How to Remove Grease Stains From Clothes (Without Ruining Them)

Summary: Grease stains happen fast—but they don’t have to be permanent. Here’s how to remove grease stains from clothes safely, step-by-step, without setting them.

Grease stains are one of the most common—and annoying—laundry problems. A drop of cooking oil, butter, salad dressing, or even lotion can turn a perfectly good shirt into a “house-only” outfit in seconds.

The good news? If you act quickly and use the right method, most grease stains can be completely removed. This guide walks you through exactly how to remove grease stains from clothes, what mistakes to avoid, and when it’s smarter to let a professional handle it.

First Rule of Grease Stains: Do NOT Use Heat

Before you do anything else: don’t dry it. Heat can lock grease into the fibers and make the stain much harder to remove. If you’re not 100% sure it’s gone, air-dry first.

Related (especially for bulky items that love to trap oils + residue): How Often Should You Wash Comforters and Pillows?

How to Remove Grease Stains From Clothes (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Blot the Excess Grease

Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot the stain. Don’t rub—rubbing pushes grease deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Absorb the Oil (Best for Fresh Stains)

Sprinkle one of these on the spot:

Baking soda
Cornstarch
Baby powder

Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then brush it off. This helps pull oil out before you wash.

Step 3: Use Dish Soap (The Grease-Fighter)

Apply a few drops of clear dish soap directly on the stain
Gently work it in with your fingers or a soft toothbrush
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes

Step 4: Wash (Warmest Water Allowed)

Wash using the warmest water the care label allows. After washing, check the stain before drying. If you still see it, repeat steps 2–4 and wash again.

Old or Set-In Grease Stains

If the stain is older, you’ll usually need a repeat treatment. A simple upgrade: make a paste with dish soap + baking soda, let it sit 20–30 minutes, then wash again.

If you’re dealing with multiple stains (kids clothes, work clothes, uniforms, etc.), you may prefer to skip the trial-and-error: Wash & Fold Pickup and Delivery

Grease Stains on Delicates or Dry-Clean-Only Items

For silk, wool, structured garments, or anything labeled “dry clean only,” aggressive scrubbing can cause damage or spreading. If the label says dry clean only, it’s safer to use: Dry Cleaning Pickup and Delivery

Want to Skip Stain Stress Altogether?

With Get Fresh Start Laundry, you can schedule pickup, add any special instructions, and we’ll return your laundry clean, folded, and ready to put away.

Schedule your pickup here: GetFreshStartLaundry Scheduling Portal

Or learn how the process works locally: Laundry Pickup and Delivery Fairfield County CT

FAQ: Grease Stain Removal

Does dish soap really remove grease stains from clothes?

Yes. Dish soap is designed to break down oils, which makes it one of the most effective first steps for grease stains.

Can baking soda remove grease stains from clothes?

Baking soda helps absorb oil, especially on fresh stains. It’s even better when paired with dish soap.

Why do grease stains come back after washing?

Usually because the item was dried before the stain was fully removed. Heat can set the stain.

Should grease-stained clothes be washed separately?

It’s a good idea—especially for heavy grease—so it doesn’t transfer onto other items.