Removing Butter Stains
So the lobster was amazing, but the butter stains all over your favorite shirt are not. Before you retire the lobster pot, try these cleaning tips to remove butter stains from clothing.
Getting butter stains out of many types of fabric is simple if you know how to go about it.
I have to mention though- The sad truth is that it is not possible to remove butter stains from every fabric. That being said, most of the time following the tips below will do the trick.
Some of the items that may remove butter stains can also harm some delicate fabrics. It is best to test the product on a small area of the fabric before applying it to the stain.
Before trying any of the tips below, it is important to keep the following things in mind.
- Some butter stains will not come out.
- Do a test spot.
With those two important pieces of advice in mind, it is time to start removing the butter stains.
Remove Excess Butter:
Before trying to remove the stain, run the garment under hot water to remove any excess butter that may be hanging around.
It is a good idea to do this as soon as you know that you have spilled butter onto the fabric. The less time the butter has to set, the easier it will be to remove the stain.
Degreaser:
Next, apply detergent directly to the stain. Choose a detergent that includes an ingredient to fight grease. If you do not have such a laundry detergent handy, then try a grease-fighting dishwashing liquid. I use dawn dishwashing liquid. You can't find better and less expensive grease cutter.
You can also use a stain remover stick or liquid may also work, but be sure that they contain grease-fighting ingredients. A stain stick is not really necessary to remove a butter stain, but if that's all you have go ahead and use it.
Wait
Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for at least a few minutes.
If the butter stain has set, you may want to allow it to sit overnight. As mentioned above, you must do a test spot before applying detergent or allowing it to sit.
This can cause the color in some fabrics to fade, so doing the test is of the utmost importance.
Soak:
If your washing machine has a soak cycle, run the butter stained garment through it. If not, just place the garment in some hot water and allow it to soak for about 15 minutes.
Wash:
The next step is to run the item through a normal wash cycle in the hottest water that the fabric will tolerate. Use a grease-fighting laundry detergent and choose a longer wash cycle than you normally would.
Do not put the garment in the dryer until you have checked to see if the stain is gone. You may have to leave the item air dry before noticing if the stain is gone.
Heavy Duty Stain Removal:
If after following all of the above steps the garment is still stained, all hope is not lost.
Some have had success using WD-40, hairspray or lighter fluid to remove stubborn butter stains.
Keep in mind that these products can harm fabrics, but if all else has failed it is worth a shot if the alternative is throwing the butter stained garment away.
Simply apply the product and rub into the stain with a toothbrush. Allow it to sit for about an hour and then run the garment through the wash again in the hottest possible water.
