Grease Stain Removal Tips for Clothes, Upholstery, and Carpets

Grease stains are some of the toughest messes to tackle. Whether it’s cooking oil splattered on your shirt, a burger drip on your sundress, or motor oil tracked onto the carpet, knowing the right grease stain removal techniques can save your clothes, furniture, and flooring from permanent damage.

Because grease can come from different sources – food, automotive products, or even machinery – it’s important to treat each stain appropriately. Here’s your complete guide to removing grease from clothing, upholstery, and carpets.

Understanding Grease Stains

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to know what you’re up against:

• Food-based grease – From oils, butter, dressings, or meat juices. These stains are common and usually respond well to household cleaners.
• Petroleum-based grease – Found in engine oil, bike chains, or machinery. These are heavier and often need stronger treatments.
• Set-in grease stains – Older stains that have already dried require a different approach than fresh spills.

The sooner you act, the easier the stain is to remove – but even old stains can often be salvaged with the right method.

Removing Grease Stains from Clothing

Step 1 – Blot and Absorb

• Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot up as much excess grease as possible.
• Sprinkle cornstarch, baby powder, baking soda, or flour on the spot to absorb residual oils. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then brush it off.

Step 2 – Pre-Treat the Stain

Try one of these effective pre-treatments before washing:

• Dish soap (like Dawn) – Excellent at cutting grease. Rub a small amount directly onto the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Shampoo – Great for removing body oils and food grease. Massage into the stain and wash as usual.
• Lestoil – A heavy-duty cleaner that works wonders on tough grease. Rub in, let sit, and launder.
• Automatic dishwasher detergent – Soak stained clothing in a mixture of dishwasher detergent and warm water overnight, then wash the next day.
• WD-40 trick – Spray lightly on the stain to “reactivate” old grease, then wash using dish soap or detergent.
• Simple Green – Particularly effective for petroleum-based stains. Pre-treat with dish soap, then add 1/4 cup Simple Green to the wash.

Step 3 – Wash Properly

• Use the hottest water safe for the fabric (check care labels).
• Add a grease-fighting booster like Dawn, dishwasher detergent, or Coke (yes, Coca-Cola can help break down grease).
• Always air dry until you’re sure the stain is gone. Heat from the dryer can set grease permanently.

Upholstery Grease Stain Removal Tips

Grease on your sofa, chairs, or cushions can be tricky, but it’s manageable with patience:

1. Absorb First – Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder on the stain. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum or brush it away.
2. Clean with Mild Detergent – Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with warm water. Dab gently using a soft cloth, blotting instead of scrubbing.
3. Try Specialized Solutions:
   • Hydrogen peroxide + ammonia – Mix equal parts, spray lightly, and blot repeatedly until the stain lifts.
   • Vinegar + water – A 50/50 mix works well for fresh grease stains. Spray and blot gently.
4. Rinse Carefully – Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

Grease Stain Removal for Carpets and Rugs

Carpets demand a delicate balance: you need to lift the grease without pushing it deeper into the fibers.

1 – Dish Soap and Water

• Mix 1 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap.
• Dab gently on the stain, blotting with a clean cloth.
• Repeat until the grease is gone.

2 – Vinegar Solution

• Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup warm water.
• Spray lightly onto the stain and blot repeatedly.

3 – Rubbing Alcohol

• For stubborn spots, dab rubbing alcohol directly onto the grease.
• Blot until the stain begins to lift, then follow up with dish soap and water.

Tip: Always finish by blotting with a damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue, then pat dry.

Dealing with Set-In or Heavy-Duty Grease Stains

Sometimes, you don’t notice the stain until it’s already dried – or worse, gone through the dryer. In those cases:

• Re-treat with WD-40 to loosen the old grease.
• Follow up with dish soap, then launder as you would a fresh stain.
• For extremely stubborn petroleum-based stains, pre-treat with a degreaser like Simple Green or Lestoil.

Successful Grease Stain Removal

• Always treat stains before washing – once they’re dried, they’re harder to remove.
• Skip the dryer until the stain is completely gone.
• Keep absorbent powders (baking soda, cornstarch, baby powder) on hand for fast action.
• Use enzymatic cleaners when DIY methods fail – they’re designed to break down oils at the molecular level.

Grease happens – on clothes, furniture, and carpets – but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to leave a lasting mark. From quick blotting to powerful DIY solutions, these grease stain removal techniques will help you handle fresh spills and stubborn set-in stains alike. Keep a few key supplies on hand, act fast when accidents happen, and you’ll be surprised how many “ruined” items you can actually save.