What removes old grease stains?

Grease stains can be tricky to remove, especially if they have set in over time. The key is using the right techniques and products to break down the oil-based stains. Here are some quick answers to common questions about getting rid of old grease stains:

What household products work on old grease stains?

Some effective options for old grease stains include:

• Dish soap – The degreasing properties in dish soap can help break down grease stains. Let it soak into the stain before washing.
• Baking soda – Sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain and let sit for a few hours before laundering. It helps absorb grease.
• White vinegar – The acidic properties of vinegar help cut through grease. Soak the stained area in a vinegar solution.
• Hydrogen peroxide – Mix hydrogen peroxide with dish soap and let sit on the stain for 30 minutes before washing.
• Lemon juice – The acid in lemon juice breaks down grease stains. Let lemon juice soak in before washing.
• Borax – Create a paste with borax and water and rub it into the stain. Let it sit for at least an hour before washing.

What temperature should you wash grease-stained clothes?

Wash grease-stained clothes in the hottest water that the fabric can safely stand. The high temperature helps dissolve and loosen the grease from the fabric fibers. Start by checking the care label’s recommended wash temperature. For white clothes or other durable fabrics, the hottest temperature possible is usually best for grease stains.

What laundry detergent is best for old grease stains?

Look for a laundry detergent that contains active grease-fighting ingredients:

• Surfactants – These help break down grease and oil molecules.
• Sodium percarbonate – This releases hydrogen peroxide to cut through stains.
• Sodium perborate – Also releases hydrogen peroxide to attack stubborn oil stains.
• Enzymes – Grease-fighting enzymes digest proteins and fats.
• Sodium silicate – Dissolves and removes oily, fatty substances.

You can also use a laundry pretreatment or booster specifically made for grease and oil stains.

Should you use hot or cold water to pretreat grease stains?

Before washing grease-stained clothes, pretreat the stains with a product designed to break down grease. Apply the pretreatment and let it soak in for at least 10 minutes. Use cold or lukewarm water when pretreating the stain. Hot water can set the stain by coagulating the proteins and oils.

What are the steps to remove old grease stains?

Here is a simple step-by-step process for tackling old, set-in grease stains:

1. Pre-treat the stain – Use a laundry pretreatment or mix equal parts dish soap and warm water. Apply it and let soak 10-30 minutes.
2. Lightly scrub the stain – Gently agitate with a soft brush or sponge but don’t rub aggressively.
3. Rinse with cold water – Rinse out the pretreatment with cold water.
4. Wash on the hottest setting – Wash in the washing machine with the hottest water safe for the fabric.
5. Air dry – Line dry or tumble dry on low, which helps prevent restaining.
6. Repeat if needed – For tough stains, repeat the process until removed.

What about dry cleaning old grease stains?

For delicate fabrics or severe grease staining, dry cleaning is an option. The harsh solvents used in dry cleaning help dissolve and remove embedded grease stains. Take grease-stained items to a professional dry cleaner and point out any stubborn stains that may need extra treatment.

Can you use salt to remove dried grease stains?

Yes, salt can be an effective DIY option for loosening up dried, stuck-on grease stains. Here’s how:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of table salt directly on the grease stain.
2. Rub the salt into the fabric with a damp sponge.
3. Let it sit for at least an hour.
4. Rinse out the salt and launder the item as usual.

The salt helps absorb and dissolve the grease. For really challenging grease stains, you can also make a salt paste by mixing salt with a small amount of water.

Conclusion

Grease stains can be extremely difficult to remove, especially if they are older, dried-in stains. However, with the right combination of techniques and degreasing products, you can successfully tackle them. Test any treatment method first in an inconspicuous area. It often takes repeated effort to fully eliminate years-old grease stains. But taking the time to pre-treat, wash, rinse and repeat will help restore your clothes and other items to a grease-free state.