Butter blunders happen to the best of us. From breakfast mishaps to buttery baking adventures, butter stains have a sneaky way of finding their way onto our beloved garments. But fear not! We're here to save the day (and your wardrobe) with our expert tips on how to get butter out of clothes.
What causes butter stains?
Let’s take a look at the science of butter stains! Butter is composed of fat, primarily in the form of triglycerides, which are made up of fatty acids and glycerol molecules. The culprit behind those stubborn butter stains lies in the hydrophobic nature of fats. Hydrophobic molecules repel water, which makes them impossible to rinse out. The fatty acids in butter have a strong affinity for fabric fibers, causing them to cling stubbornly, especially on porous materials like cotton or linen.
It's not just the composition of butter, but also its semi-solid state at room temperature that contributes to the difficulty of removing butter stains. The semi-solid texture allows butter to stick to fabrics and seep into the fibers as it melts, making the stain more pronounced.
Butter may be a tough stain, but with quick action and the right tools, it is absolutely possible to remove. Let’s learn how to get butter out of clothes together!
How to Get Butter Out Of Clothes
What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Laundry Detergent, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods, Oxi Booster Pods
Step 1: Remove Excess
The first step in butter stain removal is to remove any excess butter from your clothes. Use a Swedish Dish Cloth or kitchen rag to gently blot any excess butter away from the fabric.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stain
Dampen stain and add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the stain in cool water, massaging it between your fingers until it begins to lift. The enzymes in the detergent should break down the proteins, fats, and oils that make up the butter stain. Repeat as needed.
Step 3: Wash
Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item in the hottest water permitted by the care label. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod, which contains enzymes for extra stain fighting. You can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra cleaning power and brightening! If you see butter stains on clothes after washing, repeat the stain fighting process.
Step 4: Dry
Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can cause stains to set permanently. We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry, preferably in the sunshine. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get butter out of clothes? We’re here to help with all your butter stain needs.
Does vinegar remove butter stains?
Looking to learn how to remove butter stains using items in your pantry? Vinegar is a great natural astringent that can assist with getting butter stain out of clothes. Soak the stain in white vinegar, then gently scrub the fabric to remove the stain. Vinegar also serves as a deodorizer–we love the smell of butter on popcorn or toast, but not so much on our clothes!
Can you get butter out of clothes after washing?
Does butter come out of clothes after washing? Determining how to remove set-in butter stains from clothing can be difficult, but is not impossible! Enzymes, which eat away at the oils, proteins, and sugars that make up a stain, will be your secret weapon here. Apply an enzyme-based cleaner, like Dropps Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, directly to the stain. Use your finger to rub the product into the stain, then let sit for at least five minutes before rinsing in cold water. Depending on the age and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat this process several times. Be sure not to put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely removed.
Does butter permanently stain?
Whether you’re looking to learn how to get melted butter out of clothes or if the butter is still in stick form, the answer is the same. Butter can stain permanently if the stain is not treated quickly or properly. Be sure to treat your stain with an enzyme-based cleaner as soon as possible to ensure your favorite clothing remains stain-free!