Grease stains are among the hardest to remove! It's not enough to simply scrub them or put the garment in the washing machine, but you need to integrate the process with some other, more effective cleaning solution. Learn how to remove grease stains from fabrics and wood surfaces using dish soap, absorbent materials and even an iron!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Verify that the item can be machine washed
You need a washing machine for this method, so you shouldn't try it for carpets, furniture, or clothing that can only be dry cleaned; if in doubt, read the label on the garment.
Step 2. Use absorbent paper to blot up as much of the grease as possible
You don't have to rub the stain, otherwise you just make it penetrate even more; Instead, pat it gently with kitchen paper to remove excess grease. The less dirt remains on the fabric, the easier subsequent operations become.
Step 3. Cover the entire grease stain with liquid dish soap
If you wish, you can alternatively use a shampoo for oily hair, degreasing hand soap or even paint. Don't worry about applying a generous amount, the important thing is to cover the entire area to be treated.
If you are using a cleaner that contains dyes, test a hidden corner of the garment first to make sure it does not stain the fabric
Step 4. Rub the product
Use your fingers, a sponge, or a brush to scrub the cleaner into the stain. You should notice that the fat lifts off the surface, but if it has already penetrated the tissue, it may be more stubborn; if it is an old stain, you need to brush and scrub more vigorously.
Proceed with caution if you need to clean delicate fabrics, such as fine cotton
Step 5. Rinse the item with water and white vinegar
Eliminate all the detergent using hot water until you see no more traces of foam, then rinse the treated area with white vinegar to eliminate the last residues of grease; after 5 minutes, remove the vinegar, as it does not stain fabrics, but it can damage them.
Step 6. Repeat the treatment if necessary
If the dirt is still present, you need to follow all the steps again; this is a completely normal process for older and very greasy stains, such as engine oil. Just repeat the procedure a couple of times until the surface is clean again.
Step 7. Put the item of clothing in the washing machine
Set up a normal wash cycle, with hot but not boiling water, otherwise you risk setting the grease in the fibers even more. Therefore, avoid selecting a wash at too high temperatures until you are sure that the stain has completely disappeared.
You can wash the garment with the rest of the laundry
Step 8. Dry it on the drying rack
Do not use the dryer; Once the grease stain has been exposed to heat, it is almost impossible to completely remove it with home remedies. Place the garment on the clothesline and check it to see if the stain is still present.
Step 9. Repeat if necessary
Sometimes, you have to repeat the whole procedure 2 or 3 times, especially if the oil has soiled a large area of the fabric. Don't worry, as this is completely normal and doesn't mean you got the treatment wrong!
If the stain has set in the fibers due to heat and you are unable to remove it despite several attempts, you can take the garment to a dry cleaner
Method 2 of 3: with Absorbent Products
Step 1. Blot the stain with kitchen paper
This method is perfect for home furniture, carpets and clothing of all kinds, but first you need to remove the excess oil. Take some kitchen paper and try to absorb as much dirt as possible. this is very important if the stain is still fresh, but if it is old or even dry, you can ignore this step.
Step 2. Cover the area with an absorbent product
It is a dry material that "draws to itself" any excess liquid substance; corn flour or starch, salt, baking soda, and baby powder are all great options for this. It is sufficient to completely cover the area to be cleaned with the product of your choice; don't skimp!
Generally, these substances do not stain fabrics, but to be sure you should test them in a hidden corner first
Step 3. Leave for at least an hour
Step away from the garment and leave it undisturbed for this period. If you wish, you can wait even longer, since the powder does not damage the fabrics and does not stop acting; however, be sure to keep it in a place out of the reach of children and pets.
Step 4. Brush off the absorbent product
After the necessary time has elapsed, you can start brushing the garment, using your hands, a brush or even a vacuum cleaner. It may take some time to get rid of all the dust, especially if you used very fine powder, such as talc. if you know for sure that the item of clothing does not deteriorate in contact with water, you can use a damp rag or sponge.
Step 5. Repeat if necessary
If you see more dirt, try again for a little longer; if it is an old or very large stain, it may take up to a day for it to be completely absorbed.
Step 6. Apply some dry cleaning solvent (optional)
If you are dealing with a very stubborn grease residue, you can purchase a specific solvent for dry cleaning and put it on the stain according to the manufacturer's directions; you can find it at the main supermarkets and hardware stores or by contacting the dry cleaners directly.
This method is more suitable for treating stubborn stains that have not disappeared or that recur even after applying the absorbent material; put it into practice only after trying in vain other methods
Method 3 of 3: with the Iron
Step 1. Use paper towels to blot the stains
This method is best suited for wood and stone surfaces. Be careful not to rub, because wood and some types of stones, such as marble, are porous and would only make the stain even wider; Instead, just tap the surface gently.
Step 2. Turn on the iron by setting it to the minimum temperature
Wood surfaces are particularly sensitive to excessive heat and humidity, so make sure your iron is at the lowest possible temperature and turn off the steam function. You have to drain all the water in the tank to make sure that no steam develops.
Step 3. Place a clean cloth over the grease spot
Make sure it's a perfectly clean sheet, otherwise the dirt can transfer to the material you need to treat instead. Also check that it's not an important fabric, as it can absorb grease from the surface you're trying to clean. the ideal is an old shirt or some new rag.
Preferably opt for a white or light colored cloth; any residual moisture from the fat can cause the fibers to release color
Step 4. Run the iron over the cloth until you have covered the entire surface of the stain
Iron carefully, just like you normally would on a garment, and make sure it covers every area of the stain before lifting it.
Step 5. Check the surface and repeat if necessary
Remove the cloth and check if the grease stain is still there; it should have been completely absorbed by the rag, otherwise repeat the procedure.
If you need to use the iron again, fold the cloth in half or use a new clean area to place on the stained surface; otherwise, you may reapply the dirt to the object you are trying to treat instead
Advice
- When the surface is wet it is not easy to tell if the grease stain has disappeared; always wait for it to air dry before checking.
- Try using a commercial stain remover as a last resort if the stains are particularly stubborn.
