Expert: Sijka - 8/26/2008

Question
My husband is a mechanic and comes home with grease, motor oil, brake dust, etc. all over his uniforms. I know this is unavoidable, but I am looking for something that might be better for cleaning this type of laundry. I have an HE washer, so i'm always weary of putting in anything that doesn't specifically say HE. So pretty much all i'm using at this time is liquid HE detergent, color safe bleach and fabric softner. I don't know what else to use.

Answer
Dear Megan,
  My best results include pre-treating the greasy areas with Waterless Cream-Type Hand Cleaners always available at Auto-parts stores under brand names like D&L, Go-Jo, and lately "Goop" (because it has less odor). Apply liberally, I usually scrub over the worst areas with small plastic scrub brush. Let it sit while filling the machine with warm or hot water and your normal detergent. I go for the longest cycle, and of course, wash these items separate from other clothes.
  I'm always amazed that clothes so greasy & filthy can come out looking like they've never been touched by a drop of oil. P.S. If you already washed the items without some special attention, you've probably set the stain, and may never get it out completely.

Sijka