Removing grease stains from clothing can be a real challenge. Whether you're eating dinner or preparing meals, a small mishap can happen quickly. Grease stains are particularly stubborn because they aren't water-soluble. But don't worry, there are numerous tried-and-tested household remedies and sustainable textile cleaners that remove grease from textiles and also give them a good smell. In the following guide, you'll find helpful information on stain removal. We'll also tell you what you can do to make your clothes and everyday textiles smell wonderfully fresh again.
Immediate measures for grease stains: effective home remedies and measures
To remove grease stains, you have to act quickly . Fresh oil stains from fatty foods are easier to remove than dried ones . A common household remedy for quick removal when you're on the go is simple soap or a few drops of washing-up liquid. The following instructions show you which household remedies are also known to be effective and how you can effectively remove grease stains.
- Immediate measures for grease stains : As soon as you notice a grease stain, you need to act quickly. Grab a clean cloth or kitchen paper and dab off the excess grease . Try to absorb as much as possible without working the stain into the material.
- Remove grease with baking powder & co.: Flour, baking powder or cornstarch are also suitable for absorbing oil. Prepare one of the household remedies mentioned on the stain, let it work for about an hour and then tap the powder off again.
Image source: Pixabay
- Treatment with grease-dissolving agents: Use gall soap or dishwashing liquid and work the cleaner into the dirty stains. Then rinse the agent and the dirt out with warm water.
- Final cleaning : We now recommend that you wash the item of clothing in the washing machine . This ensures that the grease stains are removed from the clothing, no water stains are created and your clothing smells pleasant.
But what can you do if the grease has already dried? How can you remove such stubborn stains?
How can dried grease stains be removed from textiles?
Even for stubborn or older stains, there are a few household remedies that eliminate stubborn dirt in a natural way. Depending on the material, you can use clay or blotting paper and an iron for insensitive textiles such as cotton. You can clean sensitive fabrics such as silk with clear alcohol. But how do you clean wool or leather?
Remove grease stains from wool carpets and upholstered furniture
Grease stains are everyone's nightmare. This is especially true when they are left on valuable wool carpets or upholstered furniture. Fortunately, a grease stain does not have to mean the end of your beloved furnishings. With the right methods, you can not only remove grease stains from clothing and other textiles but also give them a good smell. Carpets and furnishings can also be stain-free again. Read on to find out how you can effectively remove grease from home textiles.
Remove grease stains from wool carpets
Step 1: Add powder
Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch or baby powder generously on the grease stain. With wool carpets, it is important to ensure that the product penetrates deep into the fibers . To ensure this, you should leave the powder to work for about two to three hours and then vacuum it up.
Step 2: Use grease removers
Dissolve gall soap or a mild detergent in warm water. Now you can carefully work on the dirty stain with a microfiber cloth. Avoid rubbing the stain, as wool tends to mat.
Step 3: Rinse with water
After treating the stain, rinse the area with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
But how do you remove upholstered furniture ? We'll tell you how it's done.
Remove grease stains from upholstered furniture
Step 1: Remove excess fat
As with wool carpets, you should first dab off any excess grease with a cloth or kitchen paper.
Step 2: Enzyme-free detergent
For upholstered furniture, we recommend using an enzyme-free detergent or a natural textile cleaner . Products of this type are free of harmful ingredients and will not damage your high-quality upholstered furniture.
Step 3: Let dry
Now the area must be completely dry. Avoid using a hair dryer as this will cause water marks.
Grease stains are stubborn, but with the right tools and methods, you can successfully remove them from your wool carpets and upholstered furniture. Always remember: the faster you act, the easier it is to remove the stain and restore a good smell to your clothes. But how do you remove oil stains from leather?
Remove grease stains from leather
For leather you should use a natural leather cleaner and immediately soak up the grease with kitchen paper. Removing stains like these can be a challenge, but it is possible if you have the right tools on hand. Use the following method to get rid of the stain:
What you need:
- A mild cleaning agent such as the leather cleaner from Emma Grün
- A soft microfiber cloth or sponge
- A clean, dry cotton cloth
- Talc powder or corn flour
- Newsprint
Removing grease stains from leather: step-by-step instructions
Once you have all the cleaning utensils and products you need, you can get started. With the help of the following instructions, you can do this in no time.
- Step 1: Make sure the leather is dry, dust-free and clean .
- Step 2: Mix some mild leather cleaner with water and dip the sponge or cloth into the soapy solution. Then wring out the cleaning utensil well so that it is only slightly damp.
