How to Remove Grease Stains from Kitchen Towels and Table Linens

Quick answer

To remove grease stains from kitchen towels and table linens, blot the stain immediately, apply a small amount of dish soap, and launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric. For stubborn or set-in stains, pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water before washing.

A grease stain on your favorite kitchen towel or linen napkin can ruin the look of your table, but it doesn't have to be permanent. With the right steps, you can lift most grease marks without harsh chemicals or expensive stain removers.

The key is to act quickly, use the right products, and follow the care instructions for your specific fabric. Here's how to get grease out of kitchen towels and table linens, step by step.

Step-by-step grease stain removal

Blot the stain as soon as it happens. Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to absorb as much grease as possible. Avoid rubbing, as that can spread the stain deeper into the fibers.

Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain and gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for five to ten minutes. Dish soap is designed to break down grease, making it ideal for this task.

Wash the item in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. Check the care tag on your kitchen towels or table linens. For cotton items, hot water usually works best. For delicate linens, use warm or cool water to avoid shrinking.

Before drying, check the stain. If any grease remains, repeat the pre-treatment or try a baking soda paste. Drying sets stains, so never put a stained item in the dryer until you are sure it is gone.

• Use a paste made of baking soda and water for stubborn stains. Apply, let it dry, then brush off and wash.
• For white towels, you can add a small amount of bleach or oxygen-based cleaner to the wash cycle.
• For delicate table linens, consider professional dry cleaning if the stain persists.

Treating grease stains on tablecloths and cloth napkins

Tablecloths and cloth napkins often require a gentler touch because they may be made of more delicate fabrics. For linen tablecloths, follow the same basic steps but use a softer touch when dabbing and treat with a dedicated stain remover that is safe for linen.

The type of fabric matters. Some table linens are printed with patterns that can fade or change with certain treatments. Always test a small, hidden area first. For heavily soiled linens, it may be best to hand wash or take them to a professional.

For cloth napkins, especially those used during meals with oily foods, pre-treating before washing is effective. Apply a stain remover or a bit of dish soap to the stain, then launder as usual. The key is to avoid high heat until the stain is fully gone.

• Check the care label for recommended water temperature and drying instructions.
• If the stain is old, soak the item in warm water with a little dish soap or enzyme-based cleaner before washing.

How to wash kitchen towels and keep them absorbent

After treating stains, it's important to wash kitchen towels properly to keep them hygienic and absorbent. Use a normal or heavy-duty cycle with hot water for cotton towels, and avoid using fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.

For best results, wash kitchen towels separately from clothing to prevent cross-contamination. Dry them thoroughly in a dryer or in direct sunlight, which also helps kill bacteria. Avoid over-drying, as that can make towels stiff.

• Use a vinegar rinse (half a cup of white vinegar) in the final cycle to help remove any remaining grease or odor.
• Avoid washing kitchen towels with items that have zippers or Velcro, which can snag the fabric.

Diagnosis: Is your stain removable?

• Fresh grease stain: Blot and treat with dish soap, then wash in hot water. This is the easiest stain to remove. Act quickly for best results.
• Set-in grease stain: Pre-treat with baking soda paste or a stain remover, soak, then wash. Some set-in stains may require multiple attempts. Repeat treatment as needed, but avoid drying until stain is gone.
• Delicate linen or old stain: If the item is delicate or the stain persists after home treatment, take it to a professional dry cleaner. Stop home remedies and choose professional care to avoid damaging the fabric.

How Material table linens can help

• Dinner Napkins Double Sided Grid - High Season: Tortuga Forma's version of the Grid pattern is marvelously wonky with free-form lines intersecting with orthagonal ones. It's a classic without being predictable. Available in wine and cocktail inspired palettes to camouflage spills. Choose this napkin if you want a stylish option that disguises the occasional grease spot, giving you more time between washes.
• Tablecloth Reversible Checker: Made from 100% cotton shantung with a lightly textured weave, this reversible tablecloth features a unique design with a central panel and two side panels. Cotton shantung is durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for everyday meals where spills happen.

Grease stains don't have to ruin your favorite kitchen towels or table linens. With quick action and the right techniques, you can keep your linens looking fresh and clean. For more tips on caring for your table linens, explore Material's collection of durable and stylish options.