Clothes stains will come out 'instantly' if you use 1 kitchen item

Grease marks are one of the hardest types of stains to remove from clothing. Whether it's a cooking spill or a splash of salad dressing, oily patches have a habit of clinging to fabric and leaving behind a dull, discoloured patch. And while most people turn to stain removers or harsh detergents, there's one everyday kitchen item that could get rid of grease "instantly" without damaging your clothes.

It works on cotton, polyester, and most blends. You don't need to scrub, rub or risk fading your favourite top, just sprinkle it on and let it do the work. The item in question is something most households already have in the cupboard, yet few would think to use it for laundry.

Experts at Plumbworld say the trick is especially useful and works instantly if you catch the stain early.

Waiting too long can let the oil soak deep into the fabric, which makes it harder to remove.

"Oily stains are common, but the good news is that a simple, food-safe product can often remove them if treated promptly," a Plumbworld spokesperson said. "It's affordable, non-toxic, and very easy to use at home."

The item they recommend is cornstarch - a powder typically used in cooking. But it's also highly absorbent, which means it pulls oil out of fibres before it can settle in.

"Cornstarch acts quickly by absorbing the excess oil before it spreads further," the spokesperson added. "The sooner you treat the stain, the higher the chance of complete removal."

Because oil doesn't mix with water, regular detergents can struggle to break it down.

That's why even freshly washed clothes can still show faint outlines of grease, especially in well-worn garments or lighter colours.

To use the method, blot the excess oil with a paper towel, then sprinkle cornstarch directly on top.

Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the stain. After that, brush it off gently and wash as normal.

The experts at Plumbworld explained: "Once the oil is absorbed, it can be brushed off or washed away in your normal laundry routine.

"For set-in stains, you can repeat the process or combine cornstarch with a small amount of gentle liquid detergent for a pre-wash treatment."

They also advise against rubbing the stain, as this can push the oil deeper. Warm water works better than hot or cold, and delicate materials should always be spot-tested first.

"Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective," the spokesperson said.

"Cornstarch is a low-cost, easy, and safe way to tackle oily stains before they become permanent."