How To Get Butter Stains Out Of Clothes

“Hmm… How to get butter stains out of clothes?” I bet you have this question after eating crispy bread with melting butter and accidentally dropping some on your favorite shirt. You don’t have to throw the shirt away; I will help you remove the stains with simple instructions.

You will also know different ways to deal with various types of butter stains. Plus, some tips might come in handy for making your stained garments look brand new.

Now, that is enough for the talking; let’s get down to business with the butter stained on your clothes.

Are Butter Stains Stubborn?

Butter stains are the usual stains that can get onto your clothes through everyday activities. Because butter is a useful and tasty ingredient in cooking, it makes the food rich and, of course, buttery.

Usually, butter comes in two forms, solid and liquid. It is simple to process the solid form, while the liquid one will often be the main reason that stains your clothes. Unfortunately, butter has quite a low melting point, around 90-95°F (32-35^oC) ⁽¹⁾.

Fast food such as burgers, sandwiches, or a simple slice of bread could use butter to enhance the flavor. The more often you use this ingredient in your everyday life, the higher possibilities it can stick to your clothes.

Butter stains are oil-based stains, so basically, treating this kind of stains is not that difficult. However, if you let the butter oil on your clothes dry and set, entirely removing the discoloration is a challenging task, so don’t let this happen and take action immediately.

Butter Stain Removal From Clothes – Just A Piece Of Cake

That said, there are various ways that you use to clean the butter stains out of your clothes. Feel free to pick the option that is suitable for you. So, why wait? Let’s go!

Option 1: Dish Soap

For greasy and oily stains, dish soap is the best choice for you. This product will loosen the stains and make them easier to wash with water. Here is how you should use it.

Preparation

• Dish soap
• Warm water
• An empty sprayer
• Prewash stain remover

Homemade prewash stain remover: You can make your own a stain remover right at your home; just mix the following ingredients:

• 1 and a half cups of water
• ¼ cup of castile soap (You should use the liquid form to mix easier)
• ¼ cup of vegetable glycerine
• Lemon essential oil (around 10 drops)

Instructions:

Step 1: Scrape off the excess butter with a thin edge object (a dull knife or a credit card is great)

Step 2: Wet the affected area with warm water

Step 3: Massage the stain with a bit of dish soap. Cover the stained zone thoroughly with the foam to loosen the discoloration.

Step 4: Rinse the fabric directly with warm water at the faucet. Keep the fabric stays taut until you wash all the foam away. The force from the faucet will clean most of the stains.

Step 5: Apply the stain remover to the stained zone. You can use an empty sprayer and spray directly to the discoloration.

Step 6: Rub the fabric with your fingers. Then, leave the garment there for around one hour (if you buy the stain remover from the store, follow the bottle’s instructions).

Step 7: Wash your clothes with the hottest temperature recommended in the care label to make the stain loosen and fall out.

Step 8: Check the garments. If the stain is still there, you can repeat from step 2. This time, the stains should disappear.

A great guide to clean butter stains out of your clothes using dish soap.

Option 2: Salt And Stain Remover

Such straightforward ingredients, salt, and commercial stain remover will blow the stain away from your favorite outfits. Grab a bottle of salt and I will show you how to clean the stain with these ingredients.

Preparation

• Salt
• Grease-busting foam
• Warm water
• A butter knife

Instructions

Step 1: Always remove the excess butter first; you can use a butter knife and gently lift the abundant butter out of your clothes. Don’t use a sharp knife because it can ruin the fibers of your clothes.

Step 2: Sprinkle the salt all over the stained surface. Salt can work like baking soda, it sucks the oil of the stain out of your clothes.

Step 3: Apply the grease-busting foam on the stain and massage the affected area. The stain will gradually loosen at this point.

Step 4: Rinse the garments with water and wash your clothes with the highest temperature on your washing machine suitable for your fabric.

Step 5: Have a look at the stain before drying it. If the stain is gone, you can dry the fabric now.

Option 3: Laundry Detergent

If the stain is a bit stubborn, laundry detergent will fight the stains for you. Choose your favorite liquid laundry detergent that matches the care tag.

