Grease / oil × Clothing / fabric
How to remove grease / oil stains from clothing / fabric
This guide is for Clothing / fabric. It does not create separate pages for fresh, dried or set-in states.
Blot or lift the grease / oil first, then use the smallest amount of a cleaner labelled for clothing / fabric. Keep the surface rule in view: Check the care label first. Use a clean absorbent cloth, work from the back when the source calls for it, and launder only after the visible stain is gone.
Keep it simple.
- care label
- laundry detergent
- clean towel
- absorbent paper or cloth
- mild detergent or labelled degreaser
- clean rinse cloth
Act before it dries.
- Lift standing oil with an absorbent material; do not wipe it deeper. Check the care label first. Use a clean absorbent cloth, work from the back when the source calls for it, and launder only after the visible stain is gone.
- Apply the compatible detergent to the cleaning cloth or surface, not indiscriminately to a porous backing. Check the care label first. Use a clean absorbent cloth, work from the back when the source calls for it, and launder only after the visible stain is gone.
- Rinse or blot residue and dry fully. Check the care label first. Use a clean absorbent cloth, work from the back when the source calls for it, and launder only after the visible stain is gone.
Use less, check more.
- Remove any crusted residue without scraping the surface. Check the care label first. Use a clean absorbent cloth, work from the back when the source calls for it, and launder only after the visible stain is gone.
- Use a labelled product suited to the surface and follow its dwell-time instructions. Check the care label first. Use a clean absorbent cloth, work from the back when the source calls for it, and launder only after the visible stain is gone.
- Repeat only after the surface is dry and the finish still looks normal. Check the care label first. Use a clean absorbent cloth, work from the back when the source calls for it, and launder only after the visible stain is gone.
Work in this order.
- 01
Read the material or care label and test the method in an inconspicuous spot.
- 02
Remove excess grease / oil by blotting or lifting; do not spread it.
- 03
Apply only the clothing / fabric-compatible product or detergent called for by the source and label.
- 04
Rinse or blot away residue when the label or surface method calls for it, then dry fully and inspect.
- solvents near flame or poor ventilation
- over-wetting upholstery, carpet or a mattress
- strong degreasers on a finish without a patch test
- putting the item in the dryer while the stain remains
- rubbing that spreads the stain
- bleach that the care label does not allow
- Use one cleaning product at a time. Never mix bleach or any disinfectant with another cleaner.
- Ventilate and use gloves or eye protection when the product label calls for them.
- Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone; heat can set some stains.
If the grease / oil remains after one labelled treatment, do not escalate to a stronger household chemical by guesswork. Check the care guide for clothing / fabric or use a professional service.
Why this guide says that.
Grease / oil guidance was checked against the cited source and narrowed to the Clothing / fabric scope. Chemical combinations not required by the source were intentionally omitted.