How to get bike grease out of clothes

How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes?

So you got yourself all dirtied with grease from your bike? Do not panic; you are not alone. The reasons why you ended up with bike grease all over your clothes could be many, and if you do not know what to do, today you are in luck. We’ll share essential info about how to get bike grease out of clothes successfully and pain-free.

Knowing how to get bike grease out of clothes may not sound like a life-saving skill. However, you’ll be glad when the time comes and could, perhaps, be of service to other clueless friends. Out of all the things that become stuck on your clothes, bike grease could be a real nightmare; in other words, it could ruin it to the point of no return.

Different Ways How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes

Method 1: Dishwashing Liquid

Apply a small amount of dishwashing fluid on the grease stain.

Most people don’t know this, but the same way it breaks down grease and oil stains on your dishes, your everyday dishwashing fluid will also remove bike grease marks on your clothes.

Rinse the stain with cold water

Let the fabric sit for a couple of minutes, then place it under a running cold water tap for a few minutes with the grease-stained part facing down.

Wash your piece of clothing accordingly

Hang your piece of clothes and allow it to air-dry as you check on the stain to see if it has disappeared. If it doesn’t, repeat the steps above until the stain is gone.

Method 2: Biological Laundry Detergent

Use the washing powder as a pre-treatment

Apply a small amount of the washing powder on the grease stain and slowly rub it using the underside of a dosing ball. Allow it to sit for up to fifteen minutes.

Rinse the stain with cold water

Place the stained garment under a tap and let the cold water run through the back of the stain to the front.

Wash and dry naturally

Proceed to wash the piece of clothing as you would during your regular laundry. Allow the garment to air-dry.

Method 3: Baking Soda Method

Baking powder is a great grease remover when dealing with delicate fabrics. This is because it draws out the grease from the material without damaging the fibers.

  1. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the affected area.
  2. Let the baking soda sit overnight. Allow it to sit through the night and brush it off in the morning.
  3. Wash the garment according to guidelines given on the care label. If you are treating delicate fabrics, try hand washing with detergent.

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda

how to get bike grease out of clothes: Baking Soda

Baking Soda, is the simple solution for a clean and fresh home. You know that Baking soda is great for cooking and baking. However, Baking Soda is also good for cleaning your carpets to get rid of pet odors, making laundry sparkle, creating an inexpensive craft for kids, mopping dirty kitchen floors, a non-abrasive way to scrub bathroom countertops, etc.

Natural Ways How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes

Method 1: Vegetable Oil-based Soap

If you already use a liquid plant-based soap like caster or other mild soaps extracted from organic vegetable oils, then you can give it a try to get rid of grease stains.

Additionally, look for soaps from organic coconut oil. Rub the vegetable oil-based soap on the greasy spot with a soft brush and rinse the garment with warm water.

Method 2: Lemon and Vinegar

Lemon and vinegar aren’t only a natural option and a cheap one since you’ve probably already had them with you. This combo works because of the acidic properties that break the grease bonds, helping to lighten the stain. Mix the vinegar or lemon juice with vegetable-based soap in equal amounts, and the stains fade away.

Method 3: Borax

Borax is another natural compound that has similar qualities to baking soda. Make a paste from lemon juice and borax to cleanse your bike grease stains. If you do not have it at home, you can often find the borax in your local laundry or grocery store.

MILLIARD Borax Powder – Pure Multi-Purpose Cleaner

how to get bike grease out of clothes: Borax powder

Use a cleansing booster with your laundry or dish detergent or DIY for Laundry Soap, Fabric Softener, Carpet Fresheners, and making slime.
Borax can be used for a variety of things, from rust remover to refrigerator deodorizer.


Common Questions Regarding How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes

What is bike grease?

A grease is a semi-solid form of lubricant used where liquid lubricants are unsuitable. This means the wheel bearings, headsets, bottom brackets, and the seat post on a bike. It’s also applied to the threads of every screw and bolt and the internals of the braking system.

Is bike grease hard to remove?

Bike grease tends to be a little difficult; however, you should be fine if you know what you are doing. Keep in mind that bike grease is made up of hydrophobic oils, which represents a bit of difficulty getting rid of it.

What does it means that bike grease is hydrophobic?

This means that water molecules are repelled by grease. Since cleaning with water only works when the water can remove the stain from the fabric, it basically means the thickeners in the grease are water-resistant. Then it would help if you also dealt with its adhesive properties. In other words, not only does grease ignore water, but it also clings to everything else.

Tips on How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes

  • Make sure always to use a rag and clean grease off your bike and chain regularly.
  • Consider leg shields that protect your pants and socks from coming in contact with the bike chain.
  • Act fast; the quicker you deal with the stain, the easier it’ll be to get out.
  • Check your clothes’ care label before trying any stain removal methods.

Author

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Author
Jenna Lee is a mom of three living in sunny California. After studying psychology in college, she put her passion for problem-solving and creativity to work by devising clever hacks and tricks for making mom life easier. She launched tricksmommy.com as a platform to share her tried-and-true techniques with other moms looking to streamline their routines and create happier, more organized homes. With a focus on practicality and simplicity, Jenna's vision for the site is to provide a one-stop-shop for moms seeking expert advice and creative solutions to the everyday challenges of motherhood.
Photo of author
Author
Jenna Lee is a mom of three living in sunny California. After studying psychology in college, she put her passion for problem-solving and creativity to work by devising clever hacks and tricks for making mom life easier. She launched tricksmommy.com as a platform to share her tried-and-true techniques with other moms looking to streamline their routines and create happier, more organized homes. With a focus on practicality and simplicity, Jenna's vision for the site is to provide a one-stop-shop for moms seeking expert advice and creative solutions to the everyday challenges of motherhood.