Greasy food spills are common, and dealing with the stains can be frustrating. But don’t worry—removing grease stains from your favorite clothes is easier than you think! With the right approach and a few simple household items, you can get rid of stains and keep your clothes looking fresh.
Basic Steps to Remove Grease Stains
You don’t need expensive stain removers—many everyday items found in your kitchen or laundry room can do the trick. Cornstarch and baby powder are great for absorbing grease, while regular liquid laundry detergent helps break down the stain.
For the best results, act fast! The sooner you treat a grease stain, the easier it is to remove. With these simple methods, you can make sure your clothes stay clean and stain-free.

Getting Grease Out of Canvas Clothing
Canvas clothing can get greasy stains more easily, but you can remove them with the right steps. Here’s how:
1. Prepare: First, find the stained area and gather the items you’ll need. These might include a strong liquid detergent, a pretreatment spray, or powdered detergent mixed into a paste with water.
2. Apply: Pour the cleaning solution onto the grease stain. Use your finger or a clean white cloth to gently rub the solution into the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes so the solution can work on the stain.
3. Wash: Wash the item in the warmest water that’s safe for the fabric. Don’t use the dryer until the stain is completely gone because heat can make the stain harder to remove. You may need to repeat the cleaning process if the stain is still there. Once the stain is gone, follow the drying instructions on the garment label.
By following these steps, you can remove grease stains and keep your canvas clothing looking great!
Dealing with Grease Stains on Chenille Fabrics
Chenille fabrics are soft and comfortable but can be tricky to clean. Here’s a simple guide to help you remove grease stains from chenille items:
1. Act Quickly: As soon as you notice the grease stain, sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on the area. These powders help absorb the grease.
2. Wait and Brush: Let the powder sit on the stain for about five minutes, then gently brush it off. For smaller stains, this step might be enough to remove the stain.
3. Pretreatment: If the stain is still there, apply a stain pretreatment product. Follow the instructions on the product to make sure you use it correctly.
4. Wash: Wash the item following the garment label’s instructions. After washing, let the item air-dry. Don’t use a dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone, as heat can set the stain.
By following these steps, you can keep your chenille items looking clean and fresh!
How to Remove Grease Stains from Corduroy
Corduroy clothing is stylish and practical, but it can get grease stains too. Here’s how to remove them:
1. Apply Absorbent: As soon as you spot the grease stain, sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on the area to absorb the grease.
2. Wait and Brush: Let the powder sit for about five minutes, then gently brush it off. For smaller stains, this might be enough to remove the stain.
3. Pretreatment: If the stain is still there, use a stain pretreatment product. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product.
4. Wash: Wash the corduroy item according to the care label’s instructions. Let it air-dry and make sure the stain is completely gone before using a dryer, as heat can set the stain.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your corduroy clothes looking clean and stain-free!
How to Get Grease Stains Out of Cotton Garments
Cotton is a fabric used in many clothes, but it can get grease stains too. Here’s how to remove them:
1. Preparation: Gather the items you’ll need, such as heavy-duty liquid detergent, a pretreatment spray, or a paste made from powdered detergent and water.
2. Apply: Pour the cleaning solution onto the grease stain and gently rub it into the fabric using your finger or a clean, white cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes to work on the stain.
3. Drying: Let the cotton garment air-dry. Make sure the grease stain is completely gone before using a dryer, as heat can set the stain.
4. Final Check: If the stain is still there, repeat the process until it’s completely gone. Once the stain is gone, follow the drying instructions on the garment’s care label.
By following these steps, your cotton clothes will look fresh and clean again!

