How to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Fabric

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By Mia Carter
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Did you get a grease stain or oil stain on your clothing? Oil stains and grease stains can be difficult to remove if you use the wrong technique. But grease and oil stain removal can be made easy if you know how to do it properly using the right techniques and stain removal method. So read on to learn more about how to remove oil and grease staining from fabrics like cotton!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

De-Greaser Spray
A Scrub Brush
Water
Laundering Capabilities

Step 1

APPLY DEGREASER SPRAY TO THE OIL OR GREASE STAINED FABRIC: Start by saturating the stain with degreaser spray, like Greased Lightning. Spray the area surrounding the stain as well. Only apply degreaser spray to cotton and other sturdy fabrics; other more delicate materials can be stained by the degreaser.
Step 2

USE A SCRUB BRUSH TO WORK THE DEGREASER INTO THE GREASE OR OIL STAINED FABRIC: Using a fine scrub brush in a circular motion, work the degreaser into the stained fabric fibers. Apply additional degreaser if necessary.
Step 3

IMMEDIATELY LAUNDER THE STAINED FABRIC OR GARMENT: Immediately put the grease stained garment or fabric item into the washer and launder as usual. Allow the fabric or clothing item to air dry; do not place it in the dryer.
Step 4

REPEAT STEPS 1-3 IF NECESSARY: Typically, really bad grease or oil stains may need a second application of degreaser. If necessary, repeat steps 1 through 3.

Tips & Warnings

The sooner you treat the stain, the easier stain removal will be!
Do not use degreaser on delicate fabrics. This method works best on natural fibers like cotton. If necessary, test a small spot on the fabric with the degreaser and launder to test whether it will rinse clean or damage the fabric.

Resources

Comments

goodselfme said

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on 2/15/2009 good post!

AprilThomas said

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on 2/14/2009 Good tips and resources for stains.

luv2laugh said

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on 2/14/2009 Great and clear directions.

jpwriter said

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on 2/14/2009 I usually spill something with great or oil and assume that article of clothing is done. My sister saved a shirt of mine with dish soap. Great ideas on removing oil and grease stains from fabric. I'll probably have to come back to it!