How to Get Grease Spots Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
How to Get Grease Spots Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
You were cooking and grease splattered on your shirt, leaving small spots. Or you were working on your car and got grease spots on your jeans. Grease spots are oil-based stains that repel water, so regular detergent alone doesn’t remove them. You need a product with surfactants that break the grease into tiny droplets that water can rinse away. The most effective grease spot remover is probably already in your kitchen: dish soap. Here’s how to get grease spots out of clothes.
Grease spots on clothes are small stains caused by oil-based substances like cooking grease, motor oil, or body oils that bond with fabric fibers. Grease repels water, so regular detergent alone doesn’t remove it. Removing grease spots requires a surfactant that breaks the grease into tiny droplets that water can rinse away.
To get grease spots out of clothes, apply dish soap directly to the spots, work it in gently, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash in warm water with an enzyme detergent. For stubborn spots, use a grease-cutting stain remover. Check before drying. Don’t use hot water before treating and don’t put grease-spotted clothes in the dryer.
For Fresh Grease Spots
Step 1: Blot Excess Grease
Use a paper towel to blot excess grease from the surface. Don’t rub, as rubbing spreads the grease.
Step 2: Apply Dish Soap
Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap directly to each spot. Dish soap is formulated to break down cooking grease and oil.
Step 3: Work It In Gently
Press the dish soap into each spot with your fingers. Don’t rub, as rubbing spreads the grease.
Step 4: Let It Sit for 10 Minutes
The surfactants need time to break down the grease.
Step 5: Rinse with Warm Water from the Back
Hold the spotted area under warm running water from the back of the fabric. The warm water helps melt the grease and flush it away.
Step 6: Wash in Warm Water
Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water. Check before drying.
For Set-In Grease Spots
If the grease spots have been on the clothes for a while or have been washed but not removed:
Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam is formulated specifically for set-in grease and oil spots.
How to use: Spray each spot until saturated, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent.
Baking Soda for Wet Grease
If the grease is still wet, sprinkle Arm and Hammer Baking Soda on the spots to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 15 minutes, brush off, then apply dish soap and wash.
OxiClean Max Force Spray
OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down grease. Spray each spot, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash. Not safe on silk or wool.
Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Grease
For very stubborn grease spots, apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball. Blot (don’t rub). The alcohol dissolves the grease. Wash with enzyme detergent.
Grease Spots on Different Fabrics
| Fabric | Best Treatment | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Dish soap, Shout Grease Foam | Hot water before treatment |
| Polyester | Dish soap, Shout Grease Foam | Acetone |
| Denim | Dish soap, OxiClean | Hot water |
| Silk | Professional cleaning | Dish soap, OxiClean |
| Wool | Professional cleaning | Dish soap, OxiClean |
What Not to Do
Don’t use hot water before treating. Hot water can cook grease into the fabric. Use warm water after treating with dish soap.
Don’t rub. Rubbing spreads the grease. Press gently.
Don’t put the garment in the dryer. Dryer heat sets grease permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps grease.
Don’t use bar soap. Some bar soaps contain oils that make the spots worse.
Don’t wash with other clothes. Grease can transfer to other garments.
FAQ
How do you get grease spots out of clothes? Apply Dawn dish soap directly to each spot, work it in gently, let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water from the back, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. For stubborn spots, use Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam.
Does dish soap remove grease spots from clothes? Yes. Dish soap contains surfactants that break down cooking grease and oil. Apply it full strength to each spot, work it in, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash.
How do you remove set-in grease spots from clothes? Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. If spots remain, apply OxiClean Max Force Spray, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash again.
Can you put grease-spotted clothes in the dryer? Don’t put grease-spotted clothes in the dryer until the spots are completely gone. Dryer heat sets grease permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Does baking soda remove grease spots from clothes? Yes, for wet grease. Sprinkle baking soda on the wet grease spots to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 15 minutes, brush off, then apply dish soap and wash.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Get Grease Out of Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “How to Remove Grease Stains.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Shout. “Grease Stain Removal Guide.” shoutitout.com.
