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Original poster

Grease spots on Husband's tops - Help!

39 replies

TiredMotherMum · 03/09/2023 11:22

This is causing real problems in our house! Every time I do a clothes wash, DH's tops/polos/ T- Shirts are coming out with grease marks and he's becoming really annoyed about it.

No one else's clothes comes out the wash with marks like this.

Can anyone else provide a solution?

OP posts:
Onegreenbean · 03/09/2023 11:29

For stubborn grease marks I spot treat the areas with dishsoap (fairy liquid is brilliant for this) and then run them through the hottest wash the fabric can tolerate - works like a charm on most clothes!

However, if there's something in your machine causing the spots on clothes I'd recommend using a cup of white vinegar in the drum and running a 90 degree wash to give the drum a good clean.

Original poster
TiredMotherMum · 03/09/2023 11:34

Onegreenbean · 03/09/2023 11:29

For stubborn grease marks I spot treat the areas with dishsoap (fairy liquid is brilliant for this) and then run them through the hottest wash the fabric can tolerate - works like a charm on most clothes!

However, if there's something in your machine causing the spots on clothes I'd recommend using a cup of white vinegar in the drum and running a 90 degree wash to give the drum a good clean.

The spots aren't on the clothes before, it's happening when they are washed. It's only his tops that's it's happening with.

Thank you, I'll try the white vinegar.

We've had a tiff about it this morning 🙄

OP posts:
CyberCritical · 03/09/2023 11:39

Not understanding why it would result in a tiff, does he think you're putting grease on his tops?

If he thinks you're doing something wrong then he should do the washing and see if he can fix the problem.

If you think it's his clothes that are causing the issue then run some washes of just yours and the kids stuff and just his stuff, see whether you get any grease stains and experiment to isolate the issue.

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Cookerhood · 03/09/2023 12:05

I'm sure he can fix it by doing the washing.

Crinkle77 · 03/09/2023 12:07

Cookerhood · 03/09/2023 12:05

I'm sure he can fix it by doing the washing.

Yep my thoughts exactly.

user07327944 · 03/09/2023 12:22

I get these. Would love to know how to prevent them also

KaySararSarar · 03/09/2023 12:32

OP my DH used to complain I was always shrinking his stuff. Solved that by refusing to wash ANYTHING of his. Been probably 8 years now and I still get a little kick every time he moans somethings shrunk or he has no clean pants - while outwardly commiserating. Petty Betty I know 🤭

KaySararSarar · 03/09/2023 12:34

side note I have heard putting talc on grease stains pre wash works as it dries it out, but obvs that won’t help you as it’s not greasy beforehand..

Mmhmmn · 03/09/2023 12:37

Tell him he can wash his own clothes and figure it out himself. He's a big boy now.

Stratocumulus · 03/09/2023 12:41

Is he spilling unseen oily food down himself? Olive/veg oil dressings or similar? Spilling without realising? Those “stains” are hard to see at first glance pre wash.
Get him to tuck in a napkin or trial a big bib when he’s eating!

Alternatively, get him to do his own washing given he clearly doesn’t trust you to get it right.
The man’s a bully to take it out on you.

user07327944 · 03/09/2023 14:09

Why is everyone being so rude to OP?

You have no idea about the division of housework between them. She asked a simple question.

I also have the same issue where "grease" stains appear after washing.

MrsKwazi · 03/09/2023 14:10

Fabric softner?

Seeingadistance · 03/09/2023 14:12

The obvious solution is that he does his own laundry.

Smartiepants79 · 03/09/2023 14:16

Very odd that it appears after washing and only o his clothes? I would be concentrating on trying to find out where it’s coming from. Is it on places you might get them if you’ve dropped food on it?
I’d be checking all his clothes v.carefully before they were washed for a while.
For grease spot I use a dry clean stick, you can buy it in some supermarkets and on Amazon.
Works very well before a wash.

Cyclistmumgrandma · 03/09/2023 14:21

We use "Swafega" (sold for cleaning mechanics' oily/greasy hands so available from hardware shops). Rub in before washing then run through machine.

Original poster
TiredMotherMum · 03/09/2023 16:03

I'm a bit pissed off about it. He's not blaming me directly, but he's pissed off that he's buying new tops and they are getting the marks on them after one wash and we don't know why.

He then goes in a bit of a mood about it which is very out of character really because he's not a moody/sulky person.

Earlier I asked him if he wanted me to start hand washing his tops, which I was willing to do and he replied " oh, like going back to the 1950s " which resulted in us having a few words as I thought I was trying to help.

He's going to try the white wine vinegar and wash his own tops and I'll carry on as normal.

OP posts:
BasicPumpkinSpice · 03/09/2023 16:09

From an American site, but a possible explanation: Most of the time it is caused by splatters from cooking oil. Stains from foods or cooking oils, sometimes called "invisible stains", may not be noticed as you put clothes in the washer. If not completely removed in the wash cycle, the oily spots may pick up dirt from wash water making the spots visible.

https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=16974

It should be correctable if it is addressed before the clothes are out in the dryer.

Washers Oil on Clothes After Washing

https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=16974#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20time%20it,water%20making%20the%20spots%20visible.

Ahhhhhbisto · 03/09/2023 16:20

As a pp mentioned I would say it is fabric conditioner causing it.

ToxicPositivity · 03/09/2023 16:21

If your too late for the fairy liquid then de-solv it spray is the absolute dogs bollocks for stains, grease, fecking slime n the carpet etc.

Original poster
TiredMotherMum · 03/09/2023 16:23

Ahhhhhbisto · 03/09/2023 16:20

As a pp mentioned I would say it is fabric conditioner causing it.

This was actually my first thought.

OP posts:
boboshmobo · 03/09/2023 16:26

Fairy liquid

Comefromaway · 03/09/2023 16:28

This happens on my husbands t shirts too. And considering all three of us wear Sainsburys t shirts I’m convinced it’s grease spots from cooking that haven’t been noticed.

Ponderingwindow · 03/09/2023 16:30

Are they always on the front of the shirts?

it’s because the spots aren’t actually visible until after a wash.

soak the spot in dish soap. Then wash in the laundry. I save up until I have a few spotted shirts at a time so I can run a small load. You will get a lot of suds so an extra rinse is a good idea if your machine has that capacity.

Carpetmoth · 03/09/2023 16:30

Does he do cooking creating fat splashes? My husband used to get them but hasn't since we started using a higher-sided pan. Some washing liquids/stain removers can cause these marks also. A friend discovered vanish was to blame on hers. Washing up liquid on fresh marks works well.
Washing machines themselves can also cause them I think (bearings?)

SantanaBinLorry · 03/09/2023 16:33

If its only on his tops then its splashes from cooking and dribbles from eating. Tell him to use a pinny and a bib.