Preparation

• Liquid laundry detergent
• A spare toothbrush (optional)
• A dry cloth (paper towels will also work)

Instructions

Step 1: Get rid of the abundant butter by using a dry cloth. Start blotting the area, the dry cloth will absorb most of the butter out of your clothes. Paper towels will also help you do this work perfectly.

Note: Don’t rub at this step, and also, don’t use a wet cloth to blot the stain. These actions will allow the butter oil to penetrate deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Pour a sufficient amount of laundry detergent into the stained area.

Step 3: Rub the stain with a spare toothbrush; you can also use your fingers to massage the stain. Then leave the detergent on the fabric for around 10 minutes.

Step 4: Throw the stained garment with the highest temperature setting on the washing machine. You should follow the highest suggested temperature on the care tag. You can use the previous detergent to launder your clothes.

Step 5: Repeat the stain treating process if the stain is still visible. Dry your clothes when the stain is gone or become unnoticeable.

Option 4: Salt

Surprisingly, this material alone can be a resilient soldier to fight against the fresh butter stain that is still wet. Who knows a pinch of salt might come in handy washing the stains away?

Preparation:

• Salt
• Paper towels
• A dull knife
• Warm water

Instructions:

Step 1: Take all the excess butter out with the knife.

Step 2: Place a dried paper towel underneath the stained area. This will prevent the oil from penetrating and spreading to other zones. You will want to make the paper towel thick to absorb the moisture and won’t fall out.

Step 3: Wet another paper towel with warm water, then cover the paper with salt. Dab the paper at the stain, after that, hold the paper with salt on the affected area for 30 seconds to suck the oil out of your garments.

Note: Only dab at the stained fabric; don’t rub it.

Step 4: Rinse the affected zone with warm water, make sure the discoloration disappears before you start moving to step 5.

Step 5: Dry your clothes.

Option 5: Baking Soda and Vinegar

These ingredients are the most common home remedies for cleaning; baking soda and vinegar will knock the greasy stain from butter out of your clothes.

Preparation

• Baking soda
• A toothbrush or a kitchen sponge
• An empty spray bottle
• A dull knife
• Dish soap

Instructions:

Step 1: Take a dull knife or any thin edge object to scrape off the excess butter out of the garments.

Step 2: Cover the affected areas with a generous amount of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb most of the oil from the discoloration.

Step 3: Leave the baking soda on the fabric for at least 30 minutes. You can let the baking soda sit there overnight; This allows more time for the baking soda to do its work.

Step 4: Make a solution of vinegar and water with a ratio of 1:1. Then, pour the liquid into a spray bottle.

Step 5: Spray the solution directly on the stained fabric that is covered with baking soda; the surface will start to foam. This helps the baking soda and the solution penetrate deeper into the material and loosen the stain.

Step 6: Use a toothbrush or a sponge and scrub the stained garment with a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water. Scrub gently not to harm the fibers.

Step 7: Rinse the clothes with water and check the stain. If the stain is still there, start round two from the second step. The second round will remove the stain entirely.

Wow! Here is another excellent method using baking soda.

Option 6: Cornstarch or Talcum Powder

This method works magically when the stain is still wet. So, if you can treat the stain immediately, try this option; I’m sure you will be amazed by the result.

Preparation:

• Cornstarch (or talcum powder)
• A spare toothbrush
• A plastic knife

Instructions:

Step 1: Put your clothes on an empty and smooth surface.

Step 2: Remove the excess butter with a plastic knife.

Step 3: Pat the cornstarch powder on the stained garment. Talcum powder will also be helpful because these absorbent ingredients will eliminate most of the oil out of the stain. Make sure the powder covers 100% of the affected area.

Note: Don’t rub the stain with this powder unless you want to make the stain worse.

Step 4: Let the powder sit on the garment for at least 30 minutes. Feel free to lengthen the duration to increase the effectiveness of the powder.

Step 5: Scrub the powder with the toothbrush and check the stain. Repeat the whole process if you can see the stain clearly.

Option 7: A Lubricant Or Degreaser (Solvent-Based Stain Removal Product)

This should be the last option you should consider if the stain is too stubborn. The degreaser creates a heavy smell to your garment, which is hard to remove.

Preparation

• A degreaser bottle
• Paper towels

Instructions

Step 1: Make a spot test.

A degreaser might ruin the fabric because this is a strong chemical. Choose an inconspicuous area of your clothes and apply a small amount of degreaser on it. Then, wait for 30 minutes; if there is any damage on the clothes, stop using this option.

