Grease stains in bamboo fabric and the order that works

Short answer: Draw the surplus grease out with potato flour, then add washing up liquid and lukewarm water. Never dry the garment until the stain has fully gone.

Why the order matters

Grease works into the fibre and binds dirt to itself. If water goes on first, the grease closes around the stain and becomes harder to lift. That is why the dry powder goes on before the water, so most of the grease is drawn out of the fabric.

Step by step

Cover the stain with potato flour or cornflour and leave it for half an hour. Brush the powder off. Add washing up liquid, dab it in and leave it ten minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water from the wrong side, then wash the garment on its own.

Old grease stains

A stain that has been through the tumble dryer is harder but not impossible. Repeat the treatment two or three times and be patient. Some stains get lighter each round without disappearing entirely. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

How to limit the damage

Never put a greasy garment in the basket and forget it. Treat it the same day. If you cannot, cover the stain with powder until you get to it. See bamboo clothing for men and bamboo clothing for women.

Frequently asked questions

Does gall soap work

Yes, it is made for grease and protein and is gentle on colour.

Can I use hot water

Only once the grease is loosened. Heat without pre treatment bakes the stain in.

Why do grease stains only show after drying

Because wet fabric is dark throughout. The stain appears as the rest dries out.