Unlike other types of condiments that leave hard-to-remove stains (looking at you, mustard), a butter stain is relatively easy to remove from your clothes. Using products you probably already have in your home, removing a butter stain is pretty simple and straightforward.
“As with any stain, the sooner you get to it, the more likely you’ll be able to remove it from your clothes,” explains Zachary Pozniak, a professional dry cleaner and owner of Jeeves NY. “Butter is about 10-20% water, which means it is easier to remove before that water evaporates.”
Below, Pozniak walks us through two ways to get butter stains out of clothes quickly and efficiently.
Method 1: Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Baby Powder, or Talc Powder
This method will help remove greasy-type stains through absorption. “The easiest way to describe this process is that the fine particles of corn starch, baking soda, baby powder, and talc powder can physically trap greasy stains in their structure after absorbing it through capillary action,” explains Pozniak. To use this method, you should:
How-To
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Cover the butter stain with baking soda, corn starch, baby powder, or talc powder.
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Allow it to sit on the stain for an hour.
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Wipe away the powder with a dry towel.
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Wash the garment as recommended on the care label.
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Inspect the garment/area where the stain was before tumble drying the garment. Pozniak recommended using another method if Method 1 does not work. “Dry shampoo also works in a similar manner,” he adds.
According to Pozniak, results with this method are extremely limited, and only work for super fresh stains. “Odds are you’re out and about when this occurs, so this method doesn’t have much value,” he explains. “You must wash your garment after using this method and inspect before drying, otherwise you can set the stain, making it much harder to remove. You’ll likely need to use another pretreatment to remove this greasy stain.”
Method 2: Liquid Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent and dish soap include surfactants, which can surround and capture butter and greasy stains, and allows water to wash it away during cleaning, according to Pozniak. To use this method, you should:
How-To
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Work laundry detergent or dish soap into the stain using your fingers or a soft brush.
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Allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes.
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Wash the garment as recommended on the care label.
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Inspect the garment/area where the stain was before tumble drying. If the stain is still there, do not tumble dry.
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Repeat the process again if the stain is still visible.
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Once the stain is gone, tumble dry.
Additional Tips And Considerations
Other alternatives: You might want to consider using a stain-removal spray to get a butter stain out of your clothes. “Stain-removing sprays are excellent and designed for this function,” explains Pozniak. “I like the Shout Triple-Acting Stain Remover Spray.”
Test first: Before using any type of pretreatment on a stain, Pozniak recommends testing the pretreatment you plan to use in a small, hidden area to ensure it does not damage the fabric before applying it to a stain. Additionally, always check the care label first before throwing a garment in the washing machine and/or dryer.
Frequently asked Questions
How do I remove butter stains from delicate fabrics?
You want to remove butter stains from delicate fabrics very carefully. “Odds are you will have to hand wash it if it’s delicate, or use a gentle cycle on the washing machine,” explains Pozniak.
Is it necessary to wash the clothes immediately after removing the butter stain?
Yes, you need to use water to wash away the stain, otherwise, it’s just sitting on your clothing waiting to oxidize.
Can I use the same methods for removing margarine or oil stains from clothes?
Yes, these methods will work for any greasy type of stain.
Are there any specific considerations for removing butter stains from white clothes?
According to Pozniak, you may need to use an oxygen bleach if color remains after washing.
Can I use a hairdryer to speed up the stain-removal process?
No, Pozniak does not recommend doing this, as it can set the stain.
Read the original article on Southern Living