Grease-based stains

Grease-based stains are caused by items such as butter, cooking oil, mayonnaise, bacon fat, suntan lotion and face creams. They are not soluble in water and can be tricky to get rid of completely. As always, you will have the most success if you act quickly.

Gently scrape off any solid or lumpy parts of the stain with a blunt knife, then soak up as much of the grease as you can with white paper towels. Lightly sprinkle the stain with talcum powder cornflower and allow to stand for a few minutes so that it can absorb the grease, then remove the powder with a soft brush.
Any remaining grease must be dissolved, and for that you will need an alcohol-based solvent such as methylated spirits. Gently dab at the stain with the solvent and allow it to evaporate. Then work a little liquid detergent into the stain area and leave for a few minutes. Machine-wash as normal on as high a temperature as the fabric allows.