How to Remove Grease & Oil Stains from Clothes

Grease and cooking-oil stains are some of the most frustrating marks in the laundry basket because oil is hydrophobic — it bonds to fabric fibres and actively repels water. That means a normal wash cycle does not lift them; it just spreads them. The fix is enzymatic. Luniva uses lipase active enzymes that split the triglycerides in cooking oil, butter, salad dressing, motor grease and food fat into smaller, water-soluble molecules, so a standard 40°C wash can rinse them straight out. This guide walks through how to treat fresh splashes, dried-in oil marks on shirts and trousers, soil and dirt on collars and cuffs, and stains that have already been through the dryer once — plus the exact mistakes that set oil into fabric permanently.

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Why grease stains resist normal detergent

Oil is hydrophobic — it repels water. A standard wash without a targeted treatment simply spreads the stain. Lipase active enzymes (the active ingredient in Luniva) split the triglycerides in oil into smaller water-soluble molecules so they wash out cleanly. This is why supermarket bio-detergents alone often fail on grease: the enzyme dose is too low and dwell-time is too short to break the fat bonds before the wash rinses them away.

How to use Luniva on grease & oil stains

Step 1 — Spray directly: Apply Luniva to the stain until saturated. No rubbing, no pre-soak.
Step 2 — Wait 1–3 minutes: Active Enzymes break the stain down at the molecular level. Don't let it dry.
Step 3 — Wash at 40°C: Machine-wash as normal. Air dry; never tumble dry until you've confirmed the stain is gone.

Compliance note: Based on controlled laboratory testing. Performance may vary by stain age, fabric type and wash conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Does Luniva remove cooking oil stains from cotton?

Yes. Spray directly onto the stain, wait 1–3 minutes for the lipase active enzymes to break down the oil, then wash at 40°C.

Can I use Luniva on engine grease or motor oil?

Luniva is formulated for everyday household grease and food oils. For heavy industrial grease, pre-treat with a degreaser first, then use Luniva to lift residual oil before washing.

Will Luniva remove old, dried-in oil stains?

Yes, but you may need to extend the dwell time to 5–10 minutes and apply twice. Do not heat-dry between applications.

Is Luniva safe on dark or coloured fabrics?

Yes. Luniva is colour-safe and bleach-free. It targets the stain, not the dye.

Why did my grease stain return after washing?

Oil sometimes wicks back as the garment dries. Always inspect before drying — if any shadow remains, re-treat with Luniva and re-wash before tumble-drying.