How to remove grease stains from food
Short answer: Grease has to be dissolved, not rinsed. Put liquid detergent directly on the stain, let it work for fifteen minutes, and then wash the item at 40 degrees as usual.
Water alone does not work
Grease does not bind to water, so rinsing only pushes the stain around the fabric. It can even make the stain bigger, because the grease spreads into the fibres. You need something that breaks the grease down before water can carry it away. That goes for oil, butter and sauce alike.
Use liquid detergent
Put a little liquid detergent directly on the stain and rub it in gently with your finger. Leave it for fifteen minutes so it reaches into the fibres and loosens the grease. Washing-up liquid also works in a pinch, but rinse it out thoroughly before the item goes in the machine.
Wash at 40 degrees
A higher temperature is not needed and only wears the fabric and elastic. If the stain is not gone after the first wash, repeat the treatment rather than turning up the heat. Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener. The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.
Check before drying
A grease stain that has been through the tumble dryer usually stays, because the heat bakes it into the fibres. Always check the item before it dries. A grease stain is easiest to see while the fabric is wet, as a darker shadow. If it is still there, treat it again.
Old grease stains
If the stain has been there a long time, it may show as a darker shadow that will not go away. Repeat the treatment two or three times before giving up, and leave the detergent a little longer each time. Many old stains get lighter with each round, even if they do not vanish at once.
On light clothing
Grease shows most on light tops, because the stain looks darker than the rest of the fabric. On the other hand, it is easy to see whether the treatment has worked. See the light basics in bamboo t-shirts for men and bamboo t-shirt for women, where the front is most exposed.
Avoid fabric softener
Fabric softener lays a film over the stain and makes it harder to reach next time. That matters especially for grease, which is already hard to remove. Without softener, bamboo viscose also keeps its ability to absorb moisture better, so your clothes feel fresher to wear.
Where it happens most
Grease usually lands on the front of tops and the lap of trousers while you eat. Both places are treated the same way. Lounge trousers are especially exposed, as they are worn at the table and on the sofa. See bamboo sweatpants for men, which handle the same treatment.
Act quickly
The sooner you deal with the stain, the easier it comes out. First blot off excess grease with a piece of paper, without rubbing it further in. Then add detergent, even if the item will not be washed until later. That way the detergent works while the item sits in the basket.
Avoid harsh products
Stain removers with solvents or chlorine can be too harsh for bamboo viscose and leave pale patches in the fabric. Liquid detergent and a little patience are enough for most food grease. Always test a new product on a hidden spot before using it on the stain itself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use washing-up liquid on a grease stain?
Yes, in a pinch washing-up liquid works well, because it is made to dissolve grease. Rinse it out thoroughly before the item goes in the washing machine, so no residue is left behind.
Why is the grease stain still there after washing?
Grease often needs more than one round. Treat the stain again with liquid detergent, leave it longer and wash at 40 degrees. Do not dry the item until the stain is completely gone.
Can a grease stain be removed after the tumble dryer?
It is difficult. The heat bakes the grease into the fibres. Try treating the stain several times with liquid detergent, but expect that a faint shadow may remain on the fabric.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
