can’t get into the fibers of the fabric, which makes it difficult to remove in a normal laundry cycle.
Remove the grease from your clothes manually before putting them in the washer. Apply laundry detergent or other cleaning alternatives directly to the grease or spotted area. Wash at a high temperature, and it will allow the grease to be washed off.
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How To Get Rid of Oil And Grease Stains Out of Cotton and Polyester
As for all grease stains, the sooner you can remove the stain, the easier it may be. Use a pretreatment on the stain and wash the clothing item in the warmest water recommended for the clothing.
Step 1: Remove Excess Grease
Scrape off excess grease with a butter knife, then blot gently with a clean, white paper towel or cloth to remove as much grease as possible. Using paper towels with printed patterns can cause a transfer of color onto your clothing.
Tip: Avoid rubbing the stain, as it can settle the grease deeper into the surface or fabric. Instead, gently dab or blot to lift the grease off the material.
Step 2: Rub in Detergent or Soap
Gently rub liquid dish soap (for handwashing), stain pretreatment, or liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let sit for 10 minutes. If using liquid dish soap for handwashing, be sure to fully remove the soap by rinsing thoroughly before placing the item in the washer.
Tip: Test the detergent or soap on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it directly to the fabric, ensuring it does not cause any discoloration or damage.
Step 3: Rinse with Warm Water
Rinse or machine wash in the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
Tip: For delicate fabrics, opt for hand washing with gentle strokes instead of machine washing to protect the fabric's integrity.
Step 4: Line Dry
Line dry. Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of grease on it, as no washer can completely remove grease and could result in fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed. If the stain remains, repeat the steps above if necessary.
Tip: Check the stained area once the garment is dry. If the stain persists, reapply the treatment before drying again to prevent setting the stain further.
How To Remove Old Grease Stains From Shirts & Pants
To remove old oil stains from clothes such as shirts and pants, you have to follow these 4 steps:
Step 1: Scrape and Blot Liquid Dish Soap
Stain pretreatment or liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let sit for 10 minutes. If using liquid dish soap for handwashing, be sure to fully remove the soap by rinsing thoroughly before placing the item in the washer.
Tip: When scraping off excess grease, use gentle strokes to avoid spreading the stain further. Follow up with gentle blotting to lift as much of the stain as possible without causing damage to the fabric.
Step 2: Soak in Warm or Hot Water
Soak in warm or hot water for at least 30 minutes. Dissolve some store-bought stain fighter or detergent in the water, if desired.
Tip: Periodically agitate the water to help the stain remover penetrate the fabric more effectively. For delicate fabrics, stick to warm water instead of hot to avoid damaging the material.
Step 3: Wash
Wash in the warmest water recommended on the care tag. Wash it according to your fabric type. Let’s say if it is silk fabric then make sure to wash it in cold water, as they are more prone to clothes shrinking when soaked in warm or hot water.
Tip: For optimal results, use a laundry detergent designed to tackle tough stains, and consider adding a fabric softener for freshness. If possible, wash stained items separately to prevent oil stains on clothes after washing from transferring to other garments.
Step 4: Line Dry
Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of grease on it, as no washer can completely remove grease and could result in fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed.
Tip: Hang the garment in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade. Check the garment after it dries to ensure the stain is completely gone before wearing it again.
How To Remove Grease Stains From Wool, Knits & Other Delicates
It can be pretreated using a mild laundry detergent or liquid dish soap before putting it into the washing machine. Let’s discover the effective steps to remove oil and grease stains from wool, knits, and other delicate materials.
Step 1: Remove Excess Grease
First, try to scrape off grease using a dead knife, then blot it gently with a clean paper towel or any microfiber cloth to remove it thoroughly.
Tip: Use light, short strokes to avoid pushing the grease deeper into the fabric. Blotting gently rather than rubbing will help lift the stain off without spreading it.
Step 2: Mix a Cleaning Solution
Read the care label before pouring warm to hot water and mixing mild detergent. You can also use liquid dish soap, stain pretreatment, or liquid enzyme detergent. Choose the detergent according to your fabric type and recommendation.
Will vinegar remove grease from clothes? Well, yes, vinegar will work effectively against grease stains on some fabrics.
Tip: If you're unsure which cleaning solution to use, conduct a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure the detergent won't cause any discoloration or damage.
Step 3: Rub In The Cleaning Solution
Now, rub the cleaning solution into the stained area gently and let it settle for at least 10 minutes. Make sure to completely remove the residue of soap by rinsing thoroughly before placing them in the washer.
Tip: Work the cleaning solution into the fabric in a circular motion to help it penetrate the stain. Letting the solution sit allows it to break down the grease more effectively.
Step 4: Rinse or Machine Wash
Now rinse or machine wash using the warmest water depending on the care tag.
Tip: When machine washing, consider using a cycle with an extra rinse to ensure that all the residues of detergent and stain remover are thoroughly washed out of the fabric.
Step 5: Line Dry
It is not recommended to machine dry the clothes that have grease on them. No washer can completely remove grease and could result in fire.
Tip: Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area to allow it to dry properly. Inspect the garment once it's dry to ensure the stain has been fully removed before putting it away or wearing it again.
Where Can I Get Oil and Grease Stains Out of Clothes Professionally Laundered?
You can have oil and grease stains professionally laundered by using ByNext's specialized laundry services. ByNext offers eco-friendly and effective cleaning options for clothes and linens that have been stained by oil or grease.
Here’s how ByNext can help you:
1. Specialized Cleaning Techniques
2. Eco-Friendly Practices
3. Pickup and Delivery
4. Attention To Detail
5. Flexible Scheduling
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FAQs - Get oil and grease stains out of clothes
What is the best laundry detergent for grease and oil?
The best laundry detergent for oil and grease stains is Fast Orange 22340 grease X, especially for mechanics and those people who are exposed to a lot of grease. This detergent is considered to be the best seller on Amazon and on the market.
Can you remove a grease stain after drying?
How to deal with grease stains and oil spots on clothes after washing and drying:
First, spray the targeted area with lubricant and let it settle for 15-30 minutes. Wash the garment by hand gently using the warmest water according to your fabric type. Drain out the excess water. Rinse it thoroughly and line dry only.
Can old grease stains be removed?
Yes, take a 1:1 ratio of dish soap and baking soda, blend it, and make a paste. Then blot the paste onto the affected area with a clean cloth. Let it sit overnight and toss it in the washing machine as normal.
Wrap Up!
Removing stubborn oil and grease stains can be stressful but knowing how to remove black grease from clothes and utilizing other possible measures could break the back of the beast. By employing the right techniques and products, you can defeat even the darkest stains and keep your garments looking fresh and vibrant.
At ByNext, we aim to provide you with exceptional services, including stain removals, odor elimination, and other laundry services that could be difficult to manage at home. Let us work our magic and trust the process to handle all your laundry needs with the utmost care.
Our team of experts uses advanced methods to treat your clothes delicately and effectively, ensuring the best results. Whether you're dealing with a single tough stain or a large load of laundry, we are here to help you maintain a pristine wardrobe.