How to Remove Grease Stains from Clothes with Cornflour

Grease stains on clothes are very common after a good meal, particularly when they land on favourite wardrobe items. Although many people immediately turn to specialist stain removers or dry cleaners, simple and affordable methods can help tackle the issue at home, using kitchen staples such as cornflour, bicarbonate of soda and mild washing-up liquid.

How does cornflour work on a grease stain on clothing?

Once oil comes into contact with fabric, it spreads through the threads and clings to the fibres, making it harder to remove. Cornflour acts as an absorbent: its microscopic particles draw in some of the grease, reducing the amount trapped in the garment.

This method works best while the oil is still wet, so acting quickly matters. Covering the affected area with cornflour shortly after the spill creates a powder layer that comes into direct contact with the grease and helps prevent it from soaking deeper into the fabric.

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How to remove a grease stain from clothing with cornflour step by step

When treating oil stains on fabrics with cornflour, it is important to work gently and take the type of material into account. This helps prevent the grease from spreading further or the garment from becoming damaged, especially if it is light-coloured or particularly delicate.

1. Remove excess oil: if there is a build-up of grease, gently press a paper towel or clean cloth onto the area without rubbing.
2. Cover with cornflour: apply a thick layer of cornflour over the grease stain on the clothing, ensuring the whole affected area is covered.
3. Allow time to work: leave the powder in place for around 10 to 20 minutes so it can absorb oil from the outermost fibres.
4. Remove the powder: carefully brush it away with a soft-bristled brush, or shake the garment to remove the grease-soaked powder.
5. Apply mild washing-up liquid: place the stained section on a light-coloured cloth, with the stained side facing down, then apply small amounts of mild washing-up liquid diluted with water to the inside of the fabric.
6. Rinse with cold water: rinse the area under cold running water, removing both the washing-up liquid and remaining grease.
7. Initial drying: lightly press a dry cloth onto the area to remove excess moisture without rubbing, then check whether the stain has faded.
8. Wash as normal: following this pre-treatment, wash the garment in a washing machine using cold water and following the care-label instructions.

When does a grease stain on clothing need extra care?

Not every oily fabric stain responds well to home methods, particularly on very delicate garments. Clothes labelled “dry clean only” require extra caution and, in many cases, are best taken to a professional dry cleaner.

• Silk items, fine wool garments and clothes with embroidery may be damaged by excessive friction.
• Garments that have already been washed and dried at high temperatures often have grease more firmly embedded in their fibres.
• Strong or very dark colours may fade if they are rubbed with unsuitable products.

Which household products can help besides cornflour?

Cornflour is only one of several household aids for removing grease, and some everyday kitchen products can improve the result. The key is to use them promptly and always consider the fabric’s characteristics, testing on an inconspicuous area if there is any uncertainty.

• Bicarbonate of soda: it can work as a mild abrasive and help absorb oil, usually when applied as a paste with a little water.
• White school chalk: useful for small, fresh stains, it is rubbed over the greasy area to absorb some of the oil.
• Washing-up liquid: formulated to break down grease molecules, it is generally applied in a small amount directly to the affected area on more robust fabrics.

In general, responding quickly, avoiding hot water at the start, and not using an iron or tumble dryer before the stain has fully disappeared greatly improves the chances of restoring the garment. This combination of straightforward methods is often enough to save clothes that initially appear ruined by grease.