How to Get Grease Out

Of all the different type stains that make their way into our homes, probably one of the toughest to deal with is a grease or oil based stain.

Grease out of Microfiber

· Blot the stain with a clean paper towel to get any extra grease out of the fabric.

· Cover stain with baking soda and let sit 15-20 minutes to absorb the grease.

· Vacuum up the soda.

· If stain persists, and it probably will, mix a few drops of dish detergent with a few drops of water and apply the stain.

· Rinse and blot with plain water mixed with a few drops of white vinegar.

· Rinse and blot with plain water. Dry.

Note: Be sure to always read manufacturer’s use and care instructions carefully prior to treating any stains.

Grease off of Wallpaper

· Wipe up as much as possible right at first.

· Make a paste out of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. (Some prefer to use cornstarch and water—either if fine.)

· Rub on stain and let sit until dry. Brush off. (This method helps pull the grease out of the paper and into the soda.)

· For remaining stain, if any, make a solution of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and water (approximately 1 cup water and 1 tsp. detergent), and rub gently onto the stain. Rinse.

Note: Depending on the wall paper, the age of the grease stain, and the type of grease, the stain may not be completely removed.

Grease out of Carpet

· Blot or scrape as much of the grease out of the carpet fibers as possible….using a clean paper towel or rag.

· Using a warm iron and clean paper towels, iron the spot to absorb up even more of the grease/oil.

· Cover the stain with baby powder, corn starch, or baking soda. Allow to sit a few hours to absorb oil up into the powder.

· Vacuum the area well.

· Sponge area with a warm soapy solution and allow to stand 5-10 minutes. Blot up.

· Rinse area with plain water. Blot dry.

Grease out of Oven Vent Filter

· After carefully removing the vent filter, place in a sink with very hot water and ammonia…5 parts water to 1 part ammonia, along with 1 TBS liquid dish detergent.

· Let sit 30 minutes.

· Using a soft bristle brush gently clean the filter of the grease and grime build up.

· Rinse in hot water.

Another option is to run it through the dishwasher with a little extra dishwasher detergent. If there is years of grease build up, you may want to place filter on a news print lined pan in the oven at 250°F for an hour or two. The grease will melt off the filter onto the paper, then you can run the filter through the dishwasher.

Grease off of Cement/Concrete

· Spread kitty litter, corn starch, or saw dust on the grease stain.

· Let sit for 24-48 hours, then sweep up.

· Scrub with a mixture of washing soda and water….making a paste, and using a scrub brush work the stained area in a circular motion.

· Rinse with hot water.

Another option is a product at Costco called Oil Eater, or BEHR Cleaner/Degreaser sold at Home Depot.

Desitin (or other diaper rash ointment)

· Blot and or scrape as much of the ointment out of the clothing or carpet with clean paper towels.

· Apply a degreasing liquid hand dishwashing detergent (such as Dawn), full strength, directly to the stain.

· Launder as usual for washable clothing items, or rinse and blot carpet well with clean rags and warm water.

Vaseline out of Clothing

· Lay the garment flat with a layer or two of a sturdy paper towel behind it.

· With a dull knife scrape as much of the Vaseline out as possible.

· With a warm iron, and another layer of clean paper towel on top of the stain, iron as much of the Vaseline out as possible.

· Spray stain with WD-40, let sit 15 minutes. Rinse in warm water.

· Next, cover stain with a degreasing liquid hand dishwashing detergent, let sit 15 minutes, rinse, and launder as usual.

Note:

WD-40 is a solvent, and much like turpentine or paint thinner, can break down grease, especially of a petroleum based grease like Vaseline. When using WD-40, you may have to treat for WD-40 residue ….using a little bit of rubbing alcohol.

GoJo Waterless Hand Degreaser is another option in place of WD-40.