Step 2: Spray the degreaser on the stained area. Don’t let the liquid spread to other non-affected areas; keep the sprayer close to the stain so as not to let this happen.

Step 3: Allow the degreaser to sit there for a couple of minutes to loosen the butter stains.

Step 4: Use paper towels and start dabbing at the stain. The stain color will gradually transfer to the paper towels. Keep replacing for a new dry paper towel until you see the stain stops transferring.

Note: Start from the edge of the stain toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading.

Step 5: Wash your garment with the hottest water suggested in the care label.

Step 6: Observe the stain again before throwing the garment on the dryer. If the stain is stubborn, repeat the treatment process.

Best Way To Remove Butter Stains From Delicate Fabrics

For delicate clothes that have fragile fiber, I have a simple guide to taking the butter out of the fabric without any stains. These garments require dry-cleaning, so you have to take extra care of them.

Preparation

• Talcum powder (baking soda or cornstarch will be a suitable alternative)
• Liquid dish detergent (for stubborn stain)
• A soft brush (optional)

Instructions  

Step 1: Cover the discoloration with talcum powder. Next, scrub the powder gently with your finger.

Step 2: Leave the covered stain until you see the powder turns brown. This means the powder has sucked up the discoloration.

Step 3: Shake the powder off your fabric. Re-apply the powder on the stain and repeat the process until the color stops transferring onto the powder.

Note: If your clothes require dry cleaning, bring the clothes to the professional cleaner after this step. For garments that are allowed to wash via hand or washing, continue the process with step 4.

Step 4: Now, if you can still see the stain clearly, drop some drops of dishwashing liquid on the stain and massage the fabric with your finger or a soft brush. I prefer using the brush because it will help you remove the stain with its tiny bristles.

Note: Only add dishwashing liquid, don’t add any water into it.

Step 5: Now, you can wash the stained garment as you usually do. It is recommended that you should let your clothes air dry because stains are hard to see in wet clothes. You will have time to observe the stains as it dries gradually.

Carefully Note These Tips For Cleaning The Butter Stains

While removing the greasy butter stains, here are some vital notes that you should not forget. The process will only be simple if you follow the instructions strictly.

Use White Vinegar For Dried Stain

If the butter stain is dry, that means the stain has already been set; don’t moisten the discoloration or the fabric with water. Instead, use distilled white vinegar on the affected area and let it sit there for one minute. The acid in the vinegar will loosen the stain. 

After that, treat the stain with enzyme-based stain remover; you can find this product in local supermarkets or online stores. Launder your clothes as you always do; the stain will fade away after washing.

Be Careful Using Hot Water

Hot water will boost the possibility of loosening the stain entirely but always make sure you use the suitable temperature for your garments. If the care tag requires cool water, follow the instructions precisely not to harm the fibers.

Always Make A Spot Test Before Applying Strong Cleaning Agent

Acidic cleaning agents like white vinegar or strong chemicals such as degreaser will harm fragile fabric, so making a spot test on the unnoticeable part of your garments is essential. Any sign of damage on your clothes will be a warning to stop using the method.

Leave The Absorbent Powder Overnight

As aforementioned before, the longer you allow the absorbent powder on the stain, the more oil it will take out of your clothes. An ideal suggestion is to let the recommended powders sit on the stain overnight, try it, and you will love the result.

Some Extra Alternative Butter Stain Removers

There are various alternatives that you can try to remove butter stains from your clothes. Here are some suggestions which you can use as a pretreatment of the stained zone.

Ammonia

Ammonia is an effective grease remover. It is super versatile in the laundry with the ability to whiten your clothes (only white garments) and soften towels. Mix one part of ammonia and one part of dishwashing liquid with two cups of water (lukewarm).

Use a sponge to absorb the mixture and apply it to the stain. Dab at the stain slightly, and the fabric will start recovering its own color. Now all you need is to blot the stain with a wet cloth to clean the soap.

Although ammonia is not a strong chemical, you still need to test it before using it for colored clothes.

White Shampoo

A bottle of shampoo is an effective detergent that cuts through grease stains. Choose white shampoo or the one that has no color added so as not to stain your clothes. A few drops of white shampoo will loosen the stain as you rub it gently on the fabric.

