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How to Get Grease And Cooking Oil Stains Out

Oil doesn't dissolve in water, so grease stains need a degreaser like dish soap before laundering.

Quick answer

Fresh Grease And Cooking Oil on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Fresh: blot excess and cover with baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the oil before washing.
  2. Scrape or blot off excess oil.
  3. Work a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap (or liquid laundry detergent) into the stain.
  4. Let it sit 10–15 minutes.
  5. Rinse from the back of the fabric with the warmest water the care label allows.
  6. Launder as usual, then air-dry and check before machine-drying.

Don’t do this

  • Do not use dish soap inside the washing machine — pre-treat and rinse it out first.

Sources: The Kitchn; King University stain removal guide (PDF); Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine); Dawn

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Grease And Cooking Oil on specific materials

Grease And Cooking Oil on CottonFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on LinenFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on NylonFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on SilkFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on WoolFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on DenimFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on LeatherFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on SuedeFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on WoodFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Grease And Cooking Oil on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't water alone work on grease?

Oil repels water. Dish soap breaks the oil into droplets water can carry away — that's why it's the first step.

The stain survived the wash — now what?

Don't dry it. Cover with baking soda, then use an enzyme pre-treatment and wash again in the warmest safe water.

Can I use dish soap in the washing machine?

No — use it only as a pre-treatment and rinse it out. Too many suds can damage the machine.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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