Easily Remove Grease Stains From Clothes With A Bathroom Essential You Already Own

Whether it's oil splatters from the stovetop, a drop of salad dressing, or that greasy shadow you didn't initially notice on your favorite shirt, grease stains are some of the most frustrating to get out of fabric. It seems the longer they sit, the worse they tend to get. Before you panic or toss that item into your donation pile, however, head to the bathroom, because one overlooked staple in your medicine cabinet might be the easiest fix you've never tried: baby powder. 

When applied to a fresh grease stain, baby powder's fine particles help soak up the oil, lifting it away from the fabric without setting the stain further. Just lay the stained item flat, sprinkle on a generous layer of powder, and gently press it in. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight before shaking or brushing it off, then continue to launder as usual. 

This trick isn't new, but it's getting fresh attention from DIYers across social media, and for good reason. Baby powder works best on fresh stains, but it's surprisingly effective even on spots you've already washed once. For extra-stubborn splotches, you can pair the powder with gentle scrubbing and dish soap. Or, if you'd prefer to try something from the kitchen instead, there's another method to remove grease stains from your laundry that's hiding in your kitchen.

If you've never tried baby powder before, you're about to find out that it's truly an essential when it comes to getting stains out of your clothes. When you use baby powder in this manner, it doesn't just sit on the surface — the fine texture allows it to pull oil out of fabric fibers without harsh chemicals or water-based dilution, which can sometimes lock in the stain instead of lifting it. In the end, it's a low-effort, low-mess option that works on a range of different fabrics and materials and doesn't require rushing out to the store to buy specialty cleaning products or solvents.

Plus, even if a stain has already been through the wash once, baby powder is still worth trying before you give up on that garment completely. Reapplying it to the affected area and rewashing may help fade or more fully remove what's left behind. Further, for those deeper-set stains or oil spots that seem too stubborn for one solution, you can find other tricks that work on 12 of the toughest laundry stains. 

Don't have baby powder on hand? Don't despair. If you're looking for a simple pantry backup, you can also make stains practically disappear by using cornstarch, which functions in much the same way as baby powder by absorbing excess grease and giving fabrics a second chance. Luckily, this simple household hack can help save that favorite sweater.