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lynn_nevins

Need help removing 'grease' stain from pants

9 years ago

I swear I successfully posted earlier but now I don't see my post,.

So long story short...dark navy cotton pants...but the color is a somewhat 'washed' navy blue color...always had slight variation in navy color on fabric.

Recently noticed 'grease' looking stain, but only noticed it AFTER it came out of the wash. I read that you can spray WD40 on grease stain...let it sit for 30 mins...throughly rinse.... add dishwash soap...rub fabric into lather...rinse again...then put in regular laundry. I did that and now the area sprayed with WD40 seems to have LARGER stain from all the WD40. And I CAN still smell a bit of the WD40. Not sure what next steps to take. Any ideas?


Tx!

Comments (14)

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    also...didn't there used to be a box to check, to indicate whether or not I want to be notified (via email) of replies in this thread? I see no such option anymore...

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Lestoil? After a few dozen washes most stains fade away anyway

  • 9 years ago

    Soak in as hot of water as the fabric will take for a couple hours with Dawn and oxy. Then wash.

  • 9 years ago

    I would try Dawn or liquid Tide if you have it. Apply, rub, let soak in a while then wash.

  • 9 years ago

    Agree with the Dawn idea. I also shake a little STPP on top and rub it into the Dawn. Pretty good luck.

  • 9 years ago

    "Lynn Nevins: also...didn't there used to be a box to check, to indicate whether or
    not I want to be notified (via email) of replies in this thread? I see
    no such option anymore...
    "

    I believe the system automatically enables notifications when a new topic is started, or a reply is made to an existing topic in which you have never participated. Look way down at the bottom of the topic page, below the advertisements, there should be a link to "opt in" or "opt out" for notifications (but it doesn't appear on an existing topic you're reading in which you have never posted anything). May need to force a refresh to see the link.

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks all. Btw I don't see any opt in/out option even below the ads. But either way I DID get email notifications of the above replies. ;-) I only have 'natural' detergents and dishwash liquid in my home, so not sure if the Dawn is suggested because it has some stronger chemicals, or if my Seventh Generation dishwash soap will work. Also, what is STPP that someone mentioned?

    Tku

  • 9 years ago

    Dawn is a terrific grease fighter. It will outdo most anything else. Seventh Generation will not do the same thing. I'll let someone with experience explain STPP.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    STPP is sodium tripolyphosphate, a complex phosphate compound (powder) which was in laundry and dishwasher detergent back in the day before phosphates were eliminated. It can be found via Amazon sellers, eBay, and other online sources. STPP differs from TSP (trisodium phosphate, used for paint prep, driveway cleaning, etc., can be found at Home Depot and such) in that TSP generates a precipitate when binding to mineral content in water and STPP does not.

    This is what I see on this topic thread regards to opt-in for reply notifications. It varies depending on what are the available choices, and (for me) does not appear at all on topics I did not start and have not yet posted a reply.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I've always had good luck just using Spray and Wash or Shout it Out on grease stains. Even ones that have gone through the dryer. I guess I should clarify food type grease stains. I spray the stain with the stain remover, use a brush...add a little water and scrub a little more with the brush and toss the item in the wash.

  • 9 years ago

    Dawn's a good start. I'd also try a hand cleaner geared toward mechanics, like Goop. Maybe some baking soda to absorb the grease overnight.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Ecover has a stain remover. It is one of my favorite products and removes oil based stains even after it has set. It runs about $3. Dab it on the stain and let it sit for a few hours or a week and try it again. I have never tried it with synthetic oil like WD40 but it lifts all oil based stains from food and body products.

    Good luck!

  • 9 years ago

    Carbona stain pretreat for Fat, Grease &Oil. Most grocery stores and also JoAnn fabric stores sell it. Let sit on stain 5-10 minutes, then launder in Warm water (100°F) which might be "hot" setting in your washer. This works after all else has failed me. When it does not, the stain is terminally set.

    You could also try CitraSolve, a citrus based turpene.