Grease stains on clothes are among the most frustrating to deal with. Whether it’s cooking oil splatter, butter drips, car grease, or oily takeout food, these stains tend to soak deep into fabric and cling to fibers in a way water can’t touch. Worse yet, if you miss them before tossing your clothes into the washer or dryer, heat can lock the stain in, making it more difficult to remove later.
Fortunately, grease doesn’t have to mean goodbye to your favorite shirt, pants, or dress. With the right tools and methods, you can break down oil molecules, lift the stain out, and make your clothes look clean again. And you don’t always need a commercial stain remover—many effective techniques rely on items you already have in your kitchen or laundry room.
In this guide, you’ll discover several different ways to get grease stains out of clothes. Whether the stain is fresh or dried, whether you’re dealing with cotton, polyester, or delicate fabrics, you’ll find a method that works for your specific situation.
Contents
- What Makes Grease Stains So Stubborn?
- Method 1: Dish Soap and Hot Water
- Method 2: Baking Soda for Fresh or Set-In Stains
- Method 3: Cornstarch or Baby Powder
- Method 4: Salt and Rubbing Alcohol
- Method 5: Chalk for Quick Absorption
- Method 6: Shampoo for Body Oil or Cosmetic Grease
- Method 7: WD-40 and Dish Soap for Deep Grease
- Method 8: Hot Water and Vinegar Soak
- Removing Old or Set-In Grease Stains
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Fabric-Specific Tips
- How to Handle Grease Stains on Dry-Clean Only Clothes
- Final Words
What Makes Grease Stains So Stubborn?
Oil and Fabric Don’t Mix Well
Grease is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. When grease comes in contact with fabric, it quickly seeps into the fibers and stays there unless you use something capable of dissolving it—like dish soap, baking soda, or solvents.
Time and Heat Make It Worse
The longer a grease stain sits, the more it bonds to fabric fibers. Heat from dryers or hot water can cause the stain to set, making it much harder to remove later. That’s why fast action is always your best bet.
Method 1: Dish Soap and Hot Water
Dish soap is designed to cut through grease, which makes it a go-to for tackling oily stains on clothes.
What You’ll Need
- Liquid dish soap (preferably a degreasing formula)
- Warm to hot water
- Toothbrush or soft brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay the fabric flat and place a clean towel underneath the stained area.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the grease stain.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a toothbrush or soft brush in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Launder the garment as you normally would, but air-dry it to check if the stain is gone.
Ideal for cotton shirts, aprons, and cooking clothes.
Method 2: Baking Soda for Fresh or Set-In Stains
Baking soda works by absorbing grease and drawing it out of the fabric.
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Toothbrush or soft cloth
- Warm water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stain.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
- Brush off the powder with a toothbrush or cloth.
- Rinse and check if the stain is lifting.
- Repeat as needed, then launder with warm water.
This method is especially useful for fresh stains or oil spills on light-colored fabrics.
Method 3: Cornstarch or Baby Powder
Cornstarch and baby powder act like mini sponges, pulling grease out from fabric without moisture.
What You’ll Need
- Cornstarch or baby powder
- Small bowl
- Soft brush or cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sprinkle the powder generously over the stained area.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes—up to overnight for deep stains.
- Brush off the powder and assess the stain.
- Repeat if the grease hasn’t fully lifted.
- Wash normally and air-dry the clothing to confirm success.
Excellent for delicate fabrics or clothes that can’t handle aggressive scrubbing.
Method 4: Salt and Rubbing Alcohol
This combination works well for synthetic fabrics and older stains that won’t lift with just soap or powder.
What You’ll Need
- Table salt
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soft cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix four parts rubbing alcohol with one part salt.
- Apply the mixture to the grease stain using a cloth or sponge.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Wash and air-dry the garment to avoid setting the stain.
Useful for polyester, rayon, and sports fabrics that trap grease in their fibers.
Method 5: Chalk for Quick Absorption
Chalk is absorbent and can help lift light grease stains—especially useful when you’re on the go.