- Step 3: Gently dab the grease stain. Be particularly careful and avoid rubbing too hard , as this may just push the stain deeper into the leather. Also make sure to work from the outside in. This will give you a satisfactory result and prevent the grease stain from spreading across the leather.
- Step 4: Now you have to let the cleaned leather air dry . You should avoid direct sunlight or heat sources such as a hair dryer.
Image source: Pixabay
- Step 5: If the dirt stain is still visible, you can apply talcum powder or corn flour to the stain before you treat it again with the leather cleaner. We recommend that you leave the household remedy to work overnight. This gives the household remedy enough time to absorb the excess grease from the material. The next day, you can carefully brush or tap off the powder. Use a clean, dry cloth to do this.
- Step 6: If the stain is still visible, you will need to repeat the process again or call a professional leather specialist.
Emma Green Tip: It is important to note that leather is delicate and aggressive cleaning methods or harsh chemicals can damage the material . Therefore, a gentle approach and patience are crucial for optimal results. If you feel unsure, it is always advisable to seek professional help to avoid damaging your leather.
Can unpleasant odors be removed from clothing and everyday objects using essential oils such as lavender oil?
Removing stains from textiles is a problem. But what about unpleasant smells that settle in the fabric over time? There is a remedy for this problem too. Removing unpleasant smells from textiles with lavender oil is a natural and effective method. The following instructions will help you to implement it.
These are the things you should get:
- Lavender oil by Emma Grün
- Empty spray bottle
- Water
- Mix lavender oil: Fill the empty spray bottle about halfway with water . Then add a few drops of lavender oil. The exact amount depends on the size of the bottle and your personal preference for the strength of the lavender scent. Usually 10-20 drops is enough .
- Bottle: Shake: Now you have to close the spray bottle securely and shake the contents well. This allows the lavender oil to mix optimally with the water and is ready for use.
- Spray fabric: Hang the affected items in a well-ventilated place or lay them flat on a clean surface. Spray your textiles evenly with the mixture of lavender oil and water. To avoid over-wetting, we recommend that you do not use too much.
- Allow to dry: Now the treated textiles must be left to air dry. The lavender oil can now penetrate the fibers and neutralize the unpleasant smell. If the smell has not been completely eliminated, you can repeat the process again.
Emma Green Tip: Lavender oil not only has a pleasant scent, but also has natural deodorizing properties that help neutralize unpleasant odors. This method works well for textiles such as clothing, bedding, curtains and carpets.
Conclusion
Grease stains can leave unsightly marks on both textiles and leather. However, with the right techniques and household remedies, the stains can usually be completely removed and your clothes or furniture will look like new again.
FAQ: Questions & Answers
What are the best home remedies for grease stains?
Baking soda, corn starch and soap are effective home remedies for grease stains. Baking soda and corn starch absorb the grease, while soap dissolves it.
Can I remove grease stains with water?
Grease stains cannot be removed with water alone. The reason for this is that grease and water do not mix. Therefore, you should always use a grease-dissolving agent for this type of stain.
How do I remove grease stains from wool carpets?
To remove grease stains from wool carpets, you should first dab off the excess grease and then sprinkle baking powder or corn starch on the stain. A mild textile cleaner or gall soap is suitable for pre-treatment.
Which products are suitable for removing grease stains from leather?
Sustainable leather cleaners or a mild soapy water are great for removing grease stains from leather. Enzyme-free detergent can also be helpful.
Is there a trick to remove grease stains more effectively?
Acting quickly is the key to effectively removing grease stains from fabrics and leather. The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it is to remove.
Sources
1. Home remedies and tips for greasy stains – https://www.brigitte.de/leben/wohnen/haushalt/fettflecken-entfernen--hausmittel-und-tipps-11075648.html
2. Remove oil stains from clothing – https://www.breuninger.com/de/editorial/ratgeber-flecken-entfernen/fett/#:~:text=Wie%20bekomme%20ich%20Fettflecken%20aus,eisenn%20Sie%20einzehn%20Male%20darüber.
3. Remove grease stains from clothing – https://utopia.de/ratgeber/fettfleck-aus-kleidung-entfernen-7-hausmittel/
4. Remove grease stains – https://www.cleanipedia.com/de/waesche/fettflecken-aus-kleidung-entfernen.html
5. Make your own laundry scent – https://www.heldengruen.de/blogs/atherische-ole/waescheduft-selber-machen
