Removing an ingrained grease stain on a garment
You washed an oil-stained garment and the stain is still there? Don't panic, we can still save it.
Recommended Materials
- Sommières earth (or talc)
- Marseille soap (the real one)
- Iron + absorbent paper
- Dishwashing liquid
Steps to follow
Step 1
If the stain is fresh (before washing): Immediately sprinkle with Sommières earth (ultra absorbent clay), talc or flour. Let the powder drink the grease for 2 hours, then brush. Do not rub with water at first, it fixes the grease.
Step 2
If the stain is old or has already been washed and dried (the nightmare):
Step 3
Method 1 (Heat): Place two sheets of absorbent paper (paper towel) on the stain and pass the hot iron over it (without steam). The heat liquefies the ingrained grease, the paper drinks it by capillarity. Change the paper and repeat until disappearance.
Step 4
Method 2 (Pure soap): Lightly wet the stain, rub vigorously with real Marseille soap (the green or beige cube) or degreasing dishwashing liquid to form a thick crust. Leave on for 1 hour dry before rewashing in the machine.
Step 5
Method 3 (Soda crystals): For resistant white cottons or tea towels, soak the garment in a basin of very hot water with a handful of soda crystals for an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
And on silk or wool ?
Sommières earth only. Sprinkle, leave on overnight, shake. No water, no rubbing, no hot iron.
Butter, motor oil, vinaigrette ?
It's grease. The treatment is the same. For sludge, first dab with a little butter (yes, fat to dilute black fat) before degreasing.
Precautions
- Always test on a hidden seam for fragile fabrics.
- Do not iron the stain directly without absorbent paper (it cooks it).
