Stubborn Spots—Getting Rid of Oil and Grease Stains

Oil stains are a cause of worry for reasons more than one. Not only is it bad for our health (in excessive amounts, of course), but it also manages to find its way into our clothes! Fortunately, stubborn oil and grease stains can be easily removed and don’t signal the end of your favorite clothes, provided you have the right tools and knowledge.

General Tips

Acting quickly is the key to effectively removing stains. Waiting a few hours or even days can spell disaster. The first step is to see what the cloth manufacturer has advised in regard to using cold or hot water.

Secondly, never machine dry any article of clothing before the oil and grease stains have been completely removed as the dryer’s heat will cause the stain to set deeper into the fabric. Finally, use a paper towel, cotton swab or tissue to press against the stains to soak up the oil.

Getting Rid of Oil and Grease Stains

For getting rid of oil and grease stains, stick to the following steps:

Grab a spoon or a dull knife and scrape away as much oil as possible. This makes treating the stained area much easier. It also aids in limiting the spread of oil to other areas.
Apply liquid laundry detergent on the affected area. Most detergents can remove oil and grease stains, but the more stubborn ones may require the use of liquid dish soap. Use generous amounts and apply them on both sides of the cloth.
Let the liquid sit for at least 5 minutes to allow it to completely seep through. This process will break down the grease.
Check the clothing tag and see what temperature the manufacturer has recommended. Wash the fabric in the hottest possible temperature as hot water will allow for oil and grease stains to be washed away easier.
After the fabric has been washed, allowed it to dry naturally. If any stains or dark rings are still present in the affected area, then repeat the entire process.

Additionally, you can substitute the liquid detergent for dish soap which is effective against grease stains. After using dish soap or liquid detergent, let the cloth run under hot water for a few minutes.

Even if you classify yourself as a clean freak, it’s only natural to get oil and grease stains from time to time. If you find yourself with some particularly nasty spots that just won’t go away. Our dry cleaning services in D.C will leave your clothes looking and smelling brand new. Contact us today!