Stapf recommends tossing the clothing right in the wash because the cleaning agents add stain fighting power.

Select the appropriate cycle based on the label instructions. 'With the remaining baking soda on top of the stain spot, add a small amount of dish soap and mix in with your finger,' adds Stapf.ħ. Add dish soap before putting clothing in the washing machine. Rub thoroughly but be careful not to damage the fabric.Ħ. Repeat this covering and rubbing process until the oil is completely absorbed-you'll know the oil is fully absorbed when the baking soda stops turning brown. When you're done, scrape away the remaining baking soda.ĥ. You can add more baking soda if you feel there isn't enough remaining after the blotting process. Afterward, use a toothbrush to rub the baking soda into the stain. Do this for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the stain.

After blotting the baking soda into the stain, don't wipe it away.ģ. The baking soda will soak up the oil, drawing it out of the fabric. Press the baking soda into the stain using a clean paper towel or cloth. 'If you rub the stain before blotting, it could push it further into the fabric and make the stain harder to remove,' explains Stapf.Ģ. With a paper towel or absorbent cloth, blot the stain to remove as much oil as possible. Be sure the stain is completely gone before putting the garment in the dryer.īaking soda absorbs oil and draws if out of the fabric.īaking soda is an effective option for removing grease stains because it easily absorbs excess oil.ġ.

Remove the stain before machine-drying: If the stain is still present, the high heat from the dryer will cause the oil to set.

It's always better to pre-treat an oil-based stain with liquid dish soap or baking soda, which helps loosen the stain first. Don't just toss the stained garment in the washing machine. 'If you rub the stain before blotting, it could push it further into the fabric and make the stain harder to remove.' When removing any excess oil, the key is to blot, not rub, says Stapf. Generally, you should use warm-hot water to treat oil-based stains, but if you're dealing with a special fabric, double-check for any specific instructions. Plus, grease stains darken as they set, making them even more noticeable (and unsightly) over time. A set-in oil stain is much harder to remove than a fresh one.

Once you notice an oil stain on your clothes, ideally you want to act immediately. 'Mayonnaise, deodorant, motor oil, and cooking oil are all examples of oil-based stains,' says Stapf, so you can treat them all in the same way.ĭepending on the size and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat the removal process. Before you do anything, check the care label to learn if any methods are off limits.

Stubborn soda