How to Remove Set-In Grease Stains from Laundry

o I need to emphasize how much I detest doing the laundry? It’s an uphill task that I can’t seem to appreciate, even with my charming laundry closet. I’ve tried to find joy in it, honestly, I have! But dealing with persistent grease stains used to be the worst aspect of it all. I found myself repeatedly washing my husband’s shirts with different sprays and stain removers, only to find those stubborn stains still glaring at me. Then, like a miracle, a friend of my mom suggested a trick… and believe me, it was a game-changer!

Cleaning advice isn’t typically what I share on my blog, but I was so thrilled to discover a solution that eased my laundry burden, that I felt I must pass it on. Maybe there are others out there, like me, who are battling the same daunting challenge! Please note that this post may contain some affiliate links.

I’m honestly at a loss as to the origin of these incessant grease stains, but it’s almost as if they’ve waged a war against every shirt in my husband’s wardrobe! Numerous readers have proposed that the culprits could be fabric softener or dryer sheets, but considering that I don’t use those, that theory doesn’t apply to us. If you’re facing a similar issue, it might be worth scrutinizing.

Despite my diligent attempts, nothing seemed to get rid of these stains, and we ended up discarding countless of his polo shirts only to buy new ones. The situation had become so exasperating that I was nearly pulling my hair out every laundry day!

A friend of my mother suggested using Dawn Platinum Erasing Dish Foam as a solution to our grease stain problem. Primarily designed to clean dishes by soaking up grease, she mentioned that it worked wonders on laundry as well. Intrigued and desperate, my mom gave it a shot and confirmed its effectiveness. Taking their word, I decided to give it a go as well. Initially, I purchased it from Target a couple of times, but its availability was somewhat unpredictable. Therefore, I’ve decided to switch to Amazon to purchase the refill bottles in the future.

The unique feature of this soap is its foamy consistency upon pumping, and a small dollop goes quite a distance. Simply apply a small amount directly onto each grease stain.

Rub the dish soap into the fabric using your fingers, ensuring the whole stained region is coated.

Allow the Dawn Platinum Erasing Dish Foam to sit on the clothes for about five minutes before proceeding with the wash.

Use your regular detergent and wash the clothes following the recommended settings. I personally choose to wash all my clothes in cold water using Tide Coldwater Clean.

In case the grease or oil stain persists, retreat the spot with the Dawn erasing foam and repeat the process. There have been a few instances of stubborn set-in stains that required two or three washes, but most are eliminated after just one treatment, even if the stained shirt had previously been washed and dried.

I’ve tested this method only on cotton, poly, and denim materials. If you encounter a stain on a more delicate fabric, I’d advise testing the Dawn erasing foam on an inconspicuous area first.

Finding this solution to eradicate the persistent grease and oil stains has been a tremendous relief! While I still don’t find joy in doing laundry, I have one less annoyance to contend with!

So, what’s your go-to laundry tip for dealing with stubborn or set-in stains? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!