Bike grease is probably the most stubborn stain you’ll ever deal with. After staining your clothes, you shouldn’t wash them with other garments until you get rid of the grease. Below is a summary of how to remove bicycle grease from clothing.
First, pre-treat the grease stain by covering it with bar soap, washing shampoo, dishwashing liquid, spot remover, or laundry detergent. Then try scrubbing off the stain with a soft toothbrush before washing it off. Lastly, wash the cloth with laundry detergent as per the manufacturer’s instructions before drying.
Alternatively, you can pre-treat the stain with natural and household supplies like baking soda, borax, vegetable oil, cornstarch, or lemon and vinegar mixture.
I’ll explain all these options so that you can have multiple ways to address bike grease.
How to Remove Bicycle Grease from Clothing Using Chemical Agents
Here are the chemical agents you can use.
1. Biological Laundry Detergent (Best for Removing Bicycle Grease on Synthetic Clothing)
When it comes to using a natural laundry detergent, you get to use it both at the pre-treat and washing stage.
The approach is generally effective against stains on synthetic fabric. Note, however, that this approach is not recommendable for delicate fabrics like wool and silk.
Supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Toothbrush
- Water
Process
Here are the steps to follow:
- Apply a small amount of detergent to the grease stain and rub it gently with a toothbrush
- Allow the detergent to act for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water
- After that, wash the clothing naturally as you usually do with detergent
- You’ve to add water to the detergent this time around
- Lastly, air-dry the clothes
If you want a plant-based, odor-free, and clear laundry detergent, consider getting the Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent. It’s gentle on the skin and kind to the environment but tougher on the skin.
2. Bar Soap or Washing Shampoo (Best for Removing Fresh Bicycle Grease From Clothing)
Soap or washing shampoo allows you to get rid of fresh stains before they can stick tight.
Supplies
- Bar soap/shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Vinegar
- Water
- Laundry detergent
Process
Here are the steps to follow:
- Cover the grease stain with soap or shampoo and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes
- Dampen the clothes with water and use a toothbrush to scrub off the stain
- Mix vinegar and water at a ratio of 1:2 and then use the mixture to soak the greased clothes for another 15 minutes
- Take out the clothes from the vinegar solution and wash them with detergent while paying attention to the manufacturer’s washing instructions
- Lastly, air-dry the clothing
3. Dishwashing Liquid (Best for Removing Bicycle Grease from Synthetic Clothing and Cotton)
Dishwashing liquid is strong enough to remove stains from synthetic fabric and cotton clothes.
Supplies
- Dishwashing liquid
- Laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Water
Process
Here are the steps to follow:
- Apply a few drops of the dishwashing liquid to the grease stain
- But if the bike grease is a little stubborn, consider adding baking soda to the liquid soap to make a thick paste and apply it
- Get an old toothbrush and use it to rub the paste gently
- Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water
- Now wash the clothes using laundry detergent and cold water
- Lastly, hang the clothes to dry
In case you are looking for a potent dishwashing liquid that saves on scrubbing and has a lovely scent, try considering the Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid (View on Amazon).
4. Spot Remover (Best for Non-Delicate Fabric)
You can use a spot remover to remove bike grease from clothing with a non-delicate fabric such as cotton or synthetic options.
Supplies
- Spot remover
- Toothbrush
- Hot water
- Coldwater
- Laundry detergent
Process
Here are the steps to follow:
- Apply a spot remover on the grease stain and then rub it gently using a toothbrush
- Allow the spot remover to act for a few minutes
- Put the greased clothing in a basin, bucket, or tub and then cover it with hot water
- Allow the water to cool before adding laundry detergent
- Then wash the clothes before air-drying them
Overall, you cannot go wrong with the Defunkify Stain Remover Spray. This spot remover promises to leave your greased clothes clean and fresh.
It works on all stubborn stains –grease, coffee, chocolate, pest mess –name it. Moreover, it promises no residue and fast action.
How to Get Bike Grease Out Of Clothes Using Natural and Home Supplies
1. Baking Soda/Bread Soda (Best for Silk and Wool)
Silk and wool fabrics require a softer cleaning agent, and baking soda happens to be one of them.