Wash the garment as you usually do; the stain will vanish after a couple of stain-treating rounds. Always check the stain before drying it.

Hairspray

Yup, your ears were not playing tricks. Hairspray can saturate the greasy stain and make the stain loosen. Just spray hairspray directly on your garment and let the product do its work for 30 minutes. Wash full cycle and hang your clothes air dry; the stain will fade away. 

Lighter Fluid

You should only consider using this option in an urgent situation. Test the lighter fluid before applying it to your clothes. Rub a bit lighter fluid on the affected area to absorb the oil and launder your clothes.

Avoid doing this method in any area that is near the heat source. Make sure the space is open, and the air can circulate easily.

Bonus Guide On How To Deal With Peanut Butter Stains

Peanut butter is definitely charming and delicious, yet it can leave an annoying brown stain on your clothes. Hang on tight because I will show you the best way to eliminate this “yummy” stain.

Preparation

• Solvent-based stain remover or heavy-duty detergent
• A soft toothbrush (optional)
• A butter knife

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the abundant peanut butter on the fabric with a butter knife.

Step 2: Apply the stain remover on the discoloration. You can also use some liquid laundry detergent to work on the stain. The enzyme will cut the oil of peanut butter and lift the stain.

Step 3: Rub the stain with a spare toothbrush or simply just use your fingers. Give the stain remover for around 15 minutes to loosen the stain.

Step 4: Launder your clothes with the highest temperature recommended on the care label. Repeating the process multiple times to entirely remove the discoloration.

Step 5: Dry your garment.

Note: If you are dealing with the stains on dry clean only clothes, try using dry cleaning solvent with a spot test before applying the product. Head to the cleaning expert if the stain remains the same.

An outstanding method for removing peanut butter stains in just 2 minutes.

Hey! How About Removing Shea Butter Out Of Clothes?

Shea butter is a plant-based butter that is widely used as a skincare product. Moisturizing skin, preventing wrinkles and acne, shea butter is also famous for its friendliness to every kind of skin ⁽²⁾.

As with other butter products, shea butter can leave a greasy stain on your outfit if you spill some on your clothes while applying it to your skin. If you usually have shea butter stains on your garment, you are in the right place.

Cleaning Light Stain

For a light shea butter stain, the cleaning process is quite simple and all the ingredients needed can be found right at your home.

Preparation

• Cornmeal (salt or cornstarch will be an excellent absorbent material)
• Dishwashing detergent
• White vinegar (or hot water)

Instructions

Step 1: Sprinkle a generous amount of cornmeal to cover the stained area.

Step 2: Pat the powder off your garment when the color of the powder turns brown.

Step 3: Turn over the garment and rub the dishwashing detergent on the stained zone.

Step 4: Rinse with white vinegar. You can try blasting hot water from the faucet directly to the discoloration for approximately 20 minutes. Doing this multiple times will blow away the butter stain.

Cleaning Stubborn Stain

If you are dealing with a tough stain, a bottle of degreaser will do the trick. Here is how you should do it.

Preparation

• A piece of cardboard
• Degreaser
• Baking soda
• Dishwashing detergent
• A soft toothbrush

Instructions

Step 1: Place the prepared cardboard right under the stain. This prevents the stains from spreading to other areas.

Step 2: Apply the degreaser on the stain and sprinkle some baking soda on it. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the affected zone. The baking soda will absorb the loose stain and form lumps. Keep repeating step 2 until there are no lumps created by this method.

Step 3: Drop some dishwashing liquid on the stain and continue scrubbing.

Step 4: Launder your garments and allow them to air dry.

FAQs

Here are more related questions about removing butter stains out of clothes. I will clarify them and give you a broader understanding of this greasy stain.

You Better Know Which Side Your Bread Is Buttered On

Yup, next time, while eating any slice of bread, watch out for the buttered side. Plus, choose the best option for your clothes when you have to clean out the stains. You will have to be the person who best understands your garments.

Hey, that is all for today. I believe that you have picked a favorite method for your clothes, so please share the results with other readers and me. Thanks for your time; peace!

Reference:

1. Agclassroom.org. 2021. Matrix Lesson.
2. Healthline. 2021. 22 Reasons to Use Shea Butter.