How To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes: 15 Easy DIY Methods!
How to get the grease smell out of clothes- this is the common question that haunts us whenever we have a run-in with stubborn stains.
Starting from the motor oil stains to the cooking oil there are many chances to face greasy smell from your clothes.
When this stench feels clinging to your favorite fabric this can turn more frustrating, right?
So, today in this article we will be sharing some easy tips to know the ways on how to get grease smell out of clothes without damaging the fabric.
So, let’s delve in! Firstly,
Why Does Grease Smell Stick To Clothes So Stubbornly?
Rightly knowing the ways to get away with the grease smell from the clothes, it is important to know the main cause.
Grease/oil isn’t water soluble, so there is a high chance of hanging with the fabric for a long time.
Tackling grease stains needs some extra methods over traditional laundry.
Here’s What You’re Up Against:
- Cooking oils, butter, or fatty food splashes
- Mechanical grease (like car oil)
- Body oils that mix with sweat
How To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes: 15 Easy DIY Methods!
Here are the best ways to know how to get the grease smell out of clothes using simple DIY methods:
1. Dish Soap Treatment
Dish soap is specifically formulated to break down greasy oils, making it an ideal pre-treatment for clothes with lingering grease smells.
Apply a few drops directly to the affected area and gently scrub to create a lather.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before washing.
2. Vinegar Soak To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes
White vinegar is a powerful natural deodorizer that breaks down grease particles trapped in fabric fibers.
To use, mix one cup of vinegar with cold water in a basin and soak your clothes for 30 minutes.
The vinegar dissolves oils and neutralizes odors, preparing the garment for a regular wash.
Suggested Read: Why Does Malt Vinegar Smell Bad? Unmasking The Hidden Cause!
3. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda’s odor-absorbing and mild abrasive properties make it excellent for tackling grease smells.
Create a thick paste by mixing baking soda with water and applying it to the greasy, smelly areas.
Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then scrub gently before washing the clothes to remove odors effectively.
4. Lemon Juice Freshener
Lemon juice’s natural acidity helps cut through greasy residues while also acting as a freshening agent.
Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the smelly spots of your clothes, let it soak for about 15 minutes, and rinse off thoroughly.
The citric acid helps dissolve the grease and neutralize lingering odors.
5. Pre-Wash With Coca-Cola
The acidity in Coca-Cola can help break down stubborn grease particles on fabric.
Pour one can of cola directly into the washing machine along with your dirty clothes.
The phosphoric acid in cola helps loosen greasy residues, making it easier for your detergent to wash away the smell during the cycle.
6. Activated Charcoal Deodorizer
Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber that can effectively eliminate grease smells without washing.
Place the smelly garment in a sealed plastic bag with a few pieces of activated charcoal. Leave it overnight, allowing the charcoal to absorb trapped odors.
This method is particularly useful for delicate fabrics that can’t be washed frequently.
7. Vodka Spray To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes
Vodka’s high alcohol content makes it an effective odor neutralizer for greasy smells.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vodka and water, then lightly mist the smelly areas of your clothes.
The alcohol evaporates quickly, lifting grease odors as it dries. This method works well as a quick, on-the-go solution.
Suggested Read: What To Do With Vintage Glass Bottles: 16 Top Creative Ideas!
8. Cornstarch Absorption
Cornstarch is great at absorbing oils from fabric, making it a useful remedy for grease smells.
Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch on the greasy areas of the clothing, gently pat it in, and let it sit for at least an hour.
The cornstarch absorbs the oils, reducing odors before you wash.
9. Essential Oil Boost To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes
Essential oils, such as tea tree or eucalyptus, have natural deodorizing properties that can mask and help remove greasy smells.
Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to your laundry detergent before washing.
The essential oils not only help eliminate odors but also leave your clothes smelling fresh and fragrant.
Suggested Read: How To Make Your Bathroom Smell Like A Spa: 20+ ‘Scent’-Sational Ways
10. Enzyme-Based Detergent
Enzyme-based detergents contain special proteins that break down oils and fats, making them ideal for removing grease smells from clothes.
Pre-treat the affected areas by applying the detergent directly onto the grease spots and letting it sit for 15 minutes.
Then, wash the garment as usual to effectively remove odors and stains.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach and natural deodorizer that breaks down grease molecules trapped in the fabric.
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, and soak the affected areas for about 10 minutes.
The solution helps lift stubborn stains and neutralize smells. Rinse thoroughly before placing the clothes in the washing machine.
12. Borax Booster To Get Grease Smell Out of Clothes
Borax is a laundry additive that enhances the cleaning power of regular detergent, especially against grease.
Add half a cup of borax to your washing machine along with your usual detergent.
Its alkaline nature helps break down grease, eliminate odors, and improve overall cleanliness, leaving clothes smelling fresh and free from residues.
13. Coffee Grounds Odor Absorber
Coffee grounds are excellent natural deodorizers that absorb unpleasant odors without leaving stains.
Place dry coffee grounds in a breathable bag (such as a sock) and seal it in a plastic bag with the smelly garment overnight.
The coffee grounds will absorb the greasy smell, leaving your clothes fresher without the need for additional washing.
14. Use Listerine to get grease smell out of clothes
Listerine’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it surprisingly effective for removing grease smells.
Add a small capful of Listerine to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
The mouthwash helps kill odor-causing bacteria and leaves a refreshing scent.
This method works well for heavily soiled clothes needing extra odor elimination.
15. Sunlight Drying
Drying clothes in direct sunlight is a simple yet powerful way to remove lingering odors.
The ultraviolet rays from the sun naturally kill bacteria and break down odor molecules.
Hang your freshly washed clothes outside on a sunny day for a few hours.
This method not only eliminates grease smells but also leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean.
Suggested Read: Does Sunlight Kill Mold: How Well Is Sunlight Against Mold?
Conclusion
So, here are the tried and tested methods to get the grease smell out of clothes.
Most of the above-mentioned ways are natural ranging from baking soda to mild vinegar.
Make sure you follow the tricks carefully and let us know in the comments how it works.
How To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes: Frequently Asked Questions
1. how to get grease smell out of clothes without washing?
In order to get the grease smell out of clothes without washing you can sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas to absorb the bad odors and seal it in the charcoal bag. Next day dry them in the natural sunlight for a flawless presence.
2. How to remove restaurant smells from clothing?
To remove restaurant smells from clothing you can use vodka-water spray to first neutralize the odors and then soak in the natural sunlight to get away with added bacteria.
3. Will putting greasy clothes in the dryer make it worse?
Yes! Keeping the greasy clothes directly in the dryer will intensify the odors and there are also chances fo the odor to remain in the laundry tub. Make sure to treat it naturally before washing.
Suggested Reads:
- Why Does My Laundry Room Smell Like Sour Milk: 8 Top Causes!
- Can I Add Vinegar To My Laundry For A Fresh Smell? Must Read