What You’ll Need
- White chalk
- Clean cloth or tissue
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rub white chalk directly onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 10–20 minutes to absorb the oil.
- Brush off the chalk powder.
- Wash the fabric as you normally would.
Works best on fresh grease stains from food, salad dressing, or fast food.
Method 6: Shampoo for Body Oil or Cosmetic Grease
If the grease is from hair products, lotions, or makeup, shampoo can break down the oily buildup.
What You’ll Need
- Clarifying or regular shampoo
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or toothbrush
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Apply shampoo directly to the grease stain.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a cloth or brush.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Wash and dry as usual, checking to see if the stain is gone.
Great for collars, sleeves, or workout clothes affected by skin oils and cosmetics.
Method 7: WD-40 and Dish Soap for Deep Grease
WD-40 can help loosen deeply embedded grease, especially car grease or motor oil.
What You’ll Need
- WD-40 spray
- Dish soap
- Paper towels or cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spray a light coat of WD-40 onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Blot with a clean towel.
- Apply dish soap over the area to remove both WD-40 and grease.
- Scrub and rinse before laundering.
Ideal for uniforms, garage clothes, or work pants.
Method 8: Hot Water and Vinegar Soak
Vinegar can help break down mild grease and restore fabric freshness.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- Hot water
- Dish soap (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix one part vinegar with two parts hot water.
- Soak the stained fabric for 30 minutes.
- Rinse and check the stain.
- Follow up with dish soap if needed.
- Wash and air-dry.
Suitable for kitchen rags, t-shirts, and polyester blends.
Removing Old or Set-In Grease Stains
Use an Enzyme-Based Laundry Detergent
If you have an old grease stain, pre-treat with a strong detergent before washing.
- Apply detergent directly to the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Scrub lightly, then wash in the hottest water allowed by the garment.
- Repeat as needed, always air-drying to avoid setting remaining oil.
Try a Grease-Busting Paste
Make a paste using dish soap and baking soda.
- Spread over the stain, let sit for 1 hour.
- Scrub and rinse.
- Wash and check results.
Old stains may need more than one round, especially on synthetic fabrics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Rub Fresh Grease
Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fabric fibers.
Don’t Use the Dryer Until the Stain Is Gone
Heat from the dryer will lock in the grease, making it nearly impossible to remove later.
Don’t Skip the Patch Test
Always test any new cleaning solution on a hidden seam or inside tag to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the fabric.
Don’t Wait Too Long
The longer grease sits, the harder it is to remove. Treat stains as soon as possible for the best results.
Fabric-Specific Tips
Cotton and Denim
These fabrics are durable and respond well to hot water, dish soap, and scrubbing. Use stronger methods if needed.
Wool and Cashmere
Use only dry, powder-based absorbents like baking soda or cornstarch. Avoid hot water and scrubbing.
Polyester and Nylon
These synthetic fabrics hold onto grease, so use rubbing alcohol or enzyme-based solutions for better results.
Delicates (Silk, Rayon)
Spot-treat with cornstarch or chalk, and blot with a damp cloth. Avoid heavy scrubbing or solvents.
How to Handle Grease Stains on Dry-Clean Only Clothes
- Blot gently with paper towels to remove surface oil.
- Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder and let sit for an hour.
- Brush off powder.
- Take it to a professional cleaner, and inform them about the grease type.
Avoid using water or soap on delicate or structured dry-clean-only garments.
Final Words
Grease stains are tough but not unbeatable. Whether the oil is from a late-night snack, car maintenance, or a kitchen spill, your clothes don’t have to be ruined. The key is to act fast, use the right tools, and match your method to the type of fabric and severity of the stain.
With so many different ways to get grease out of clothes—from simple dish soap to baking soda, cornstarch, or even WD-40—you now have a full toolkit of solutions at your fingertips. For set-in stains, patience and persistence go a long way. And always remember to air-dry first before tossing clothes in the dryer, just in case a second round is needed.
Keep this guide handy for next time a drop of oil lands where it shouldn’t. With the right method, even the greasiest mistakes can be undone.