How to get grease stains out of polyester after washing

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As you know by now, we are officially in burger season. And that means every last one of us is bound to end up with a grease stain or three on our favorite summer pieces. It’s a dance you’re familiar with: Overjoyed with excitement, you take a bite into a fresh-off-the-grill burger that’s stacked high with all sorts of fixings. You get a mouthful. And, out the opposite end, drips some grease. Right onto your best summer dress! But it’s not like you’re gonna stop eating burgers.

The good news is that you don’t have to. And you don’t have to resort to wearing a poncho, either. Because there are three very simple tricks to getting grease stains out of clothing.

Our Favorite Method for Getting Grease Stains Out of Clothes: Dish Soap

This method makes perfect sense when you think about it. Liquid dish soap was designed to cut through grease, so what’s stopping it from cutting through grease on a shirt versus a baking sheet? Nothing! Just squirt a bit of dish soap right onto the stain and let it sit for a little while before washing. Once the wash cycle is done, check for the stain. If you don’t see it (you likely won’t!), you’re clear to send the item through the dryer. Bonus: This trick even works for old stains. Ones that have been washed and dried repeatedly!

We’ve had great success with this method, but in case you want others, here goes.

Credit: Ghazalle Badiozamani/Kitchn

Method 2: Baking soda

If the stain is fresh — like, just-happened-kind-of-fresh — baking soda can its part to absorb and lift the stain. Just sprinkle the baking soda on top of the grease and wait for five to 10 minutes. Then, use a brush to scrub the baking soda into the stain. The baking soda will change color (read: turn brown). Once it’s all brown, scrape the baking soda away and repeat until the stain is lifted and the baking soda no longer changes color. You can then do the dish soap trick from above to be extra thorough.

Method 3: Salt + Stain remover

Consider adding a can of Shout Advanced Grease-Busting Foam to your laundry line up. Buy it now and you’ll have it on hand when an emergency strikes. While you’re eating, sprinkle the stain with salt (it works like baking soda to absorb and lift the stain). When you can do the laundry, spray the stain with this foam wash the garment in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric and make sure the stain is gone before you dry the item.

More on Stains

Do you have any sure-fire tricks for removing food and grease stains from clothing?

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You Will Need:

• Dawn dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• Warm water

Steps to Remove the Oil Stain:

1. Begin by moistening the area with warm water.
2. Apply a grease-fighting dish soap such as Dawn. Be sure to choose one that does not contain bleach, or it may discolor the fabric.
3. Work the dish soap into the stained area with your fingers or a stiff brush.
4. Rinse the area to see if there is improvement.
5. If needed apply more dish soap, scrub and allow it to set on the stain for several minutes, but do not allow it to dry.
6. Wash the garment as usual with regular laundry detergent.
7. Allow the piece to air dry until you are sure the stain is removed.
8. Repeat if necessary.

Additional Tips and Advice

• If the oil stain is old, you can make it “fresh” again by spraying it with WD-40. Once the oil is absorbed again, treat the stain using the above method.
• Polyester is a strong fabric that remains colorfast with most cleaning methods. Still, if you have any concerns about fading or adverse effects, test a small hidden area first.
• There are a variety of commercial stain removal products that are also designed to treat grease stains. These can be applied to the surface as well to aid in removal.
• Although warmer water temperatures can set some stains, in this case it is helpful to break down the oils. Avoid using cold water for the best removal success.