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How to remove a grease stain from clothes (even old ones)

Verified Editorial Guide

The Direct Answer

Blot, cover the stain in baking soda or cornstarch for 15 minutes to pull out the oil, brush it off, work in a drop of dish soap, then wash in the hottest water the fabric allows. Air dry and check before using the dryer.

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CRITICAL RULE: NEVER use hot water or a hairdryer — heat bakes tannin stains permanently into carpet fibers.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

0 of 5 done
Blot IMMEDIATELY with a clean dry towel — press firmly, never rub or scrub.
Pour cold water or club soda generously to dilute the pigments and keep blotting.
Cover the damp area with a thick mound of salt or baking soda to draw out remaining wine.
Let sit for 2–3 hours until dry, then vacuum thoroughly.
If any pink hue remains, mix 1 tbsp dish soap and 1 tbsp white vinegar with 2 cups warm water and sponge gently.

Items Needed:

Paper towels or clean white cloth • Club soda or cold water • Baking soda or table salt • Dish soap & white vinegar

Required Materials & Tools
Paper towelsBaking soda or cornstarchDish soapOld toothbrush

The short answer

Blot, cover the stain in baking soda or cornstarch for 15 minutes to pull out the oil, brush it off, work in a drop of dish soap, then wash in the hottest water the fabric allows. Air dry and check before using the dryer.

Grease is oil, so water alone just spreads it. Absorb first, then break it down with soap.

Step by step

  1. Blot excess grease with a paper towel — don't rub.
  2. Cover the stain with baking soda or cornstarch and leave 15 minutes.
  3. Brush the powder off.
  4. Rub a drop of dish soap into both sides of the fabric and leave 10 minutes.
  5. Wash in the hottest water on the care label.
  6. Air dry. If any mark remains, repeat before machine drying — heat sets grease.

What you need

  • Paper towels
  • Baking soda or cornstarch
  • Dish soap
  • Old toothbrush

Common questions

How do I remove an old grease stain that's been through the dryer?

Soak it in dish soap and warm water overnight, then treat with a pre-wash stain remover and wash hot. It may take two rounds.

Does WD-40 remove grease stains?

It can loosen old set-in grease, but you must follow with dish soap to remove the WD-40 itself.

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Common Questions

How do I remove an old grease stain that's been through the dryer?

Soak it in dish soap and warm water overnight, then treat with a pre-wash stain remover and wash hot. It may take two rounds.

Does WD-40 remove grease stains?

It can loosen old set-in grease, but you must follow with dish soap to remove the WD-40 itself.

Step-by-Step Checklist
0%
  • Blot
  • Absorb with powder
  • Dish soap
  • Hot wash
  • Air dry and check
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