Don’t Know How to Remove Car Grease Stains from Clothes? Discover the Best Tips

Car grease stains on clothes are some of the most stubborn and annoying stains to remove, especially when we work with second-hand or vintage clothing. Car grease sticks strongly to fabrics and, if not treated properly, we may lose a garment that still has potential.

As vintage wholesale suppilers, we will tell you effective methods to remove car grease stains from clothes without damaging the fabric.
In this article, we share the best tips and techniques that we personally use to recover garments and keep them in great condition for resale or personal use.

Why Are Car Grease Stains So Hard to Remove?

Before tackling the stain, it’s important to understand why car grease sticks so stubbornly to clothing. The better we understand it, the easier it will be to remove.

Car Grease Penetrates Deep Into Fabric Fibres

When car grease falls on clothing, it quickly penetrates the fibres and creates a film that repels water.
This is why a regular wash usually isn’t enough.

To remove it, we need products that break down or absorb the grease before washing.
If we act quickly, the grease won’t have time to fully set.

Acting Fast Is Key to Removing Car Grease Stains from Clothes

If we let too much time pass, the grease dries and sticks even more to the fabric. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to remove.

From our point of view, it’s always better to act within the first few hours by applying one of the methods we’ll share below.

The sooner we treat the stain, the better our chances of saving the garment.

The Best Methods to Remove Car Grease Stains from Clothes

We’ve tried different techniques to remove car grease stains from clothes, and these are the ones that have worked best for us.

Apply Dishwashing Detergent Directly

Degreasing dishwashing detergent is one of the fastest and most effective solutions.

Steps:

1. Apply the detergent directly to the stain.

2. Gently rub with your fingers or a small brush.

3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

4. Wash the garment as usual.

This method works especially well if we apply it shortly after the garment gets stained.

Use Baking Soda to Absorb the Grease

Baking soda is highly effective at absorbing excess grease and neutralising residue.

Steps:

1. Cover the stain generously with baking soda.

2. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

3. Gently brush off the baking soda.

4. Wash the garment as usual.

Baking soda is perfect for delicate fabrics or when we want to avoid aggressive products.

Clean the Stain with Talcum Powder and a Brush

Talcum powder acts as an absorbent and is ideal for treating fresh stains.

How to use it:

1. Sprinkle plenty of talcum powder on the stain.

2. Let it absorb the grease for about an hour.

3. Gently brush off the powder.

4. Wash the garment as usual.

This method is especially useful for light-coloured clothing and delicate fabrics.

Use Industrial Degreasers for Tough Stains

When the stain is dry or deeply embedded, industrial degreasers are a good option.

Tips:

• Use a degreaser suitable for clothing (not for hard surfaces).

• Apply a small amount to the stain and gently rub.

• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and wash thoroughly.

We recommend testing this method on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the fabric isn’t damaged.

Wash with Hot Water Only If the Garment Allows It

Hot water helps dissolve grease faster, but it’s not suitable for all fabrics.

We should always:

• Read the garment’s care label carefully.

• Avoid hot water on delicate fabrics like silk or synthetics.

If the garment allows it, washing with hot water greatly improves the cleaning results.

Tips to Avoid Damaging Clothes When Removing Car Grease Stains

When trying to remove car grease stains from clothes, it’s essential to be careful not to damage the garment during the process.

We recommend:

• Always checking the care label to know the correct temperature and washing method.

• Testing on a hidden area before applying strong products.

• Avoiding excessive scrubbing to prevent fabric damage.

From our experience, the more care we put into this step, the better results we achieve without harming the garment.

Car grease stains on clothes may seem impossible, but with the right methods and quick action, they can be successfully removed.

In our shop, we help resellers and vintage clothing enthusiasts keep their garments in perfect condition. If you want more tips or are looking for high-quality second-hand clothing, contact us and we’ll help you select the best stock for your business.

Taking care of clothes is taking care of your business. Let’s start today.