How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes (Even After Drying)

Grease stains are frustrating because water alone just makes them spread. Whether it's cooking oil, butter, salad dressing or a splash from the frying pan, the key is to absorb the oil first and then break it down with something designed to cut grease.

What You'll Need

Baking soda or cornstarch
Grease-cutting dish soap
An old toothbrush
Paper towels
Laundry detergent
Oxygen bleach (optional, for set-in stains)

For Fresh Grease Stains

Step 1: Blot, Don't Rub

Gently blot the stain with a paper towel to soak up as much oil as you can. Rubbing pushes the oil deeper into the fibers.

Step 2: Absorb with Baking Soda or Cornstarch

Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda or cornstarch over the stain and let it sit for 15–30 minutes. You'll often see the powder start to look darker as it pulls the oil out. Brush it off.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap

Rub a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap into the stain with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Dish soap is made to break down cooking grease, which is exactly what you need. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Wash in Warm Water

Wash the item in the warmest water the care label allows. Warm water helps dissolve oil much better than cold.

Step 5: Check Before Drying

This is the most important step. Before putting the item in the dryer, check that the stain is completely gone. Dryer heat can set any remaining grease and make it much harder to remove. If you still see a mark, repeat Steps 3 and 4.

For Set-In or Dried Grease Stains

If the stain has already been through the dryer, don't give up.

Lay the item flat and place a folded paper towel under the stain.
Work dish soap deeply into the stain with a toothbrush and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or a few hours for older stains.
Rinse with warm water.
Soak the item in warm water with oxygen bleach (follow package directions) for a few hours.
Wash as usual and let it air-dry until you're sure the stain is gone.

Old stains may take two or three rounds, so be patient.

Tips by Fabric

Cotton and polyester: Can usually handle the full method above.
Delicates like silk: Use only a small amount of dish soap, rinse in lukewarm water, and consider a professional cleaner for valuable items.
Dry-clean-only items: Blot the stain and take it to a dry cleaner quickly. Tell them it's an oil stain.

Common Mistakes

Rubbing the stain with a wet napkin at the table.
Using hot water before removing most of the oil, which can spread the stain.
Drying the item before the stain is fully gone.

FAQ

Does baby powder work for grease stains? Yes. Talc-based or cornstarch-based baby powder absorbs oil in the same way as cornstarch.

What about motor oil or bike chain grease? These are heavier. Use dish soap first, then a laundry pre-treatment spray designed for oily stains, and repeat as needed.

Can I use this on jeans? Absolutely. Denim handles dish soap and warm water very well.