Removing Grease Stains from Kitchen Textiles
Remove grease stains by neutralizing the oil immediately with an absorbent powder, then breaking the bond with a degreasing dish soap before washing in the hottest water the fabric can handle.
Heat is both your enemy and your friend.
Treat the stain while it is fresh. Never put a grease-stained item in the dryer, as the heat will permanently set the oil into the fibers.
- Cornstarch or baking soda
- Liquid dish soap
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Tea kettle or hot water tap
Surfactant saturation
The goal is to coat the oil molecules with dish soap, which acts as a bridge between water and grease, allowing the wash cycle to lift the oil out completely.
The method.
Blot and absorb
If the spill is wet, lay the fabric flat and cover the spot with a thick layer of cornstarch or baking soda. Leave it for 20 minutes to pull the surface oil out of the weave.
Apply the degreaser
Brush off the powder. Apply a small amount of concentrated dish soap directly to the stain. Using your finger or a soft toothbrush, work the soap into the fabric using a circular motion until it feels slightly tacky.
Rinse with heat
Run the hottest water the fabric allows through the back of the stain. This pushes the grease out of the fibers rather than deeper into them.
Wash
Place the item in the washing machine on the highest recommended temperature setting. Skip the fabric softener, as it can leave a residue that interferes with the cleaning process.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Test your cleaning soap on an inconspicuous corner of the fabric if you are working with delicate linens.
If the stain is old and dry, use a drop of eucalyptus oil or a pre-wash enzymatic stain remover before applying the dish soap.
Check the item for the stain before moving it to the dryer; if a shadow remains, repeat the soap treatment.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use laundry detergent instead of dish soap?
Laundry detergent is formulated for general soil, but dish soap is specifically engineered to break down lipids and fats. For grease, dish soap is significantly more effective.
What if the fabric is dry-clean only?
Do not attempt to wash it yourself. Take the item to a professional cleaner and explicitly point out the grease spot so they can treat it with the correct solvent.
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