How do you remove old stains from clothes?

Removing old greasy stains from clothes can be challenging, but there are effective solutions. We offer powerful products such as the HG stain away range and HG laundry pre-treat stain remover extra strong, which tackle even the most stubborn stains. There are also some practical methods you can try, such as soaking in warm water with washing-up liquid or gently dabbing the stain with a clean cloth. For the best results, it is important to treat stains promptly with the right products and methods, and to avoid exposure to heat. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions beforehand.

HG solutions for removing old greasy stains from clothes

To remove old greasy stains from clothes, we offer the following effective solutions:

• HG laundry pre-treat stain remover extra strong: This handy foam spray is enhanced with active oxygen and removes even the most stubborn stains from red wine, tea, fruit juice, chocolate, gravy, spinach, grass and soil from virtually all fabric types. Spray generously onto the stain, rub in, leave to work for a maximum of 5 minutes and wash directly in the washing machine with detergent.
• HG stain away no. 2: Specially developed for stains from oil, grease, shoe polish, felt-tip pen, cooking oil, chip pan fat, lubricating grease and stickers. Leave the stain to soak in the product for 10–15 minutes, rub fabric against fabric and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• HG stain away no. 3: For stains from candle wax, tar and resin. Leave the stain to soak in the product for 10–15 minutes, rub fabric against fabric and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

For more information and tips on removing stains from clothes, visit our page on how to remove stains from clothing.

Solutions for removing old greasy stains from clothes

Removing old greasy stains from clothes can be challenging, but there are some practical methods you can try. While these methods are not always guaranteed to work and may carry some risks, they are worth attempting:

• Rub the stain with washing-up liquid and soak the garment in warm water for a while before washing. Washing-up liquid can help loosen grease from the fibres.
• Apply baking soda to the stain, press it in gently and leave it for a few hours so it can absorb the grease. Brush it away afterwards and wash the garment as normal.
• Gently dab the stain with a clean, white cloth soaked in warm water to remove loose stain particles. Do not rub, as this can push the stain further into the fabric.
• Soak the garment in a bucket of warm water with a small amount of detergent before washing. Leave it to soak for an hour before putting it in the washing machine.

Remember that the result depends on the fabric type and age of the stain. Always test your chosen method first on an inconspicuous part of the garment to check it does not cause damage or discolouration. For stubborn greasy stains, we recommend going straight for HG stain away no. 2 or HG laundry pre-treat stain remover extra strong.

Causes of old greasy stains in clothes

Old greasy stains in clothes can be a stubborn problem. Here are some common causes of these stains and how to prevent them in future:

• Not treating greasy stains promptly: The longer you wait to treat a greasy stain, the harder it becomes to remove.
• Incorrect stain treatment: Using the wrong cleaning products or methods can actually push the stain further into the fabric.
• Not checking clothes before washing: If you put garments with greasy stains in the washing machine without pre-treatment, the stain can spread further and become harder to remove.
• Exposure to heat: Exposing greasy stains to heat, such as drying in a tumble dryer, can set the stain in the fabric and make it harder to remove.

To prevent old greasy stains in future, it is important to treat stains as soon as possible with the right cleaning products and methods. Check your clothes for stains before washing and treat them first. Avoid exposing greasy stains to heat until they are completely removed. For best results, it's important to treat stains promptly with the right products and methods, and avoid exposure to heat.