Grease stains can be some of the most stubborn marks to remove from clothing—especially when they’ve already gone through the washing machine or dryer.
The good news? A set-in grease stain isn’t necessarily permanent. With the right approach and a little patience, you may be able to loosen the grease and lift much of the stain.
What You’ll Need
Liquid dish soap
Baking soda
An old toothbrush or soft brush
Clean water
Laundry detergent
A clean cloth or paper towel
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before treating the stain, check the garment’s care instructions.
If it’s dry-clean-only, delicate, silk, wool, or another specialty fabric, it’s better to consult a professional cleaner rather than experimenting with household products.
Step 2: Apply Dish Soap
Liquid dish soap can help break down greasy residue.
Place a small amount directly onto the dry stain and gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft toothbrush.
For an older stain, let the soap sit for around 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Add a Little Baking Soda
For a particularly stubborn stain, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the dish soap.
Gently brush the area to help work the treatment into the fibers. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, especially on delicate fabrics.
Step 4: Rinse and Wash
Rinse the treated area according to the garment’s care instructions, then wash the clothing using the warmest water temperature that the fabric safely allows.
Add your normal laundry detergent.
Step 5: Check Before Drying
This step is very important.
After washing, inspect the stain before putting the garment in the dryer.
If you can still see the grease mark, don’t dry it with heat yet. Heat can make some stains even harder to remove.
Repeat the treatment and wash again if necessary.
What About Old Grease Stains?
If the stain has already been through the dryer several times, it may take more than one treatment.
Older stains can be more difficult because the grease may have become deeply embedded in the fabric. Several gentle treatments are usually better than aggressively scrubbing the material.
A Few Things to Avoid
Don’t use bleach automatically. It isn’t designed specifically to remove grease and can damage or discolor some fabrics.
Don’t put the garment in the dryer while the stain is still visible.
Don’t scrub delicate fabrics harshly.
And always test a cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first, particularly with colored clothing.
The Bottom Line
Set-in grease stains can be frustrating, but they’re often worth treating before you give up on the garment.
A simple combination of dish soap, gentle brushing, washing, and patience can help loosen stubborn grease. The key is to check the stain after washing and avoid heat until you’re satisfied that it’s gone.
Have an old grease stain that’s been there forever? Don’t throw the shirt away just yet!