Supplies
- Baking soda
- Toothbrush
- Detergent
- Water
Process
Here are the steps to follow:
- Sprinkle some baking soda directly on the grease stains and allow the powder to act overnight
- Brush the powder off the following day
- Rinse the clothes before washing them, usually with detergent
- Lastly, air-dry them
2. Borax (Best for Strong Fabric)
Borax has the same properties as bread/baking soda. It’s, however, more aggressive than baking soda, which means it suits only strong fabrics.
Supplies
- Borax
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Toothbrush
- Laundry detergent
- Water
Process
Here are the steps to follow:
- Cover the grease stain with a mixture of borax and lemon juice and allow it to act for a few minutes
- Scrub off the stain before washing the clothes naturally with detergent and water
- Lastly, hang the clothes to dry
You can get borax powder at any grocery store or laundry shop. However, consider the 20 Mule Team All Natural Borax Laundry Detergent on Amazon if you cannot find any.
It not only boosts the performance of the detergent but also deodorizes your clothes. What’s more, it’s perfect against hard water deposits and stains.
Remember, however, to exercise caution when working with any borax product. Borax irritates the eyes and shouldn’t be ingested. So, use it away from the kids.
3. Lemon & Vinegar (Best for Strong Fabric)
Given that both lemon and vinegar possess some acidic properties, they are a good combination against bike grease. However, only use them on strong fabric.
Supplies
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Water
- Laundry detergent
- Toothbrush
Process
Here’s how to get grease out of a shirt using lemon and vinegar.
- Mix lemon and vinegar in equal parts to make a paste
- Apply the paste on the grease stain using a toothbrush and allow it to act for a few minutes
- Then wash it off with water
- Now wash the clothes normally and air-dry them afterward
4. Vegetable Oil (Best for Silk & Wool)
Coconut oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil are good options for getting rid of grease from clothes. Vegetable oil, however, doesn’t work alone as you have to mix it with a plant-based soap.
Overall, the mixture is perfect for silk and wool clothes.
Supplies
- Vegetable oil
- Plant-based soap
- Laundry detergent
- Soft toothbrush
- Warm water
- Lemon or lime
Process
Here’s how to get black grease out of clothes using vegetable oil:
- Make a thick paste from vegetable oil and soap
- Apply the paste on the grease stain and rub it gently using a soft toothbrush
- Allow it to act for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water
- You can add lime or lemon, or any other essence to the warm water to mask the vegetable oil smell
- Now wash the cloth according to the manufacturer instructions
5. Cornstarch (Best for Strong Fabric)
Cornstarch is a good stain remover when working with strong fabric.
Supplies
- Cornstarch
- Paper towels or dry rags
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Toothbrush
Process
Here are the steps to follow:
- Heap some cornstarch on the stain and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes
- Use a rag or paper towels to wipe the cornstarch away
- Rub some dish soap on the greasy area and enable it to also act for about 15 minutes
- Hand-wash the clothes normally with detergent before air-drying
How To Remove Bicycle Grease From Clothing Instantly (Without Washing)
Perhaps you are in the middle of a biking adventure, and you accidentally stain your clothes with grease. In such a case, you may wish to have a quick fix as you wait to go home and properly clean the clothes.
The good news is that you can do and here are your three options:
a) Instant Stain Remover (How To Remove Bike Grease From Clothing With Instant Stain Remover)
An instant stain remover is just what the name suggests. This option allows you to dissolve and get rid of a bike grease stain almost instantly.
One great pick is the Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover.
It removes bike grease instantly and doesn’t leave any mess behind. You can use it to get rid of not only oil but also coffee, sauce, wine, fruit juice, and other stubborn stains.
b) Degreaser Wipes (How To Remove Bike Grease From Clothing With Degreaser Wipes)
Degrease wipes are available locally in laundry stores and online. Remember, you can also use these wipes during the pre-treatment before washing the clothes normally.
One fantastic option is the MiracleWipes for Automotive – All-Purpose Cleaner. Its abrasive side allows you to get rid of grease stains almost immediately.
Relevant:
Closing Thought
Now you know how to remove bicycle grease from clothing. You can therefore apply any of the methods that you are comfortable with.
Hopefully, you’ll get to remove grease faster and with minimal effort.