How to Remove a Butter Stain

Miranda asked, “How do you clean butter stains?”

You Will Need:

• Dull knife
• WD-40
• Dish liquid
• Washing soda
• Enzyme laundry detergent

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. If the butter stain is fresh, scrape off any excess butter with a dull knife.¹
2. If the butter stain is dry or older, soak it with WD-40. This will help to freshen the stain.²
3. Sprinkle a couple drops of non-bleach dish liquid onto the stain, then rub it into the stain with your fingers. It is best to use a clear dish liquid to prevent any dye stains. Do not rinse off the dish liquid; instead, just wash the garment as usual.²
4. Mix together washing soda and a bit of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and rub it in with your fingers, then rinse the area clean. Repeat if needed.²
5. Another option is to use an enzyme laundry detergent, such as Seventh Generation. Apply the laundry detergent onto the stain, rub it in and let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the garment as usual.³
6. Do not dry the garment in the dryer. Let the item air dry until you are absolutely certain that no trace of the stain remains.

You Will Need:

• Dull knife
• Paper towels
• Talcum powder or Baking soda
• A vacuum
• Dish liquid
• Water

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. Scrape up any solids with a dull knife, then blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels. Try not to push the butter deeper into the fabric or carpet fibers.⁴
2. If the butter stain is fresh, cover it with a generous amount of an absorbent powder, such as Talcum powder or baking soda. Let the powder soak up the stain, then vacuum up the powder. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.³
3. For a fresh or old butter stain, you can use non-bleach dish liquid. Stir 1 ½ tablespoons of dish liquid into 1 cup of warm water, then dampen a cloth with the solution and blot the stain until it is removed.
4. When the stain is gone, blot the area with water to rinse off any residue from the cleaning solution.⁴
5. If the stain was on microfiber upholstery, use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the area so as to prevent any water stains.

• Do not use an iron on the garment until the stain is removed, as it could cause the stain to set.¹
• If the stain is on a dry clean only fabric, you can try the powder method used for carpet or upholstery; cover the stain with an absorbent powder, such as baking soda, and let the powder soak up the stain for a couple of hours. Brush off the powder and repeat if necessary.³

1. The Queen of Clean’s Complete Cleaning Guide by Linda Cobb
2. Joey Green’s Cleaning Magic
3. Field Guide to Stains by Virginia M. Friedman, Melissa Wagner & Nancy Armstrong
4. Natural Stain Removal Secrets by Deborah L. Martin