How to Clean Oil and Grease Stains

Finnian Pegler
August 24, 2024

Stubborn oil and grease stains can be a frustrating household cleaning dilemma. When not addressed properly, they can ruin your favorite clothes, kitchen towels, fabric-upholstered furniture, rugs, and carpets. In this article, we asked our best home cleaning experts in Milwaukee to share their tried-and-tested techniques on how to clean oil and grease stains on different surfaces at home. Read on to learn more!

Understanding the enemy

Before rolling up your sleeves to clean, it’s essential to understand what you’re dealing with. Oil and grease are both hydrophobic substances, meaning they repel water. In addition, they turn into semi-solid forms at room temperature, so it’s crucial to always use hot or warm water when dealing with oil and grease stains.

How to use dish soap to clean oil and grease stains on clothes?

Liquid dish soap can be a powerful ally against grease. If it can break down oil effectively on your dishes, why not on clothes? Follow these steps to try this method:

Remove excess oil by blotting the fabric.
Apply dish soap to the stain and rub it gently until the affected area is fully covered.
Wait 10 minutes and then soak the garment in warm water for half an hour.
Rinse thoroughly and then wash as usual in the washing machine.

How do you remove oil stains on silk?

Have you spilled something oily on an expensive “dry clean only” dress? Don’t panic! As with any stain, the secret is in acting fast. If you’re out for dinner or at a party, here’s a little stain-removal trick you can try on the go for silk from Glamour. Clean oil spots by putting some baby powder or artificial sweetener, like Splenda, on the affected area. Wait for a few minutes, and before you know it, that oil stain is gone for good.

Can vinegar remove oil and grease stains?

Yes, white vinegar can help cut through grease and neutralize odors. It can also effectively remove oil stains on clothes due to its natural, mild acetic properties. For stained clothes, soak the fabric in equal parts white vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes and then launder as usual. For everyday kitchen cleaning, you can also use a homemade vinegar cleaning solution to deep clean sticky and greasy, non-porous surfaces, including glass stovetops, stainless steel sinks, and wooden countertops. On the contrary, don’t use vinegar or lemon juice on marble and other delicate stone surfaces.