How to banish grease stains: Household solutions that work
Grease stains on our favourite clothes can be a real nuisance. Instead of immediately reaching for commercial stain removers, you can tackle them with household methods. How can you remove grease stains? Try these techniques.
Grease stains are among the most challenging stains that can appear on clothing. They often occur due to carelessness during cooking, eating, or using products that leave oily marks. A moment of inattention at the table can easily result in stains on a white tablecloth or your favourite blouse.
Allowing a stain to remain on the fabric can cause permanent changes in the fibres, making it almost impossible to remove. Therefore, acting quickly is crucial to protect fabrics from unsightly marks. How can you remove grease stains and what should you use? Try these methods.
How to remove grease stains from clothes?
One effective way to tackle grease stains is by using washing-up liquid. Known for its grease-cutting properties, this product can work wonders on fabrics as well. Simply apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly onto the stain, gently rub it in, and leave it for a few minutes. Then rinse the fabric with warm water to remove any remaining grease, and wash as usual.
Another reliable method is using vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Vinegar, with its cleaning and odour-neutralising properties, can be combined with bicarbonate of soda to form a paste. This mixture effectively absorbs the remaining grease. To remove a grease stain with bicarbonate of soda, apply the paste to the stained area, leave it for a short while, then wipe it off and wash the garment.
Potato starch is also an effective solution for battling grease stains. It absorbs grease well, making it suitable for removing these stains from delicate fabrics. Sprinkle the stain with starch and wait a few minutes. Then, gently shake off the fabric to remove the starch residue and wash it.
Dry shampoo can also effectively remove greasy stains. Not only does it prevent hair from becoming greasy, but it also helps to lift grease from fabrics. To remove the stain, spray it with dry shampoo, wait a few minutes, then wipe it off. The chemical compounds in the shampoo will help remove grease marks without causing damage to the material.
What to remember when removing grease stains?
To effectively tackle grease stains on clothes, act quickly. Household products like washing-up liquid, vinegar, or bicarbonate of soda can be both effective and safe for fabrics.
Avoid ironing stained areas, as it can set the stains permanently. Always test any solution on a less visible part of the fabric to prevent potential damage.
