I’ve faced the challenge of getting butter stains out of clothes many times!
Either it was my kitchen disaster or helping a friend after a dinner party spill.
Butter stains look stubborn, but trust me, they’re not permanent.
I’ve tested plenty of methods using everyday household items, and you can remove butter stains without damaging your clothes.
Whether the stain is fresh or already set, I’ll guide you through step-by-step fixes that work on different fabrics and stains.
Are Butter Stains Permanent?
That’s the first thing I panicked about, but even then I learnt from my mistake.
Butter stains are not permanent, as long as you treat them properly and act sooner rather than later.
Butter is an oil-based stain, which means it can cling tightly to fabric fibres.
The longer it sits, the deeper it settles in. If you just toss the stained clothes into the washer without treating the stain first, it might set.
Suggested Read: How To Remove Stubborn Stains From Clothes: 5 Laundry Hacks!
How To Prevent Butter Stains From Becoming Permanent
No, butter stains aren’t permanent, but they can become tough if you don’t use the right steps.
Trust me, I’ve saved clothes just by knowing these methods.
1. Act fast: Even if you’re out, gently blot the stain so it doesn’t spread deeper.
2. Use an absorbent first: Things like baby powder, cornmeal, or even a dry napkin can soak up fresh grease before it dries.
3. Treat before washing: Never skip pre-treatment! Dish soap, vinegar, or any of the tricks can lift the oils
4. Avoid heat until stain is gone: Heat sets stains, so don’t use a dryer or hot iron until you’re sure it’s completely gone.
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How to Get Butter Stains Out of Clothes After Drying
I know how hopeless it feels when you realise the butter stain has dried, like it’s set forever.
But here’s how you can tackle those stubborn dried-in stains without damaging your clothes.
1. Hair Conditioner Softening Method
This softens the stain and loosens the grease gently. I used this on a friend’s favourite blouse, and it worked like a charm!
- Apply a small amount of oil-free conditioner directly on the dried stain.
- Gently rub it in circular motions to loosen the butter.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes so the conditioner breaks down the grease.
- Rinse with warm water to wash away softened oil, then launder as usual.
2. Grease-Specific Stain Remover
This treatment targets tough, dried-in butter and can revive old stains that seem impossible.
- Apply the grease remover on the dried stain.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing it to penetrate the grease.
- Avoid scrubbing to prevent fabric damage, just rinse thoroughly after.
- Launder normally to finish.
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How to Get Butter Out of Clothes Quickly
When butter spills and you need a quick fix, here’s what works best to stop that stain from sinking in.
3. Baby Powder Magic
This method works best on fresh stains and is great when you don’t have time for a full wash.
- Sprinkle baby powder on the stain immediately.
- Let it absorb the grease for 10 minutes.
- Shake off the powder, then apply dish soap mixed with warm water.
- Rinse and wash normally.
4. Makeup Remover Wipes
It’s an easy trick that can help until you wash the garment.
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Use oil-free makeup remover wipes to dab the stain gently.
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Avoid rubbing to stop spreading.
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Rinse with warm water ASAP.
Suggested Read: Does Dry Cleaning Remove Stains? Why It’s Better Than Washing!
How to Get Set-In Butter Stains Out of Clothes
Set-in stains are scary, but don’t give up! Here are two natural but powerful ways to get rid of old butter stains.
5. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil works wonders in breaking down oils and smells great while doing it.
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Pour 2 drops of lemon oil on the stain.
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Wait 15 minutes for it to break down the grease.
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Blot with a clean cloth and wash normally.
6. Vinegar and Dish Soap scrub
This method lifts grease and stains from the fabric effectively.
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Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of dish soap.
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Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the mixture on the stain.
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Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and wash with water.
How to Get Popcorn Butter Stains Out of Clothes
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7. Lemon Soda Fizz Treatment
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Pour lemon-lime soda over the stain.
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Let it fizz and bubble for 10 minutes.
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Blot gently to lift grease, then rinse and wash.
8. Raw Potato Rub
It’s an old trick I learnt from my grandma that works surprisingly well.
- Cut a fresh raw potato slice.
- Rub the slice gently on the stain.
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Leave the potato starch to absorb grease for 5 minutes.
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Rinse and wash normally with cold water.
