How to get rid of stubborn grease stains on any surfaces: the best life hacks

Grease stains can be a real problem when washing clothes. Quickly penetrating deep into the fibers, they can permanently ruin your favorite item. Burnt-on grease stains in the oven, on a frying pan or stove top are also very difficult to remove.

Instead of using chemicals to remove grease or washing your clothes and hoping for the best, experts advise you to try effective life hacks that will definitely save surfaces and fabrics. You can use available ingredients: starch, salt, alcohol, and even chalk.

1. Chalk

Chalk is very effective at removing oil and grease stains from clothes. First, take a piece of plain white chalk and place the greasy clothes with cardboard between the top and bottom layers on a flat surface. Do not use colored chalk as the pigments can be absorbed into the fibers. Blot the stain and rub it with chalk. Wait about 10-15 minutes for the grease to absorb, remove excess dust with a toothbrush, and follow the usual hand or machine wash procedure.

Why this life hack works

The main ingredient in chalk is calcium carbonate, which has a very high level of absorption, making it effective for removing grease stains. Chalk works like cornstarch or baking soda. However, since chalk is a solid substance, it is easy to apply directly to the grease stain without spreading it all over the clothes.

2. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola removes grease stains from fabric and other surfaces. Pour the liquid directly onto the grease stains and leave it for several hours. For old or large stains, you can leave the product on overnight and then rinse with water.

Why this life hack works

Coca-Cola has unique properties and ingredients that help remove fat. Phosphoric acid is a powerful cleanser because it perfectly breaks down stains and dissolves fat molecules.

3. Corn starch

Try cornstarch to remove grease stains. This technique works well on both carpet and clothes. Pour it onto the stain, covering it completely, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Remove any residue from the carpet with a vacuum cleaner or gently brush and shake off excess cornstarch from your clothes before washing them as usual.

Why this life hack works

Cornstarch can soak up several times its weight in oil and water and get into tiny fibers to pull out grease. When you apply it to the stain, the granules work like little sponges to absorb the grease.

4. Salt and alcohol

Salt and alcohol is a powerful combination that can be used to fight grease stains. Pour a small amount of alcohol onto a clean white cloth. Gently blot the stain with the cloth, then take a pinch of table salt and sprinkle it liberally over the alcohol-soaked surface. Leave this mixture overnight to absorb the grease.

Why this life hack is effective

Alcohol is a solvent, its molecular structure allows it to break down fat and weaken bonds. Salt is an excellent absorbent, so this combination will help you eliminate the physical and chemical aspects of grease stains in one go.

5. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is a natural remedy for removing various stains from fabrics. Place the grease-stained garment on a flat surface, add a few drops of pure, undiluted eucalyptus oil to the stain. Rub the product into the fibers with light pressure, wearing protective gloves. The last step is to hand or machine wash.

Why this life hack works

Eucalyptus oil is a natural solvent. It interacts with fat and begins to dissolve it, breaking the bonds with the fabric. In addition, as a bonus, the antibacterial properties of the oil will help get rid of germs.

6. Rice flour

Sprinkle a thin layer of rice flour on the stain to completely cover it and leave it for several hours. Then use a dry cloth or soft brush to remove the residue. Ideally, you will see small lumps of flour that have absorbed the grease. Then follow the standard washing procedure.

Why this life hack works

The main ingredient in rice flour is very finely milled rice. The starch content binds the fat molecules, forming clumps that can be easily rinsed away.

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