Eliminate stubborn grease and oil stains for good with these revolutionary laundry tips
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When it comes to doing the laundry, grease and oil stains are the enemy of many.
These stubborn stains can be sneaky, often appearing to have vanished when the fabric is wet, only to reappear once the garment has dried.
This can lead to the inadvertent setting of the stain, especially if the garment is dried in a hot dryer.
If you've found yourself in this predicament, you might have discovered that the usual dish soap trick no longer works.
But don't despair! There are several other methods you can try to remove these set-in stains.
But before we delve into these methods, it's also important to note that their effectiveness may vary depending on the stain's size, the spilled substance, and the type of fabric involved.
And if one method doesn't work, don't give up—simply try another.
First, always remember to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it won't cause any damage or discolouration—a precautionary step that was strongly recommended by Karina Toner, the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning.
One effective method involves the use of washing soda paste—which differs from bicarb soda.
Kathy Cohoon, an Operations Manager at Two Maids, suggested making a paste of washing soda mixed with warm water and applying it to the stain.
Allow the paste to sit for up to 30 minutes—depending on the amount of grease—then gently scrub it into the garment using a soft toothbrush or sponge.
Rinse with warm water, repeat if necessary, and allow the garment to dry thoroughly.
Another surprising yet effective solution is using shampoo formulated for oily hair.
Chris Gamlin, the Director of Workwear Gurus, recommended applying the shampoo to the stain, rubbing it in, and letting it sit for a while before washing.
Depending on the stain, you may need to repeat the process.
Cornstarch is another household item that can be used to draw out the oil from the garment.
Gamlin suggested making a paste with cornstarch and water, gently rubbing it into the material, and then leaving it to dry before washing.
Alternatively, Cohoon recommended sprinkling cornstarch over the stain, blotting with a dry cloth, and allowing it to sit for up to five hours before washing.
If dish soap alone can’t do the trick, Toner suggested mixing it with hydrogen peroxide or bicarb soda.
Apply the mixture to the stain as a pre-treatment, giving it time to work before washing.
Rubbing alcohol is another excellent solution for dissolving oil.
Dab a small amount onto the stain using a clean cloth, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing.
Furthermore, WD-40, which may seem counterintuitive, can also be used to break down set-in grease and oil stains, according to Toner and Jennifer Rodriguez, Pro Housekeepers' Chief Hygiene Officer.
However, proceed with caution and place a piece of cardboard inside the garment to prevent the WD-40 from bleeding through to the other side.
Rodriguez advised spraying a little on the stain, waiting 30 minutes, and then washing it.
She also added that absorbent powders like talcum powder or chalk can also be used to absorb grease.
Just sprinkle the powder on the stained or greasy area, let it sit for a few hours, then brush it off and launder as usual.
After you think you've removed the set-in grease or oil stain, wash the garment but avoid putting it in the dryer.
Instead, Toner suggested air-drying it and scrutinising it for any lingering signs of the stain before wearing, washing, or drying it again.
What are your thoughts on these tips, dear members? Do you have other tips you’d like to share? Share them with us in the comments below!
These stubborn stains can be sneaky, often appearing to have vanished when the fabric is wet, only to reappear once the garment has dried.
This can lead to the inadvertent setting of the stain, especially if the garment is dried in a hot dryer.
If you've found yourself in this predicament, you might have discovered that the usual dish soap trick no longer works.
But don't despair! There are several other methods you can try to remove these set-in stains.
Grease and oil stains can be very stubborn and hard to remove. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.
But before we delve into these methods, it's also important to note that their effectiveness may vary depending on the stain's size, the spilled substance, and the type of fabric involved.
And if one method doesn't work, don't give up—simply try another.
First, always remember to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it won't cause any damage or discolouration—a precautionary step that was strongly recommended by Karina Toner, the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning.
One effective method involves the use of washing soda paste—which differs from bicarb soda.
Kathy Cohoon, an Operations Manager at Two Maids, suggested making a paste of washing soda mixed with warm water and applying it to the stain.
Allow the paste to sit for up to 30 minutes—depending on the amount of grease—then gently scrub it into the garment using a soft toothbrush or sponge.
Rinse with warm water, repeat if necessary, and allow the garment to dry thoroughly.
Another surprising yet effective solution is using shampoo formulated for oily hair.
Chris Gamlin, the Director of Workwear Gurus, recommended applying the shampoo to the stain, rubbing it in, and letting it sit for a while before washing.
Depending on the stain, you may need to repeat the process.
Cornstarch is another household item that can be used to draw out the oil from the garment.
Gamlin suggested making a paste with cornstarch and water, gently rubbing it into the material, and then leaving it to dry before washing.
Alternatively, Cohoon recommended sprinkling cornstarch over the stain, blotting with a dry cloth, and allowing it to sit for up to five hours before washing.
If dish soap alone can’t do the trick, Toner suggested mixing it with hydrogen peroxide or bicarb soda.
Apply the mixture to the stain as a pre-treatment, giving it time to work before washing.
Rubbing alcohol is another excellent solution for dissolving oil.
Dab a small amount onto the stain using a clean cloth, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing.
Furthermore, WD-40, which may seem counterintuitive, can also be used to break down set-in grease and oil stains, according to Toner and Jennifer Rodriguez, Pro Housekeepers' Chief Hygiene Officer.
However, proceed with caution and place a piece of cardboard inside the garment to prevent the WD-40 from bleeding through to the other side.
Rodriguez advised spraying a little on the stain, waiting 30 minutes, and then washing it.
She also added that absorbent powders like talcum powder or chalk can also be used to absorb grease.
Just sprinkle the powder on the stained or greasy area, let it sit for a few hours, then brush it off and launder as usual.
After you think you've removed the set-in grease or oil stain, wash the garment but avoid putting it in the dryer.
Instead, Toner suggested air-drying it and scrutinising it for any lingering signs of the stain before wearing, washing, or drying it again.
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