How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes That Have Already Been Washed

Grease stains on clothes are one of the most annoying and difficult stains to remove. Grease stains are often the result of cooking oil or Crisco being spilled on your clothes or from a grease-covered rag that was used to clean a greasy pan.

If you have already washed your clothes and stained them with grease, it can be tricky to get the stain out. But don’t give up hope. 

There are several methods that you can use to remove the grease from your clothes.

Can You Remove Grease Stains After Washing and Drying?

Yes, you can remove grease stains from clothes even after it’s washed and dried. The only catch is that you’ll need to use a product with enzymes in it. 

Enzymes are natural chemicals found in things like soil and dead plants that break down other organic materials (like food). They’re also used in detergents to break down stains on wash day.

That being said, if you’re looking for an enzyme-based laundry detergent specifically designed for removing grease stains, check out OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Paks.

How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes That Have Already Been Washed

If you’ve already washed your clothes and the stain has already been set, there are still ways to remove it without ruining the fabric or having to replace your garment.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Douse the stain with distilled white vinegar

Pour a small amount of distilled white vinegar directly onto the grease stain and allow it to soak in for at least an hour. 

If possible, cover the stain with a paper towel or piece of plastic wrap before applying the vinegar so that it doesn’t spill over onto other areas of your clothing.

Next, apply a paste of vinegar and baking soda

Mix one part baking soda with two parts distilled white vinegar until you have formed a thick paste. 

Apply this paste directly onto the grease stain with an old toothbrush or makeup brush, scrubbing gently but firmly for about 30 seconds before rinsing off again with cold water.

Wash with detergent and cold water

Finally, wash your stained clothing item as normal using laundry detergent (such as Tide) and cold water only, no hot water should be used on these stains.

Use Laundry Booster

Use Cold Water

The best way to remove a grease stain is with cold water. The colder the water, the better it will penetrate into the fibers of your clothing and help lift out grease stains. If you use warm or hot water, you risk setting the stain.

Apply Detergent

Apply detergent directly to the stain before washing. You should also apply a laundry booster to help lift out grease stains from your clothes.

Use Laundry Booster before washing

Laundry boosters contain enzymes that help break down protein stains such as blood and sweat and should be applied directly onto stained garments before washing them in cold water using regular detergent or a color-safe bleach alternative like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder.

Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Soak the item of clothing in warm water

Soaking the clothing in warm water will help open up the fibers in the fabric and make it easier for you to scrub out the stain.

Apply a few drops of dish soap to the stain

Dish soap contains an alkaline solution that helps break down grease and oil. Apply a few drops on top of the stain and rub it lightly into the area with your fingers or a sponge.

Let this sit for at least 15 minutes before washing it out by hand or machine washing it with cold water on a gentle cycle without fabric softener or bleach (for colored fabrics).

Rub baking soda into the stain

Baking soda contains an alkaline solution similar to dish soap and will help break down grease stains. Rub baking soda directly onto the fabric until it is completely covered with a thick layer of baking soda. 

You can also spray baking soda directly onto your stain then wipe it off with paper towels or rags until all traces of baking soda are removed from your clothing item.

Rinse and soak in hot water

Rinse out all traces of baking soda from your clothing item using warm water followed by soaking it in hot water

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