What supplies do I need to remove grease and oil stains from my shirt?

You will need a liquid laundry detergent that contains enzymes, an oil or grease-fighting household product like Dawn soap, dishwashing liquid, or Goop hand cleaner, a sponge or brush for scrubbing, and paper towels.

How do I pre-treat a grease or oil stain?

First, pour a small amount of enzyme-containing laundry detergent onto the stained area and rub it in well. Next, use an oil or grease-fighting household product like Dawn soap and scrub it into the material. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.

Is it best to wash the shirt in hot or cold water?

It is best to wash the shirt in hot water, but set the washing machine to the coldest setting when rinsing the shirt.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Grease and oil > Shirt

How To Clean Grease and Oil Stains from Your Shirt Easily

Grease and oil stains can be a real pain when it comes to laundry. But with the right techniques and supplies, you can quickly and easily get rid of unsightly grease and oil stains from your shirt.

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Nishat Asif

Removing grease and oil stains from clothing can seem like an intimidating task. But with a little elbow grease, the right supplies, and some simple steps, you can get your shirt looking its best in no time. Here's what you need to know about how to properly clean grease and oil stains from your shirt:

Gather Supplies

Before you start cleaning, you'll need to gather necessary supplies. These include:

A liquid laundry detergent that contains enzymes.
An oil or grease-fighting household product like Dawn soap, dishwashing liquid, or Goop hand cleaner.
A sponge or brush for scrubbing.
Paper towels.

Pre-Treat the Stain

The first step to cleaning a grease or oil stain is to pre-treat it with a laundry detergent that contains enzymes. Enzymes help break down the oils and greases, which makes the stain easier to remove. Pour a small amount of enzyme-containing laundry detergent onto the stained area, then rub it in well.

To help remove tough stains, you can also use an oil or grease-fighting household product such as Dawn soap, dishwashing liquid, or Goop hand cleaner. Put a small amount of the product onto the stain and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing it into the material. Once the pre-treatment has been applied, you can begin scrubbing the stain with either a sponge or a brush.

Wash in Hot Water

Once you've finished scrubbing the stain, put the shirt in the washing machine and set it to a hot water cycle. You should also add a generous amount of laundry detergent and a small amount of vinegar to the machine to help remove any remaining oils and grease.

After the cycle has finished, check to make sure the stain has been completely removed. If not, repeat the pre-treatment and scrubbing steps before washing again.

Final Steps

Once you are sure the stain has been fully removed, set the washing machine to the coldest setting to rinse the shirt. For best results, air dry the shirt instead of using the dryer. Lastly, inspect the shirt one last time to make sure the stain is gone.

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