To remove grease from a white t-shirt before putting it in the laundry basket, follow these steps:
Act quickly: The sooner you address the grease stain, the better the chances of successful removal.
Blot the stain: Use a clean paper towel or cloth to gently blot the grease stain. Do not rub the stain, as this can spread it and make it more challenging to remove.
Absorbent powder: Sprinkle some cornstarch, talcum powder, or baby powder onto the stain. These powders can help absorb the grease and make it easier to lift from the fabric.
Let it sit: Allow the powder to sit on the stain for at least 15-20 minutes. The longer it sits, the better it can absorb the grease.
Brush off the powder: After the waiting period, use a clean brush or a dry cloth to brush off the powder gently. Be careful not to spread the stain further.
Pre-treat with dish soap or liquid laundry detergent: Apply a small amount of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent directly to the grease stain. Gently rub it into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush.
Let it sit again: Leave the dish soap or detergent on the stain for another 10-15 minutes. This will allow it to break down the grease further.
Rinse with cold water: Rinse the stained area with cold water to remove the soap and loosened grease. Hold the fabric under the tap or use a damp cloth to blot the area.
Check the stain: Inspect the t-shirt to see if the grease stain is still visible. If it's mostly gone, you can proceed to wash the shirt as usual. If the stain persists, you may need to repeat the pre-treatment steps before washing.
Wash the t-shirt: Finally, wash the white t-shirt in the washing machine using cold water and an appropriate laundry detergent. Check the garment's care label for specific washing instructions.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid using hot water to treat the grease stain, as it can set the stain further into the fabric.
- Don't put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Heat can set the stain, making it more difficult to remove later.
- If the grease stain is particularly stubborn or if you're dealing with an older stain, consider using a commercial stain remover or seek professional cleaning advice.
Remember, every fabric is different, so it's a good idea to test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of the t-shirt before applying it to the stained area.