Pizza time! It’s a favorite pastime for many of us, noshing on that delicious cheesy goodness and savoring the flavor with each bite. But sometimes, accidents happen; your kid bumps into you, or your grand idea to twirl a slice around your fork goes awry, or the dripping cheese simply decides to dive into your favorite shirt.

Well, don’t worry just yet, because these 10 easy methods will help you get that pesky pizza stain out of your clothes.

Pre-Treat the Pizza Grease Stain

Grease stains, especially the ones with spices like pizza grease, should be tended to immediately—they can leave an orangish-brown stain even after a hundred washes.

And the longer the stain sits on your clothing, the harder it is to get out. But it’s not always convenient to head to the washer right away; you can be out and about pizza-ing when the unexpected happens. In these cases, try these rescue treatments to lower the risk of permanent damage:

1. Carefully scrape away any solid pieces of grease or crust using a dull object like a butter knife.
2. Blot the stain using a paper towel, beginning from the outside and moving toward the center. But try not to rub it; it could spread the grease further into the fabric.
3. Rinse the stain under cold water, again avoid rubbing, and simply press down on it with your hand to work out some of the remaining greases. Use a clean towel to soak up any excess liquid.
4. Or if you can’t wet the clothes, try using some hand sanitizer and dab it on the stain to dissolve it.
5. Or sprinkle a little bit of salt, talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking soda directly on the stain to soak up the oils until you can reach the next step.

Now onto the main event! Here are 7 tried-and-true methods for removing pizza grease stains from your clothes:

1. Use a Laundry Detergent with Enzymes

Enzyme-based laundry detergents are designed to cut down stubborn grease and ease the washing process. They’re much more concentrated than regular detergents and can effectively break down food particles.

BioKleen Bac-out and Persil ProClean are good choices, but you can use whichever enzyme detergent you prefer.

You’ll need:

• Laundry detergent that contains enzymes
• Sponge or an old toothbrush
• Water

How to do it:

1. Mix a scoop of the detergent in half a cup of water and stir until the powder dissolves.
2. Dab the mixture onto the stain with a sponge or an old toothbrush. Gently rub it into the fabric in slow circular motions until you start seeing some of the grease coming up onto your cleaning tool. Do not scrub aggressively, as this could damage the fabric.
3. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then saturate it again with water and rub it until all the detergent has been washed away.
4. Finally, toss it in the washing machine and launder it as you normally would.

2. Use Dishwashing Liquid

Since dishwashing soaps are made to clean all kinds of kitchen grease, they also make an excellent choice for removing stubborn stains from clothes. Just make sure you use bleach-free ones, as bleach can damage colored fabrics. Froch, Dawn, and Seventh Generation are all good options.

You’ll need:

• Dishwashing liquid
• Sponge (optional)

How to do it:

1. Dab some warm water onto the stain, just enough to dampen it.
2. Squirt a small amount of dish soap onto the cloth and use your fingers and gently rub it into the stain. You can use a sponge if you prefer.
3. Let the soap sit for about 5 minutes to break down the fats.
4. Rinse the stain with warm water and rub it until all the soap residue has been removed.
5. If signs of grease are still visible, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.
6. We recommend following up with a regular laundry cycle because dishwashing soaps may leave a residue or odor on the fabric.

3. Spray Laundry Stain Remover

This method is best if you’re on the go and don’t have time for a full pre-treat or laundry cycle. Quick laundry sprays like Shout Advanced Gel or Spray’ n Wash can easily cut through oils and grease.

You’ll need:

• Laundry stain remover spray
• Laundry detergent
• Soft brush
• Water

How to do it:

1. Dampen the stain with warm water.
2. Spray or squirt the stain remover onto the fabric and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
3. Rub some mild detergent or soap into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush if necessary; this will help break down any remaining oily residue and remove the stain remover, which could cause discoloration later.
4. Alternatively, put your garment in the washing machine with a scoop of laundry detergent, and run it through a regular cycle.

Some fabrics like velvet, silk, or wool clothes may not be suitable for this method. Also, the dyed fabric might fade due to the chemicals in the spray. So make sure you read any instructions on the product label before use to test it in an inconspicuous area to be sure.

4. Sprinkle Baking Soda

Coming into a few DIY solutions for grease stains, baking soda is one of the most effective, and it’s also a lot safer than using harsh chemicals. But it still may be a bit abrasive to certain delicate fabrics, so test it on a small area first.

You’ll need:

• Baking soda
• Soft brush or sponge
• Water

How to do it:

1. Either dampen the stain with warm water and sprinkle some baking soda over it or make a thick paste from baking soda and water and spread it over the grease stain.
2. Let it sit for between five to ten minutes. Then gently rub with a soft brush or sponge in circular motions.
3. Rinse the spot with warm water and repeat the process until all of the oil has been removed.
4. Wash the affected area with a mild detergent and warm water to remove any leftover baking soda residue. And then run a regular laundry cycle.

