How to Remove Yogurt Stains

David asked, “I just opened a yogurt and it shot all over my clothes…what’s the best way to remove it so it doesn’t leave a stain?”

You Will Need:

• A spoon or dull knife
• Cold water or club soda
• Dish liquid
• Enzyme Detergent
• Commercial Laundry Stain Remover

Steps to Remove the Yogurt Stain:

1. Use a spoon or dull knife to scrape off the excess. Try not to grind the yogurt into the fabric.²
2. Sponge the stain with cold water or club soda. If the stain is fresh, you may be able to remove it with just water.²
3. If plain water is not working, mix about ¼ teaspoon of dish liquid in ½ cup of water and sponge the stain with the solution until it is gone. It is best to use clear dish liquid, as some dyes can leave a stain.³
4. If there is still a stain, rub an enzyme detergent into the stain, then soak the garment in lukewarm water for about half an hour. If the stain was dry before you started removing it, you may need to soak it for an hour or two. Check on the stain occasionally while it soaks and rub it between your fingers. Keep in mind that enzyme detergents cannot be used on protein-based fabrics, such as wool or silk.²
5. A commercial laundry stain remover can be used to remove yogurt stains.²
6. When you think the stain is removed, wash the garment as usual in cool water.³
7. Let the garment air dry until you are sure the stain is gone.³ Do not use heat to dry or iron the garment until you are sure that the stain is removed, as heat can cause the stain to set.⁴

ALWAYS test a cleaning solution, including plain water, on a hidden area first to check for any adverse effects. For upholstery, you can also check the tag or manual for any cleaning specifications.

You Will Need:

• A spoon or dull knife
• Soda water or cold water
• Dish liquid
• Non-gel shaving cream
• Old toothbrush
• Dry cloth
• Damp cloth
• Hair dryer

Steps to Remove the Yogurt Stain:

1. Use a spoon or dull knife to scrape off the excess. Try not to grind the yogurt into the fabric or carpet fibers.²
2. Blot the stain with soda water until it is removed. If you don’t have soda water, use cold water instead.⁴
3. If water does not remove the stain, mix ½ tablespoon dish liquid in 1 cup cold water. Blot the solution onto the stain with a cloth or sponge until the stain is removed.⁵
4. Another option is to use non-gel shaving cream. Spray a small amount on the stain and use an old toothbrush to scrub the area. Use a dry cloth to wipe off the shaving cream, then sponge the area with a damp cloth.⁴
5. Instead of shaving cream, you can use an enzyme digester, such as a pet accident stain remover, that is made for either carpet or upholstery.
6. For carpet, blot up any excess water with a dry cloth once the stain is gone.
7. For microfiber upholstery, use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the area so as to prevent water stains. Do not use heat, as it can cause the yogurt stain to set if it has not been fully removed.⁴

• A dry cleaning spot remover can be used to remove yogurt stains from non-washable fabrics⁴, including upholstery.⁵
• Oriental, silk or antique rugs should be cleaned by a professional.

1. Don Aslett’s Stainbuster’s Bible
2. Field Guide to Stains by Virginia M. Friedman, Melissa Wagner and Nancy Armstrong
3. Natural Stain Removal Secrets by Deborah L. Martin
4. Stain Removal by Stephanie Zia
5. Stain Rescue! by Anne Marie Soto