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How to get grease out of clothes in 5 simple steps

Lynsey Queen of Clean reveals her cleaning tips to lift grease from clothes

Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
April 12, 2023
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You may think that grease marks mean its game over for your favourite clothes, but you don't need to give up hope just yet.

Before you throw them in the washing machine on a hot wash, or even worse, throw them away, you'll want to follow these step-by-step tips from Lynsey Queen of Clean, who says that removing grease stains from clothes is easier than you may expect and doesn't require specialist cleaning products.

Lemon and cornstarch for cleaning a stained shirt
You can remove grease stains in five simple steps

While it can be tempting to think that higher temperatures will be more effective in removing grease from clothing, this is actually one of the biggest mistakes you can make, as hot water sets grease stains further into the fabric.

Instead, you'll find that cold water, along with common and natural household items including kitchen roll, cornstarch and lemons are much more effective in removing the grease stains straight away, and in five simple steps your clothes could look as good as new.

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How to get grease stains out of clothes

Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean, shares her step-by-step guide to removing grease stains with ease – and using products you likely already have in your home.

 What you'll need:

  • Kitchen roll
  • Cornflour, talcum powder or chalk
  • Water
  • Lemon juice

What to do:

  1. Use kitchen roll to blot away as much of the grease stain as possible.
  2. Use a powder such as corn-starch, talc powder or chalk to soak up as much of the stain as possible. Work into the fabric using a slightly dampened finger or a recycled toothbrush.
  3. Leave an hour.
  4. Turn the garment inside out and flush under the cold tap using cold water (hot water sets grease stains further into the fabric and cold will help to release it).
  5. Add a few drops of lemon juice and then wash as normal.
Baking powder and lemon juice with toothbrushes for cleaning© iStock
Natural remedies can be effective in removing grease stains from clothes

 How do you get dried grease stains out of clothes?

Dried grease stains may take a little more work to lift, but it is still possible to remove older marks in a few simple steps. For this, you will find that washing up liquid may help before using baking powder when you follow the recommendations below.

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How to get dried grease stains out of clothes

What you'll need:

  • Washing up liquid
  • Baking soda
  • An old toothbrush
  • A piece of cardboard or an old towel

What to do:

  1. Lay the clothes flat and place the cardboard or towel underneath the stain.
  2. Cover the stain with washing up liquid and leave to soak for five to ten minutes.
  3. Use the toothbrush to gently scrub the washing up liquid into the stain and work it in.
  4. Now sprinkle baking powder on top of the washing up liquid and scrub again.
  5. Leave to soak in for another ten to 15 minutes.
  6. Wash the clothing in your washing machine, on the highest recommended setting.
  7. Hopefully the stain will now have been removed, but check it has gone before drying the clothing.

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