How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes – Effective Methods for Removing Tire and Chain Grease from Any Fabric

In this article, we will tell you how to easily clean your clothes from dirt with regular products, that every person has. The bike dirt will never be a problem for you.
By
John Watson
John Watson
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John is an experienced cycling enthusiast and a great asset when it comes to writing skills. He's a Bachelor of Arts and a talented journalist. John is in charge of our blog read more
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Jessica Kingston
Jessica Kingston
Expert Consultant
Jessica is our expert consultant on all things connected to biking - gear, technique, you name it. Being a pro cyclist in the past, she knows exactly how things work in and read more
Last updated: August 31, 2023
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If you’re a frequent bike rider, then you might have trouble with grease stuck on your clothes after riding. Whether it’s grease from the bike oil or chain grease, it’s pretty frustrating when they stuck on what you’re wearing.

When this happens, you have to figure out how to get bike grease out of clothes. Unfortunately, removing bike grease from your clothes is a bit difficult, but this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.

Grease is made of emulsified soap and is a semi-solid lubricant with high viscosity. It acts as a protective layer against water, which makes it repel water and makes it sticky. So, you’ll need something stronger than water to get rid of the grease.

In this guide, we would look at how to remove bicycle grease from clothes.

How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes

There are different ways of eliminating grease stains, so you can choose the one that works for you and take care of your clothes. You don’t have to throw your clothes away after they are stained with grease. Here are some good ways to get bike and tire grease out of clothes. After following any of these processes, you should use household cleaning wipes to clean your hands.

Using Laundry Detergent

How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes - Effective Methods for Removing Tire and Chain Grease from Any FabricUsing laundry detergent to clean the grease out of your clothes will work better for synthetic fabrics, and it’s better to use biological detergents. You also shouldn’t use it for fabrics like silk or wool, and you have to read the care label before you continue.

  • Firstly, use the detergent as a pre-treatment by rubbing it against the spot with the grease stain. Leave the detergent to sit for about fifteen minutes.
  • Rinse the area with cold water by placing it under a tap so that the grease is eliminated.
  • After that, wash the clothing like regular laundry and air dry it.

Using Dishwashing Liquid

How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes - Effective Methods for Removing Tire and Chain Grease from Any FabricAnother way to remove bike grease from fabric, especially if it is made of cotton or synthetic fabrics, is with dishwashing liquid. It would break down grease and oil stains on your clothes the same way it does for clothes.

  • Apply a small drop of the dishwashing liquid on the grease stain. If the stain is stubborn, you can combine the dishwashing liquid with baking soda. Then, use an old toothbrush to remove the stain.
  • After leaving it for about two minutes, place it under cold water and for it to rinse out. You can put it under the cold water tap for a few minutes until the grease is gone. You can also repeat this until the stain is completely out.
  • Wash the clothing according to the label. You should wash it entirely, and air dry it. Once it is dry, you can check to see if the stain is gone.

Using Baking Soda

How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes - Effective Methods for Removing Tire and Chain Grease from Any FabricWhenever you want to get bike grease and oil off clothes, you should use go for a natural alternative to chemical cleaners, like baking soda Trusted Source 12 Ways to Clean Your Entire Home With Baking Soda | HGTV When it comes to an all-natural cleaner that cuts through grease and grime, baking soda is a total rock star. Get your home sparkling from top to bottom with these quick and effective baking soda tips from HGTV. www.hgtv.com . It would work on dry and fresh grease stains and is good for silk and wool materials. It is used for delicate fabrics and would draw out the grease without damaging the material. Baking soda is the best option to get bike grease out of white clothes.

  • Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the grease stain on your clothes.
  • Leave the baking soda on that spot overnight, and then brush it in the morning.
  • Wash the cloth completely once you remove the baking soda. If the fabric is delicate, you would need to hand wash it with detergent. You can also check the rules that the cloth has concerning how to wash and take care of it.

Alternative Ways

Apart from the three main ways that we have mentioned earlier, there are some alternative methods to go for when getting bike grease out of clothes.

  • Shampoo or Bar Soap

How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes - Effective Methods for Removing Tire and Chain Grease from Any FabricYou can use your shampoo or bar soap. You can start by applying the shampoo to the grease stain and letting it sit for a long time. If the stain is dry or tough, you can use a toothbrush to scrub it. Then, rinse that spot before washing the entire garment. If bike grease doesn’t come out of clothes, you should try out the last method.

  • Spot Remover

Another alternative way to remove bike grease from your clothes is with a spot remover and hot water. You first need to spray the spot remover on the grease stain and scrub it off with a toothbrush. Then, pour hot water on the stain so that the stain removes. Once you’ve removed all the stains, you can wash the cloth.

Tips & Advice

When washing your clothes of chain grease or oil, you should keep some important tips in mind so that they don’t become damaged. You can only throw your clothes out if the stain is too bad and widespread, especially if you leave it for a long time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • You can prevent bike grease Trusted Source 4 Tricks to Prevent and Remove Grease Stains | ACTIVE Got stained while working on your bike or riding it? Use these tips to remove the grease and keep more stains at bay. www.active.com by reducing the contact you have with chainrings, chains, and cassettes.
  • If you have sensitive skin, you can wear rubber gloves while washing. You can also take care of your hands with heavy-duty hand soap.

FAQ

Are there any natural ways to remove bike grease stains?

Yes, there are. You can use natural alternatives if you don’t want to use artificial soaps. Some of these alternatives include vegetable oil-based soap, lemon and vinegar, and borax. Baking soda is also a good natural alternative.

What can I do about dried grease stains?

You can remove dried bike grease from clothing by applying a small amount of cornflour or talcum to the stain and letting it sit for five minutes before using dishwashing fluid to wash it.

How can I get bike grease out of clothes after washing them?

You can do this. Just soak the clothes in warm water, then apply a few drops of dish soap to the stain and wait for a little for it to absorb the soap, and sit for an hour before putting it back in a washing machine.

Does bike grease damage clothes?

If it’s not taken care of properly, then you can end up with damaged clothes. You should check the washing rules before you do anything, and for delicate clothes, baking soda is the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Although grease stains are a hassle, they aren’t permanent. As long as you have the right cleaning materials and you follow the steps to clean it to the latter, then you can get rid of the ugly grease stains without worry. Hope you know now how to get bike grease out of clothes and are fully equipped with all the necessary liquids and chemicals to fight these grease stains back.

References

1.
12 Ways to Clean Your Entire Home With Baking Soda | HGTV
When it comes to an all-natural cleaner that cuts through grease and grime, baking soda is a total rock star. Get your home sparkling from top to bottom with these quick and effective baking soda tips from HGTV.
2.
4 Tricks to Prevent and Remove Grease Stains | ACTIVE
Got stained while working on your bike or riding it? Use these tips to remove the grease and keep more stains at bay.

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