How to Remove Grease Stains From Linen Pillowcases
Grease stains on linen pillowcases are incredibly common — and thankfully, usually easy to fix. Natural oils, skincare, and hair products can leave marks, oily residue and annoying dark patches on your favourite linen slips. Don't worry, we've got you covered!
Let me explain a little more about why this happens with pure linen ...
🌿 Linen is very absorbent
Flax fibres (what linen is made from) are hollow and highly breathable, so they readily absorb moisture, including skin oils, hair products, and skincare. This is why linen feels cool and comfortable, but it also means oils can sink in rather than sit on the surface.
🌿 It’s a natural fibre
Unlike many synthetic fabrics or heavily finished cottons, linen has fewer coatings or chemical finishes that repel oils. That keeps it natural and breathable but also a little less stain-resistant.
The key is understanding why grease stains happen and knowing the best way to remove these stains without damaging the fibres.
If your linen pillowcases are in need of a refresh, here’s everything you need to know.
1. Pre-soak with baking soda (the HERO of the kitchen!)
Fill a bucket with warm water and add about a tablespoon of baking soda. Or around a 1/4 cup to every 4 litres of water. Soak your pillowcases for 1-4 hours.
2. Pre-treat stubborn oil stains
For those trickier marks
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Lightly dampen the stained area
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Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain
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You can also add a drop of gentle dish soap for extra grease-cutting power if needed
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Rub very gently with your fingers or a soft cloth
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Then soak as per step 1
3. Wash as usual
Machine wash on a warm 40 degree cycle. Do not use very hot water. Use gentle detergent and avoid fabric softener/harsh chemicals. Ideally wash your pillowcases on their own or with only a few other items so they can move around freely in the washer (no overloaded washing machines please!)
4. Line dry where possible
Air drying in the shade is the best option
Preventing or at least reducing those pesky grease stains in the first place
You don’t need to overthink it, but a few small habits help keep your pillowcases fresh
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Wash pillowcases weekly if possible
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Let skincare absorb before your head hits the pillow
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Rotate pillowcases regularly
Following our simple care guide can keep your linen beautifully fresh and extend the life of your bedding significantly.
Linen bedding is made to be lived in, slept in, and loved. A few grease stains along the way are completely normal and are part of the linen journey.
Treat your linen kindly, wash it thoughtfully, and it will reward you with many beautiful years.
