Grease and Oil Stains – How to Get Them Out
By TaVare · updated 2026-07-27
Grease and oil repel water, so an ordinary wash just rinses the water past the stain. The trick is to first draw out as much grease as possible, and then break down the rest with something that dissolves grease – before you wash.
Why water alone does not work
Grease binds to the fabric fibres and repels water. So washing alone does not help – the water runs past. You first have to draw out the grease with a dry, absorbent powder, and then dissolve the rest with a product that breaks down grease.
Fresh stains – step by step
The faster you treat the stain, the more easily it comes out.
- Blot up excess grease – do not rub it in further.
- Sprinkle on a little cornflour, cornstarch or talc, and let it draw for 10–15 minutes before brushing it off.
- Rub in a little dish soap, which is made to dissolve grease, and let it work for a few minutes.
- Wash at the warmest temperature the fabric tolerates according to the care label.
Old, dried-in grease stains
An old grease stain usually needs several rounds. Repeat the treatment with dish soap or a grease-cutting pre-treatment, and let it work well before washing. Do not tumble dry until the stain is fully gone, as heat sets it.
Wool, silk and formalwear
Dry cleaning uses a solvent made precisely to dissolve grease without felting wool or dulling silk. On delicate and structured garments, professional cleaning is therefore the safest route. You describe the stain when you order, and you see the price before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't the grease stain come out in the wash?+
Grease repels water, so the water runs past. Draw out the grease with an absorbent powder first, and dissolve the rest with dish soap or solvent before washing.
Does dish soap help against grease stains?+
Yes. It is made to dissolve grease. Rub it in, let it work, then wash as warm as the fabric tolerates.
Can old grease stains be removed?+
Often, with repeated treatment. Well-dried grease on delicate fabrics is safest cleaned professionally.
What about grease on wool or silk?+
Do not rub. Dry cleaning dissolves grease gently without damaging the fibres – bring the garment in.
Ready to fix it?