Fat stains on your clothes? Here are the products you can use to remove them easily

When we are cooking or eating it is not unusual that we get stains on our clothes. And removing oil or grease stains - fats, in particular, can be challenging. Fat stains are tough to shift and we're always on the look-out for effective treatments.

But accidents will happen, so let's check out some remedies you can take at home using natural products:

How to remove fat stains from clothes

Marco Verch Professional Photographer/Flickr

The first thing to do when our clothes get stained, is to immediately dab the area with paper towels or a clean cloth to pick up any fat that has not yet soaked in. This stops the stain from spreading.

Once you've done this, its time to apply other fat-absorbing products. Most of us have these products at home, so let's see what they are and how to use them:

Natural "absorbents"

Creativo

Two products are highly recommended as effective fat stain absorbers: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and talcum powder. Both in powder form, these products are excellent "stain lifters".

To ensure that they work effectively apply them to the fat stain/s as soon as possible. Use generously, covering the stains. Let the powder act for at least 30 minutes - even overnight, if necessary - and they will "suck up" the fat contained in the stains.

Once done, brush off the powder and put the clothes in a regular wash. Once washed and dried, the fat stains should be completely gone.

What can you use if you don't have talcum powder or baking soda?

If, however, you don't have any talcum powder or baking soda at home, you can use the following alternatives:

• Dishwashing liquid: Always remember to dab the stain first to remove any excess and then apply the detergent to the stain. Thanks to its degreasing properties and being gentle on fibers, dishwashing liquid will cut through the fat. Apply it undiluted or diluted (with water) directly onto the stain. The fat-removing effect should be almost immediate. Then scrub the stain gently, using a cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• White wine vinegar: Alternatively, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar diluted in equal parts. Soak a cloth in this mixture and treat the fat-stained area. Take care when drying to avoid streaks forming.

Whatever product and DIY method you choose, it is important to act as quickly as possible so that the fat does not become permanently fixed to the garment's fibers. How do you combat oil and grease stains?