Oil Stains Need Dish Soap Before the Washing Machine

Regular laundry detergent isn't formulated to break down cooking oil or grease — that's not what it's designed for. Rub a small drop of dish soap directly into the stain, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wash normally. Dish soap is specifically made to cut through grease, which is why it works where laundry detergent fails. This simple pre-treatment saves clothes that would otherwise be permanently stained.