5. Apply DIY Cleaning Paste

For those pesky, hard-to-remove grease stains, you can make your own DIY cleaner with a combination of cornstarch/talcum powder, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar.

Each element works independently to attack the stain in its own way; the cornstarch or talcum powder absorbs the surface grease, the vinegar breaks down the oils, and the dishwashing liquid lifts the residue away from the fabric. Together they make a powerful stain-removal tool.

You’ll need:

• 2 Tbsp Cornstarch or talcum powder
• 1 tbsp Dishwashing liquid
• 3 tbsp White vinegar
• Soft brush or sponge
• Water

How to do it:

1. Mix the cornstarch or talcum powder, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar in a small bowl to form a thick paste. You can add more or less of each ingredient to make the paste as thick or thin as you need.
2. Spread the paste directly to the stain using a soft brush or sponge and gently rub in a circular motion.
3. Then rinse with cold water (not warm as the vinegar could set the stain) and repeat until all of the oil has been removed.
4. You’ll need two or three cycles of this process to remove the grease completely.
5. Once it is gone, put the item of clothing in the washing machine and run it through a regular cycle with detergent.

6. Apply Bleach

If you have a really stubborn old stain of pizza grease or any other type of oil, you may want to turn to bleach. But before using it, always check the care instructions on your garment (you’ll likely find a symbol that says if it’s safe to use bleach).

Plus, most bleach products are unsuitable for colored fabrics as they can cause discoloration. So it’s best to use this method for white items only or buy a color-safe chlorine-free bleach instead.

You’ll need:

1. Bleach (or color-safe bleach if needed)
2. Water
3. Detergent

How to do it:

1. Prepare the bleach according to the instructions on the label. Some products are ready to use, while others need to be diluted.
2. Dampen the stain with water and apply the bleach directly over it.
3. You don’t need to scrub the stain on this one; it might even worsen it.
4. Let the bleach sit for about 3-5 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
5. Finally, put it in the washing machine and run it through a regular cycle with detergent.

Ensure you don’t leave the bleach for more than recommended, as it could damage the fabric. And don’t repeat this method too many times, or the fabric may start to fade.

7. Use a Dry-Cleaning Product

A dry-cleaning product is the best solution for delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere you don’t want to wet or put in the washing machine. They come in all sorts of forms, like aerosol sprays, solvents, sticks, and wipes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

You’ll need:

• Dry-cleaning product (spray, solvent, stick or wipe)
• Towel or cloth

How to do it:

1. Read the instructions on the product and test a small hidden area of your garment first.
2. Place the towel under the stain to avoid transferring it to other areas of the fabric.
3. Then clean the stain with a damp cloth or sponge to lift the surface grease.
4. Apply the dry-cleaning product directly to the stain and let it soak for a few minutes.
5. If it still doesn’t remove the stain, use a brush or sponge to scrub it gently.
6. Keep applying the product until you are satisfied with the results.
7. Remember that you might not be able to remove all the stains, but don’t worry; it will still be much less visible.
8. Finally, wipe away any residue with a clean cloth or sponge and let the garment air dry.

Conclusion

Removing pizza grease stains can be challenging, but with these steps, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you use baking soda, dishwashing liquid, or a dry-cleaning product, the key is to be patient and willing to try a few different methods until you find the best solution. With some elbow grease, your garment will look as good as new.

P.S. Don’t forget to check the care instructions on your garment and test a small hidden area before applying any product. Better safe than sorry!

FAQs

Does Pizza Grease Stain?

Yes, pizza grease can leave an orangish-brown stain on fabrics. It’s usually a combination of oil, cheese, and tomato sauce and can be pretty stubborn if left untreated. But with the right approach and cleaning products, you can quickly get rid of the stain.

What’s the Best Way to Remove Pizza Grease Stains?

The best way to remove pizza grease stains is to use a combination of baking soda, dishwashing liquid, and sometimes bleach, depending on the fabric’s care instructions. You may also want to try dry-cleaning products for delicate fabrics.

Which home remedy is good for removing pizza grease stains?

Baking soda is an excellent home remedy for removing pizza grease stains. Start by making a paste with baking soda and water, then apply it to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it in the machine. This method also works on light-colored fabric.

Can I use bleach to remove pizza grease stains?

Yes, you can use bleach to remove pizza grease stains, but you must read the instructions on the label first. Bleach can damage certain fabrics, so it’s important to use the right concentration and only leave it on for the recommended time. For extra caution, test a small area first.

How long does it take to remove pizza grease stains?

It depends on the type of fabric and how much stain there is. Generally, you can expect to spend at least 10 minutes applying the cleaning product of your choice. For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process a few times before you can see results.