Removing Grease Stains from Leather
If you get a grease stain on leather, follow these steps to clean it:
1. Blotting: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up any excess oil.
2. Saddle Soap: Apply saddle soap to a clean cloth and use it to carefully clean the stained area. Saddle soap is great at removing grease residue.
3. Absorbent Powder: If the stain is still there, sprinkle some absorbent powder like cornstarch or baking soda on the stain. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, brush off the powder. Repeat the process if needed.
These simple steps will help you remove grease stains and keep your leather items looking great!
Getting Grease Out of Linen Clothes
To remove grease stains from linen, follow these simple steps:
1. Preparation: Find the stained area and gather your materials. You can use heavy-duty liquid detergent, a pretreatment spray, or make a thin paste with powdered detergent and water.
2. Apply: Saturate the stained area with your chosen cleaning solution. Gently rub it into the stain with your finger or a clean, white cloth.
3. Wash: Wash the linen item according to the care label’s instructions for water temperature. It’s best to air-dry linen clothing because grease stains can look like they’re gone when wet, but heat from a dryer can set the stain.
4. Repeat if Necessary: If the stain is still there, repeat the process until the stain disappears.
By following these steps, you can keep your linen clothes looking fresh and clean!
Eliminating Grease Stains from Nylon, Polyester, Spandex, or Lycra
Removing grease from fabrics like nylon, polyester, spandex, or lycra is simple. Here’s how to do it:
1. Pre-treatment: Use a pretreatment product made for oily stains or rub liquid detergent directly onto the stained area.
2. Wash: Wash the garment in the warmest water recommended for the fabric. Air-dry it and repeat the process if the stain is still there. Once the stain is gone, dry the garment following the care label instructions.
3. Quick Action for Nylon and Polyester: Food grease stains on nylon and polyester come out more easily if treated right away. Apply any pretreatment stain remover before washing. If needed, rub the stain with liquid detergent before washing.
4. Dealing with Stubborn Stains: If the stain doesn’t go away, try using liquid chlorine bleach for whites or color-safe bleach for colored items. Air-dry and repeat if necessary.
By following these steps, you can easily get rid of grease stains and keep your clothes looking clean!

Treating Grease Stains on Silk
- Blot the Stain: Gently blot the grease to remove extra oil.
- Apply Powder: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking powder on the stain. Let it sit overnight, then gently brush off the powder. If needed, apply more powder.
- Use Dish Soap: If the stain is still there, put a small amount of clear dish detergent on the stain. Let it sit for about an hour, then dab it with water to clean it. Finally, blot the area dry.
How to Remove Grease Stains from Suede:
- Blot the Stain: Gently blot the grease to soak up any extra oil.
- Use Cornmeal: Dip a cloth in ground cornmeal and rub it into the stain in a circular motion. Let it dry, then brush off the powder with a wire brush. Repeat if needed.
- Try Lemon Juice: If the stain is still there, test lemon juice on a small, hidden area of the suede. If it doesn’t cause damage, rub it on the stain. Then, hold the suede over steam from a boiling kettle for a few minutes. Finally, brush the stained area with a wire brush.
Dealing with Grease Stains on Velvet
- Apply Absorbent: As soon as the stain happens, sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on it. Let it sit for about five minutes, then gently brush it off.
- Pretreatment: If the stain is still there, use a stain pretreatment product, following the instructions on the label.
- Washing and Drying: Wash the velvet according to the instructions on the care label. Let it air dry to make sure the stain is completely gone before you use a dryer.
Removing Grease Stains from Wool
- Scrape the Stain: Gently scrape off as much cooking oil as possible from the wool.
- Apply Absorbent: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain. Let it sit for at least an hour, then gently brush it off. Reapply if needed.
- Clean with Sudsy Water: If the stain is still there, dampen the area with cool, soapy water mixed with vinegar. Blot with clean water and then blot dry.
- Use Dry-Cleaning Solvent: If the stain persists, you can use a consumer dry-cleaning solvent, following the instructions on the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vinegar remove grease stains from clothes?
Vinegar can help remove grease stains from some fabrics. Place an old towel under the fabric, apply a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to the stain, and scrub with a wet toothbrush and soap until the stain starts to lift. Don’t wash the item until the stain is completely gone.
Do grease stains come out in the washing machine?
Grease doesn’t dissolve in water, so even a hot laundry cycle might not remove it. Pretreat the stain with soap or an emulsifying agent before washing. Always check the item before putting it in the dryer, as heat can set the stain.
How do I remove old, set-in grease stains?
For old grease stains, scrape or blot the stain with dish soap or stain pretreatment and let it sit for a few minutes. Soak the item in warm or hot water for 30 minutes, then wash according to the care label.
If the stain remains, you can try using WD-40 to reactivate it, then repeat the pretreatment process, hand wash, and let it air dry.
Conclusion
Dealing with grease stains can be frustrating, but with the right techniques, you can easily restore your favorite clothing items. By using common household items like cornstarch, dish soap, and vinegar, you can remove grease stains from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, wool, velvet, suede, and more. Whether you’re handling a fresh stain or an old, set-in mark, these steps can help you get your clothes back to looking their best.
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