Grease stains can be annoyingly difficult to remove, but a simple household item may help. Chalk, commonly used for writing on blackboards, can effectively lift oil-based stains from fabrics.
How to Use Chalk for Grease Stains
Cleaning fan and TikTok creator Georgia, known as Clean with Georgia, recently shared her favourite laundry hacks. She recommends using chalk to remove grease stains before washing. First, blot any excess liquid from the stain without rubbing, as rubbing can push the oil deeper into the fibres. Then, rub the chalk directly onto the stain, allowing it to absorb the oil. Let it sit for a while, then brush off the chalk and wash the garment on a normal cycle.
Why Chalk Works
Chalk is highly absorbent due to its chemical makeup and open-cell structure. Kathy Cohoon from Two Maids & a Mop explains that chalk can zap up moisture and liquids easily. Jill Koch of Jill Comes Clean adds that chalk, typically made from calcium carbonate, absorbs oil and holds onto it, allowing you to brush it away along with the stain.
For best results, apply chalk to fresh stains. If the chalk clumps together, Bosch recommends reapplying until it stops clumping, indicating no more oil to absorb. This method works particularly well on smaller stains.
