It only takes a second, a splash of cooking oil, a bit of bike grease, or a drop of car lubricant, and suddenly your clothes are marked with a stain that just won’t come out.
Grease stains are common, but they’re not like other marks. They stick to fabric fibres in a way that water alone can’t resolve. You can try some home remedies, but they don’t always work and can sometimes make the stain permanent.
This article will guide you through safe ways to remove grease stains at home. We’ll also explain how professionals like Laundryheap can remove stains effectively, getting it right the first time.
Why Are Grease Stains Hard to Clean?
Grease is made up of oils that repel water. This makes it difficult for regular detergents to break down and lift the stain out of your clothing. If the stain is not treated quickly, it can settle into the fabric and become even harder to remove.
Easy Methods to Remove Grease at Home
Before calling in the professionals, you can try a few common household methods to remove grease stains. Just remember, the results can vary depending on the fabric and the age of the stain. If the item is delicate or expensive, it’s usually best to leave it to the experts.
Dishwashing Liquid
Dish soap is designed to cut through grease, making it one of the most effective options for removing fresh stains.
- Dab off any excess grease using a paper towel or cloth.
- Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid directly onto the stain.
- Let the clothes sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water, then wash as normal.
Pro Tip: Best used on cotton and blends, but test on coloured fabrics first.
Baking Soda or Cornflour
Baking Soda or Cornflour powder are great for soaking up fresh grease before it settles. Follow the instructions below to remove your stains:
- Cover the grease stain with baking soda or cornflour.
- Leave it for 20–30 minutes.
- Brush off the powder and apply dish soap.
- Wash as usual.
This method is ideal for light fabrics or loose weaves.
White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar has mild degreasing and deodorising properties.
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water.
- Blot the stain with the solution using a clean, soft cloth.
- Clean the fabric with detergent, then rinse thoroughly to remove all residue
Use this method carefully on coloured garments, as vinegar may cause colour fading.
Important: Never put clothes with untreated grease stains into a tumble dryer. Heat can set the stain and make it permanent.
How to Tackle Old Grease Stains
If the grease stain has dried or been washed already, it will be harder to remove. Follow the steps below carefully to treat older grease stains.
- Make a paste using baking soda and a few drops of washing-up liquid.
- Apply to the stained area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Gently scrub the fabric using a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
- Rinse with warm water and wash the garment at the safest temperature.
This may need to be repeated a couple of times depending on the stain, but be careful not to damage delicate fibres.
When multiple attempts don’t work, or if the garment is expensive or sensitive, the safest choice is to get help from a professional cleaner.
Tried Everything? Let Us Remove the Grease for You
Do Laundry Detergents Work on Grease?
Some laundry detergents are better than others, especially those containing enzymes. These enzymes help break down oil and grease molecules.
However, for everyday detergents, grease stains are too stubborn, especially without pre-treatment. You’ll often need extra steps to get the fabric completely clean.
That’s why many people around the world choose Laundryheap’s stain removal service. It removes the guesswork, saves time, and helps keep your clothes in great condition.
When Should You Use a Professional Laundry Service?
Home remedies can work on simple stains and sturdy fabrics, but they don’t always give the best results. Many people end up making the stain worse and shrinking the clothes while trying different methods for grease stain removal. It is much easier to leave the stain to the professional services and spend your time on more productive work.
You should leave stain removal to the professionals if your item is:
- Made from delicate materials like silk or wool
- Already been through the dryer with the grease stain
- Has a large or old grease mark
In these cases, professional cleaning is the safest and most effective option.
How We Handle Grease Stains at Laundryheap
At Laundryheap, our specialists use industrial tools and spot treatments that go beyond what’s available at home. Every item is carefully inspected, pre-treated, and washed using fabric-specific cycles. Our process removes the stain gently, without damaging the clothing.
Here’s a quick look at how we professionally remove grease and treat your favourite clothes:
- Order Pickup: Your stained garments are collected at a time that suits you.
- Inspection: We identify the fabric and the type of grease stain.
- Spot Treatment: Special solvents and degreasers are applied to lift the stain safely.
- Cleaning: Garments are washed using optimal temperature and detergents.
- Final Check: Each item is inspected again before being pressed and packed.
- Delivery: We deliver the clothes neatly to your home or office in 24 to 48 hours.
Our trained teams make sure your clothes look as good as new, every time.
Don’t let tough grease stains ruin your favourites, book a professional clean with Laundryheap today.
Conclusion
Grease stains can be some of the most frustrating to deal with. They cling to fabric, resist basic washing, and often get worse with heat or delay. While there are home methods that may help, they’re not always reliable, especially for older stains or delicate fabrics.
Instead of risking their favourite clothes, many people choose to have their garments cleaned professionally. It saves time, removes stress, and gives better results.
At Laundryheap, we don’t just clean, we care for your clothes properly. With fast collection and delivery, expert stain removal, we make sure your wardrobe and lifestyle stay in top condition, without the hassle.