What is the best way to remove grease and oil stains from activewear?

The best way to remove grease and oil stains from activewear is to pre-treat the fabric with hot water, a store-bought stain remover, rubbing alcohol, or a dishwashing liquid cleaning solution. Once the pre-treating is complete, launder the garment as usual and air dry it.

How long should I leave the pre-treatment solution on the stain?

It depends on the pre-treatment method you are using: for store-bought products, follow the instructions on the label; for rubbing alcohol and dishwashing liquid, leave the solution on the stain for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Grease and oil > Activewear

Clean Grease and Oil Stains from Activewear with These 5 Simple Steps

Working out can be hard enough, so don't let grease and oil stains get in the way! Follow these steps to remove grease and oil stains from your activewear and keep looking good at the gym.

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Luke Smith

Step 1: Wash in Hot Water

As soon as possible, pre-treat stain with hot water. Use a mild detergent to lather up the fabric and rub it gently, then rinse the area with more hot water. If you have a steam iron, you can use it to heat and press the fabric. Repeat this step until stain has disappeared or become significantly less noticeable.

Step 2: Use a Stain Removing Product

If the stain still remains, try using a store-bought stain remover. Choose one that is designed to tackle oil or grease stains. Pre-treat the fabric according to instructions on the product label and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing it.

Step 3: Spot Clean with Rubbing Alcohol

If the stain remover product doesn't work, try spot cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Apply some rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cotton swab and dab at the stain until it starts to lift. Rinse the fabric with cold water and check to see if the stain is gone.

Step 4: Use Dishwashing Liquid

Another option is to make a cleaning solution out of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Make sure detergent is completely dissolved and mix it together until it forms a thick foam. Apply foam to the stained area and give it some time to absorb into the fabric. Once the foam has settled, use a damp cloth to scrub away the stain.

Step 5: Launder as Usual

Once you've finished pre-treating the stain, put the item in the washing machine and launder it as usual, using warm water and a mild detergent. Air dry the garment either outdoors or in the dryer. Check the garment before tossing it into the dryer to make sure the stain has been removed.

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