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
Best for: Set-in grease on cotton, denim, or polyester
- Place paper towels or cardboard underneath the stain.
- Lightly spray WD-40 directly on the stain.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Sprinkle baking soda on top.
- Gently scrub with a toothbrush.
- Add a few drops of dish soap.
- Scrub again, rinse with warm water, then launder.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Only use in well-ventilated areas. Test dark fabrics first.
Method 2: Vinegar & Baking Soda
Best for: Natural cleaning lovers and removing odors
- Pour white vinegar over the stained area.
- Wait 10–15 minutes.
- Sprinkle baking soda generously.
- Let it fizz and bubble for 15–30 minutes.
- Scrub gently, rinse, and wash normally.
Caution: Test vinegar on colored clothing to avoid fading.
Method 3: Heavy-Duty Dish Soap Spot Treatment
Best for: Fresh or minor set-in grease spots
- Apply dish soap directly to the stain.
- Rub with fingers or a soft brush.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water (check fabric label).
- 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)
- Mix warm water with enzyme detergent (follow label).
- Soak item for 1–2 hours.
- 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!