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How to Get Shea Butter Stains Out of Clothes
Shea butter spills can be greasy and thick. Here’s how to get those stains gone.
9. Hot Towel Iron Press
This trick helped my friend save her sweater after a lotion mishap! This method is quick and works best for thicker stains.
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Place a clean towel over the stain.
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Press a hot iron gently on the towel for a few seconds.
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The heat transfers grease from clothes to the towel.
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Repeat if necessary, then wash as usual.
10. Foam Shaving Cream
This method is ideal for delicate fabrics where harsh scrubbing isn’t possible.
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Apply a layer of shaving foam to the stain.
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Wait 15 minutes to let it break down the grease.
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Gently rub and rinse before washing.
How to Get Peanut Butter Stains Out of Clothes
Peanut butter can be sticky and stubborn, but here’s how to deal with those stains fast.
11. Coca-Cola Soak
Sounds strange, but the soda’s acidity breaks down oil surprisingly well.
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Pour Coca-Cola on the stain.
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Let it sit for 10 minutes to loosen the grease.
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Rinse with cold water and wash.
12. Aloe Vera Gel treatment
Aloe vera is gentle and great if you’re worried about damaging your clothes.
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Apply aloe vera gel over the stain.
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Wait 15 minutes for it to penetrate the grease.
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Rinse with cool water and wash normally.
How to Get Cocoa Butter Stains Out of Clothes
Cocoa butter is thick, but you can still remove its stains effectively.
13. Micellar Water Dab
Micellar water is made to dissolve oils, so it’s great for sensitive fabrics like silk.
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Soak a cotton pad with micellar water.
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Dab gently on the stain without rubbing hard.
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Rinse with cold water and air dry.
14. Castile Soap
It’s a natural, gentle soap that cuts grease without harsh chemicals.
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Apply liquid Castile soap directly to the stain.
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Let it sit for 10 minutes.
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Rub gently and rinse well.
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How to Get Butter Chicken Stains Out of Clothes
Butter chicken stains are greasy and colourful, here’s how to clean them well.
15. Vegetable Glycerin Soak
This soak helps especially with curry sauces mixed with butter.
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Dab vegetable glycerin onto the stain.
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Let it work for 30 minutes to soften grease and curry residue.
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Rinse and wash normally.
16. Club Soda Blot
This is a fast, accessible way to deal with fresh butter chicken stains.
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Pour club soda on the stain.
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Blot gently with a white cloth to lift grease and colour.
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Repeat if necessary, then wash.
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How to Get Butter Stains Out of White Clothes
White clothes need special care to avoid yellowing after butter stains.
17. Hydrogen Peroxide Spot Treatment
This brightens whites while breaking down grease.
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Dab hydrogen peroxide on the stain carefully.
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Let it bubble for a minute.
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Rinse immediately and wash.
18. Milk and Salt Soak
The enzymes in milk help remove grease gently.
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Soak stained white clothes in warm water with ½ cup milk and 1 tablespoon salt.
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Leave for an hour.
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Rinse and wash normally.
How to Remove Butter Stain from a Couch
Butter stains on your couch? Don’t panic, here’s what works.
19. Vodka Blot
This trick works well on many fabric types without discolouring.
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Soak a cloth with clear vodka.
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Blot the stain gently.
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Repeat as needed, then blot with water and dry.
20. Dry Shampoo Spray
This method refreshes your couch and removes grease without water.
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Spray dry shampoo on the stain.
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Wait 20 minutes to absorb grease.
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Brush off or vacuum the area gently.
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How to Get Butter Stain Out of Jeans
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21. Dishwasher Detergent Scrub
This is a powerful, budget-friendly solution without harming denim.
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Sprinkle powdered dishwasher detergent on the stain.
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Wet slightly and scrub gently.
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Rinse and wash.
22. White Toothpaste
This household item is an effective grease remover for tough fabrics.
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Apply white toothpaste on the stain.
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Scrub gently with a toothbrush.
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Rinse thoroughly and launder.
Final Thoughts: how to get butter stains out of clothes
So, how to get butter stains out of clothes? It’s easier than you think! right?
No matter how old or stubborn the stain, these simple tricks from kitchen ingredients can save your clothes.
Next time butter strikes, you won’t have to stress or throw away your favourite outfit.
Keep this guide handy and just pick a method that suits your stain and fabric, and watch the butter disappear.
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