How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes — Even After Washing & Drying

How to get grease stains out of clothes fast—even after they’ve been washed and dried—is possible with a few household items and the right technique. Whether it’s from pizza, cooking oil, or a car repair, grease doesn’t have to ruin your clothes. In this guide, you’ll learn simple, affordable, and proven ways to remove grease stains from all types of fabric using DIY methods that actually work.

✨ Quick Summary: Best Ways to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes

  • WD-40, baking soda, and dish soap: Best for set-in stains
  • Vinegar + baking soda: Natural solution, odor-removing
  • Enzyme detergent soak: For organic + grease stains
  • Avoid the dryer until you’re 100% sure the stain is gone
  • ✅ Works on cotton, polyester, denim, synthetics, and more

The Science Behind How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes

Grease is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. That’s why regular washing doesn’t work well. The key is to use surfactants (like dish soap) that attract both water and oil. Here’s why common remedies work:

  • Dish Soap: Breaks down grease molecules so they can be rinsed away.
  • Baking Soda: Absorbs oils and adds gentle abrasion.
  • Vinegar: Loosens grease and balances pH.
  • WD-40: Re-liquefies dried grease so it can be lifted.

Which Fabrics Are Most at Risk for Grease Stains?

Fabric Type Risk Level Notes
Cotton High Absorbs grease quickly
Polyester Medium Clings to oil, but removable
Silk/Wool High Delicate; use gentler methods
Synthetic blends Medium Usually reacts well to spot treatments
Denim High Durable, but stains stand out

️ What Type of Grease Are You Trying to Get Out of Clothes?

Grease Type Common Source Best Removal Method
Food grease Pizza, fries, butter WD-40 + Dish Soap
Automotive grease Car repairs, tools WD-40 + Baking Soda
Body oils Sweat, skin contact Enzyme detergent
Cooking oils Olive, canola, etc. Dish soap + vinegar

Step 1: Evaluate the Fabric and the Grease Stain

Before treating the stain, check:

  • Fabric type (cotton, silk, polyester, etc.)
  • Colorfastness: Test any solution on an inside seam
  • Stain visibility: Faint, set-in, or freshly visible?

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes

You might already have these at home:

  • Dish soap (preferably Dawn or grease-fighting)
  • WD-40 (small spray can)
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Enzyme laundry detergent (Zout, Biokleen, Puracy)
  • Old toothbrush or soft brush
  • Paper towels or cardboard

Step 3: Choose Your DIY Method to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes

Method 1 WD-40 + Baking Soda + Dish Soap

Method 1: WD-40 + Baking Soda + Dish Soap

Best for: Set-in grease on cotton, denim, or polyester

  1. Place paper towels or cardboard underneath the stain.
  2. Lightly spray WD-40 directly on the stain.
  3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle baking soda on top.
  5. Gently scrub with a toothbrush.
  6. Add a few drops of dish soap.
  7. Scrub again, rinse with warm water, then launder.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Only use in well-ventilated areas. Test dark fabrics first.

method 2

Method 2: Vinegar & Baking Soda

Best for: Natural cleaning lovers and removing odors

  1. Pour white vinegar over the stained area.
  2. Wait 10–15 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle baking soda generously.
  4. Let it fizz and bubble for 15–30 minutes.
  5. Scrub gently, rinse, and wash normally.

Caution: Test vinegar on colored clothing to avoid fading.

method 3

Method 3: Heavy-Duty Dish Soap Spot Treatment

Best for: Fresh or minor set-in grease spots

  1. Apply dish soap directly to the stain.
  2. Rub with fingers or a soft brush.
  3. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse with warm water (check fabric label).
  5. Wash and air-dry to inspect.

Repeat if needed. Never use the dryer until the stain disappears completely.

♻️ Method 4: Enzyme Cleaner Soak (Optional)

Best for: Combo stains (grease + food or sweat)

  1. Mix warm water with enzyme detergent (follow label).
  2. Soak item for 1–2 hours.
  3. Launder as usual.

Recommended products: Zout, Biokleen, Puracy

Household vs Commercial Stain Removers for Grease on Clothes

Method Cost Effectiveness Best For Drawbacks
WD-40 + Dish Soap Low Very High Set-in stains Needs ventilation
Vinegar + Baking Soda Low Medium Delicate fabrics May not work alone
Enzyme Detergent Soak Medium High Food + grease combo Soak time required
Commercial Stain Removers High Very High All fabrics Costly, may be harsh

❌ What NOT to Do When Trying to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes

  • Don’t use bleach on grease stains
  • Don’t dry the fabric until stain is gone
  • Don’t mix WD-40 with vinegar or other chemicals

️ Fabric-Specific Cheat Sheet: How to Get Grease Stains Out

Fabric Best Method Avoid
Cotton WD-40 + Dish Soap Bleach with oil stains
Polyester Dish Soap + Vinegar Hot water without pre-treatment
Silk/Wool Vinegar or enzyme soak Scrubbing or harsh chemicals
Denim WD-40 method High dryer heat before check
Synthetics Vinegar + Dish Soap Mixing chemicals

⏰ When to Repeat a Treatment to Remove Grease Stains

  • Stain still visible when dry? Do it again.
  • Still smells greasy? Oil is still there.
  • Looks clean wet but reappears dry? It’s not gone yet.

Always air-dry between treatments to avoid re-setting the stain.

Best Commercial Products for Getting Grease Stains Out of Clothes

  • Zout Laundry Stain Remover – Great for food-based grease
  • Puracy Natural Stain Remover – Enzyme-rich, plant-based
  • OxiClean MaxForce Spray – Deep cleaning and pre-treating
  • Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar – Old-school scrub bar with big power

Search Trend Snapshot

According to Google Trends, searches for “how to get grease stains out of clothes” peak in the summer months, likely due to increased grilling, sweating, and oil spills from outdoor activities.

Prevention Tips for the Future

  • Inspect clothes before tossing them in the dryer
  • Keep a mini stain kit in your laundry area
  • Pre-treat grease-prone clothes (aprons, gym gear)
  • Use napkins, not sleeves

FAQs: How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes

Q1: Can I still remove a grease stain after multiple dryings? Yes, it’s harder—but not impossible. Use WD-40 or enzyme-based soaks.

Q2: Will WD-40 damage clothes? It’s safe for most fabrics, but test it on a hidden area and rinse thoroughly.

Q3: Is vinegar enough on its own? Not really. It helps, but works better with baking soda or soap.

Q4: Should I use hot or cold water? Use the warmest water your fabric allows to help break down grease.

Q5: How many times can I treat one stain? Usually 2–3 times is safe. Check for fabric damage before repeating.

Q6: Are grease stains permanent? Not if treated properly! Even old stains can be removed with patience.

Q7: What laundry detergent works best on grease? Enzyme-based detergents like Zout, Persil, or Biokleen are highly effective.

Real-Life Example: Pizza Disaster Rescue

“I dropped a greasy slice of pepperoni pizza on my new cotton tee. Washed and dried it—oops. I tried the WD-40 + baking soda + dish soap combo, and BAM! Like it never happened.”

Conclusion: Don’t Let Grease Win

Set-in grease stains may feel like a laundry nightmare, but with a little persistence and a few household items, you can rescue your favorite clothes. Use the methods above, air-dry between rounds, and avoid heat until the stain disappears.

Have a favorite stain-fighting tip? Share it in the comments or tag us with your laundry win!

John Tarantino

My name is John Tarantino … and no, I am not related to Quinton Tarantino the movie director. I love writing about the environment, traveling, and capturing the world with my Lens as an amateur photographer.

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