How to Remove Grease Stains from the Home

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Please read the following information before starting any treatments to remove grease stains.

• If you have any doubts, ask for professional advice before treating the grease stain.
• Always read the washing/cleaning instructions on the fabric label.
• Check colour fastness and dye stability before treatments.
• Remember to test any treatment on a small hidden section of the material and if in any doubt, seek independent professional advice.
• Check colour fastness and dye stability before treatments.
• Avoid using enzyme-based detergents and stain removers on wool and silk fabrics. For delicate fabrics, it is best to consult professional dry-cleaning services.
• Detergents with strong colours will stain lightly coloured fabrics
• Never put a stained article into a hot wash or use hot dryer on it as the stain will set making it extremely difficult to remove. Use cool water for washing and rinsing these stains.
• Always work from the outside of the stain toward the centre.

How to remove Grease Stains on Washable Fabrics

• Put an absorbent towel under the stain.
• Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the grease and then drop a little cold water on to the stain to make a paste.
• Rub this mixture into the stain and wash as usual. Use a biological washing powder if appropriate.

OR

• Cover the entire grease spot with a propriety laundry soap or use colourless liquid dish detergent.
• Gently work detergent/soap into grease stain. If necessary let the soap soak into the stain for a few minutes
• Rinse the area with warm water.
• Repeat the above procedure until the stain is completely removed.
• If the situation and the washing instructions allow, wash the article in the washing machine on a warm setting, using a biological washing powder.
• If the stain is still there, do not put the fabric in the dryer but use a dry-cleaning solvent on the stain and then re-wash.

How to remove Grease Stains on Upholstery

Check all the above advice.

• If possible remove the chair covers and proceed as above for washible laundry items.
• Remember to always work from the outside of the stain towards the centre.
• Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch or talcum powder. This will absorb most of the liquid.
• Add a little propriety grease cleaner like Vanish, Dawn, colourless dish detergent or even a drop of hair shampoo. Rub this paste into the stain. Be very careful not to make the area too wet and soapy.
• If you have or can rent a shop wet and dry vacuum cleaner, it will suck up the cleaning mix, the stain and most of the water.

• If you have no Shop Vac, rinse the area with warm water using the dab and blot procedure. You may wish to put a few drops of white vinegar into the rinsing water to remove any of the remaining soap suds.
• Finish your dab and blot rinsing with a little clear warm water.
• Blot off as much of the water as possible before letting the natural warmth of the room dry off the upholstery fabric.
• If the stain is persistent you may wish to try using a solution of 1 Tbsp. salt to 4 Tbsp. rubbing alcohol and sponge this onto the stain, then dab and blot the area, one this occasion, in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
• If you do not have recourse to a Shop-Vac, Dry the area off as much as possible before leaving it in the air to dry.

How to remove Grease Stains from the Carpet

• If the stain is large or in a prominent position, it may be wise to call in the stain removal experts or professional carpet cleaner.
• If you wish to try to get the stain out yourself, make up a solution of equal quantities of ammonia and water plus a few drops of detergent.
• Spray this mix onto the stain and vacuum up immediately using a steam cleaner or Shop Vac. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
• When the carpet is dry, vacuum to restore the texture.

GOOD LUCK

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