Step 1: The Pre-Treatment Power Punch
Before anything else, you need to break down that grease. This is where simple household heroes come into play!
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Absorb the Excess (Optional, but Recommended for Old Stains): If the stain is particularly thick or old, start by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda, cornstarch, or even baby powder over the entire greasy area. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours, to allow the powder to soak up as much oil as possible. You might see the powder clump as it absorbs the grease.
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Why this works: These powders are highly absorbent and will draw out the oil that has settled deep into the fabric fibers, making the next step more effective.
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The Dish Soap Attack: Gently brush off the absorbent powder. Now, reach for your trusty liquid dish soap (the kind you use to wash dishes by hand – it’s designed to cut grease!).
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Apply: Apply a small dab of dish soap directly onto the stain.
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Rub It In: Using your fingers or a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works wonders!), gently rub the soap into the fabric. Work it in thoroughly from the edges of the stain towards the center.
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Let it Soak: Allow the dish soap to sit on the stain for at least 15-30 minutes. For really stubborn, set-in stains, you can let it sit for several hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the more time it has to break down the grease.
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Step 2: Wash with Vigor (and the Right Temperature!)
Now that the grease has been pre-treated, it’s time for the wash cycle.
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Rinse First: Before tossing it in the machine, give the stained area a quick rinse under warm water to remove any excess dish soap.
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Hot Water Heroics: Place the garment in your washing machine. Add your usual heavy-duty laundry detergent. Select the hottest water setting that is safe for your fabric, according to the care label. Hot water helps to emulsify and lift the remaining grease.
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Pro Tip: For extra tough stains, you can add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle as a natural booster!
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