Metallic based oily soils can be removed from garments by subjecting the garments to a pre-wash in an aqueous solution of a hydroxy diphosphonic acid such as HEDP under acidic conditions. Pre-washing the garments in the aqueous solution of HEDP at about 100 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes effectively removes the greasy soils, allowing them to be further laundered with an alkaline detergent composition.