You’re enjoying a juicy burger, and then… bam! An oily blotch stains your pants.
If you’ve ever tried to get grease stains out of clothes, you know it’s TOUGH.
Those stains don’t just wash out with water.
But here’s the good news:
In this article, we’ll walk through 5 proven methods for getting grease stains out of clothes and jeans.
Why Does Grease Stain So Hard to Remove?
Grease stains are hard to remove because they soak into the fabric quickly and stick to the fibers.
Grease and oil don’t mix with water, so simply rinsing or washing the fabric won’t completely remove the stain.
To remove it, you need something that can break down the grease. Like dish soap or a stain remover.
The Best Way to Remove Grease Stains From Your Jeans
Tools and Materials
- Paper towel or clean cloth
- Liquid dish soap (like Dawn)
- Toothbrush or soft brush
- Laundry detergent
- Warm water
- Optional: Baking soda or stain remover
Step 1: Blot the grease
Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to blot the stain.
Soak up as much oil as possible.
Don’t rub it in. Rubbing will only spread the stain and push it deeper into the fabric.
Step 2: Apply dish soap
Grab a small amount of liquid dish soap. Use a grease-fighting soap like Dawn.
Apply it directly to the stained area.
Step 3: Gently scrub
Use your fingers or a toothbrush to rub the soap into the stain.
Scrub in a circular motion and cover the entire stain.
Be gentle so you don’t damage the fabric.
Step 4: Let it sit
Let the soap sit on the stain for 10 to 15 minutes.
This gives it time to break down the grease.
Step 5: Wash with warm water
Place the jeans in the washing machine.
Use your usual laundry detergent and set the cycle to warm water.
Avoid using hot water, which can set the stain.
Step 6: Air dry
After washing, hang the jeans up or lay them flat to air dry.
Do not put them in the dryer yet.
Heat can lock in any remaining grease.
Step 7: Check the stain
Now, after it dries, check if the stain is gone.
If it is, you’re done.
If it’s still there, try this next method.
What If the Stain Is Still There?
If the grease stain didn’t come out the first time, try using WD-40.
Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly on the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes to loosen the grease.
Next, cover the same spot with dish soap. Rub it in gently using your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Let that sit for another 15 minutes.
Now, toss the clothing into the washing machine and wash it like normal with warm water. Let it air dry.
Check if the stain is gone before using the dryer. This trick works even on old stains that have been washed and dried before.
How To Remove Dried Set-In Grease Stains
If your pants have already been washed and dried, try this method.
First, put dish soap on the stain, add a little hot water, and rub it with your fingers.
Then add a small amount of laundry detergent right over the same spot and rub it in, too.
If you have baking soda, put some over the area.
Let it sit for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, rinse it, toss it in the washer on a warm cycle, and let it air dry.
We’ve tested this method, and the stain was completely gone. So give it a try!
Should You Avoid the Dryer After Treating a Stain?
Yes.
Do not use the dryer unless you’re sure the stain is completely gone.
The heat can set the stain into the fabric forever.
After washing, hang the garment to air dry.
Check if the stain remains.
If you can still see it? Treat it again before the heat ever touches it.
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Summary: How to Get Rid of Grease Stains (Without Losing Your Mind)
Here’s what to remember when fighting grease:
- Blot the stain fast—use a paper towel to soak up as much grease as possible
- Don’t rub! That just spreads it
- Use dish soap or dish detergent—they’re made to break down grease
- Try baking soda to absorb oil and help loosen the stain
- Rub treatments in with a toothbrush for better results
- Always wash with warm water, never hot
- Let it air dry—don’t throw it in the dryer unless the stain is completely gone
- For stubborn spots, repeat or use a strong stain remover
- You can remove grease stains from clothes, even old ones—it just takes a little elbow grease
- And yes, all of this works to get grease stains out of jeans, too
Want to read more blogs?
Now you know how to remove grease stains, but how about mustard stains?
You know, just in case it happens, you need to at least know what to do in the first 5 minutes before the stains set in.
Come and read our blog on: 6 Easy Steps To Completely Remove Mustard Stains
FAQs
Q. Does dried grease come out of clothes?
A. Yes, it can—though it may take a bit more effort. Dish soap and warm water still work well. You can also try applying baking soda to the stain to help absorb the grease or use a stain remover made for oil and grease. You might need to repeat the process more than once, but dried grease stains can usually be removed.
Q. What is a good stain remover for grease?
A. Liquid dish soap like Dawn is one of the most effective options for grease. It’s made to break down oils. Other good choices include degreasing laundry detergents, WD-40 (for old, set-in stains), or special grease-fighting stain removers. Some hand cleaners used for motor oil also work well.
Q. Will baking soda remove grease stains?
A. Yes, baking soda can help. It absorbs grease and helps lift the stain from the fabric. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before brushing it off. Then follow with dish soap and a warm wash. This combo works especially well for fresh stains or as a second treatment for stubborn ones.
Q. Is it ever too late to remove a stain?
A. Not always. Even old, dried stains can often be treated. It might take more than one try, and you may need to combine methods—like WD-40, baking soda, and dish soap—but many stains can still be removed. The key is to not give up too quickly and never use heat until you’re sure the stain is gone. Heat can set the stain and make it harder to remove.
