How to Remove Set-In Grease Stains from Laundry: A Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works
Grease stains are the silent assassins of clean laundry. One minute, you’re enjoying a slice of pizza or cooking dinner; the next, there’s a dark, slick spot on your shirt. Even worse? You didn’t notice until after it went through the dryer — and now it’s set in.
If you’ve already accepted that shirt as a lost cause, don’t give up just yet. With the right combination of household ingredients and a bit of patience, even stubborn set-in grease stains can be lifted from fabric.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove set-in grease stains from clothes—no expensive stain removers required.
🧼 What You’ll Need:
Dish soap (like Dawn or any degreasing brand)
Baking soda
A soft brush (toothbrush or laundry brush)
Hot water (check fabric care label first)
White vinegar (optional for extra power)
Paper towels or cardboard (to protect fabric layers)
🔍 Step 1: Identify the Stain
Before treating anything, locate the grease stain. If it’s already gone through the wash and dry cycle, don’t panic—it’s tougher, but not impossible.
🪟 Step 2: Place a Barrier Under the Fabric
Slide a piece of cardboard or paper towel under the stained area to prevent the grease from transferring to other parts of the fabric.
🧴 Step 3: Apply Dish Soap Directly to the Stain
Dish soap is designed to break down grease and oil—that’s why it’s so effective here.
Squirt a few drops of dish soap directly onto the stain.
Gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft brush to work the soap into the fibers.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Tip: Use blue Dawn for extra stain-fighting power—it’s a favorite among mechanics and restaurant workers for a reason.
🧂 Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Soda on Top
Baking soda helps absorb and lift the grease from the fabric.
Sprinkle a generous amount over the soapy area.
Use your brush to scrub gently in a circular motion.
You’ll see the mixture turn gritty or even oily—that’s a good sign.
Let it sit for another 10–15 minutes.
🌡️ Step 5: Rinse with Hot Water
As long as your fabric can handle it (check the tag!), rinse the area with the hottest water safe for the garment. This helps melt and carry away the grease.
Rinse thoroughly, then gently wring out the water.
🌀 Step 6: Launder as Usual
Wash the garment on the warmest setting allowed by its care label. Avoid using fabric softener—it can coat the fibers and lock in any remaining grease.
Optional Add-In: Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help break down any lingering oil residue.
🧺 Step 7: Air Dry Only
Whatever you do, do NOT machine dry the garment until you’re 100% sure the stain is gone. Heat sets grease further into the fabric.
Let the item air dry, then inspect the stain.
