Grease and oil stains are stubborn because oil doesn't mix with water. Plain washing often spreads them instead of lifting them. The trick is to break the oil down first.
Step-by-Step: Fresh Grease Stains
- Blot, don't rub. Use a paper towel to soak up as much oil as possible.
- Absorb the rest. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit 15–30 minutes, then brush it off.
- Apply dish soap. A grease-cutting dish soap is made to break down oil. Work a few drops into the stain with your fingers or a soft brush.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Wash in the warmest water the care label allows. Warm water helps dissolve oil.
- Check before drying. If any stain remains, repeat. Don't put it in the dryer until the stain is gone: heat sets oil stains.
What About Old or Dried Grease Stains?
If a grease stain went through the dryer, it's harder but often not hopeless:
- Repeat the dish soap step and let it sit longer (up to an hour).
- Try a laundry pre-treatment spray or stain stick designed for oily stains.
- Wash again in warm water and air dry so you can check the result.
Grease on Delicate Fabrics
For silk, wool or anything labelled dry clean only, blot the stain and use only cornstarch or talc to absorb the oil, then take it to a dry cleaner. Don't apply dish soap or hot water.
Kitchen Towels and Aprons
Kitchen linens collect grease every day. Wash them separately from clothes, pre-treat heavily soiled pieces, and use warm or hot water if the fabric allows. Restaurants and caterers dealing with daily volumes can look at our commercial laundry service for restaurants.
Let Us Handle the Everyday Laundry
Once your stains are treated, skip the rest of laundry day: drop-off wash & fold is $1.65/lb (20 lb minimum) at 2780 Victoria Park Ave, North York, or wash anytime at our 24/7 self-serve laundromat.
