Instead of using extra laundry detergent to pre-treat, instead we turn to our old school friend – white chalk. Simply rub onto greasy stains and the chalk powder will absorb the grease, making the stain easily removable by the laundry soap in the wash. It might sound silly, but it’s worked wonders for everything from lipstick to bacon grease. Oil and grease stains are notorious for lingering after washing. So the next time you spill salad dressing on yourself, just rub it with chalk for quick absorption.

Keeping chalk on hand (or any white, absorbing powder—baking soda or corn starch are popular solutions as well) is a great way to nip these stains in the bud. Just make sure you’ve got it at the ready at all times, because once that stain sets, no amount of chalk will save you. Got any of your own grease stain-removing tips? Share them with us in the comments.

By Sarah Rae Trover

SEE HOW YOU CAN get out tough stains and even make your own detergent