Laundry Stains
How to Get Grease Out of a Fleece Jacket: Fresh and Set-In Stains
A practical guide to removing grease stains from a fleece jacket using dish soap and baking soda. Includes fleece-specific precautions, colorfastness testing, and step-by-step instructions for fresh and set-in stains.
Grease on a fleece jacket can look like a permanent disaster, but you can often lift it with dish soap and baking soda. Fleece is a synthetic fabric (usually polyester) that resists water but can hold onto oil. The key is to act quickly and avoid heat until the stain is gone.
What to Do First
If the grease is fresh, blot up any excess with a clean paper towel. Do not rub, as that pushes the grease deeper into the fibers. If the stain is dried, scrape off any crusty bits with a dull knife or spoon.
How to Remove Grease from a Fleece Jacket
You will need:
- Dish soap (like Dawn)
- Baking soda
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Clean cloths or paper towels
- Warm water
Follow these steps:
- Test for colorfastness. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water. Apply to a hidden seam or inside hem. Wait 5 minutes, then blot. If color transfers to the cloth, stop and consult a professional.
- Apply dish soap. Squirt a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain. Gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Add baking soda. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the soapy area. The baking soda helps absorb oil and adds gentle abrasion.
- Gently scrub. Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to work the mixture into the stain in a circular motion. Do not scrub hard; fleece can mat or pill.
- Let it sit. Allow the paste to sit for 15–30 minutes. For set-in stains, you can leave it longer, but do not let it dry completely.
- Rinse with warm water. Hold the stained area under warm running water, or use a damp cloth to blot away the soap and baking soda. Repeat until no residue remains.
- Wash as usual. Launder the jacket in the washing machine using warm water and your regular detergent. Check the care label first—some fleece requires cold water.
- Air dry. Do not put the jacket in the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone. Heat can set grease permanently.
Fresh vs. Dried Grease Stains
Fresh grease is easier to remove because it hasn't had time to bond with the fibers. For fresh stains, you can often skip the baking soda and go straight to dish soap. For dried or set-in stains, the baking soda paste and a longer soak time are more effective. You may need to repeat the process two or three times for stubborn stains.