Will Butter Come Out of Clothes?
Butter, a beloved ingredient that adds creamy flavor to a variety of dishes, can unfortunately end up in places it’s not supposed to. A common way this kitchen staple can end up becoming a nuisance is when a bit of it finds its way onto clothing, leaving an unpleasant and difficult stain.
Ways to Remove Butter Stains
Fortunately, there are some solutions to butter stains on clothing.
- Absorb with a Paper Towel – If the butter has just been spilled, the best thing to do is to first use a paper towel or a cloth to pick up and absorb as much of the butter as possible.
- Use Detergent or Starch – Once the butter has been removed as much as it can be with a paper towel, laundry detergent or a white powder such as cornstarch can be used. Rub a bit of the detergent or starch onto the fabric, and then let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse the Fabric in Warm Water – When the stain has been treated with detergent or starch, it’s time to rinse the fabric in warm water. This will help remove any of the remaining butter as well as the detergent/starch applied.
- Mashing the Butter – In some cases, if the butter has hardened, it may be helpful to try mashing it with a spoon before trying the detergent or starch method.
- Replicate the Fabric if Necessary – If all else fails, heavily stained fabric pieces may simply have to be replaced.
Tips for Prevention
In order to avoid having to deal with butter stains on clothes, here are a few tips:
- Be Careful Around Hot Butter – Make sure any butter that is hot or bubbling is kept away from clothing.
- Wear an Apron – Wearing an apron or an old shirt when cooking can help keep butter off of clothing.
- Put a Towel Down – Having a layer of towel between the clothing and the butter will help protect the fabric.
Conclusion
Butter stains, though unpleasant, don’t have to be permanent. With the right cleaning techniques and a bit of precaution, butter stains can be removed or prevented from fabric.