How to Get Butter Out of Clothes for Good

1. Apply Cornstarch, Baking Soda, or Talcum Powder

   After blotting away as much of the stain as possible, sprinkle cornstarch, baking soda, or talcum powder over the area. It will absorb oil and help to remove the stain. Sprinkle generously, and allow it to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes. Then, brush it away with a soft-bristle brush.
   

   If the fabric must be dry-cleaned, you still generally can complete this step before heading to a professional cleaner as soon as possible. You also can use a home dry-cleaning kit, though they're not always effective on oily stains.

2. Treat With a Laundry Stain Remover

   Next, pretreat the stain using a solvent-based stain removal product, such as Shout, Spray 'n Wash, or Zout. Follow label instructions, making sure the product is suitable for your fabric type. It's ideal to test it on an inconspicuous spot first.

   If you don't have a stain remover, you can apply heavy-duty liquid detergent that contains enough enzymes to break down the oil, such as Tide or Persil. Grease-fighting dish soap is another option. Work it gently into the stain using your fingers or a soft-bristle brush, and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before washing.
   

   If you're using a home dry-cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

3. Wash the Fabric

   After pretreatment, wash the fabric as usual in the hottest water recommended on the fabric's care label. (Or follow the instructions on your home dry-cleaning kit.)

   Then, inspect the stained area after the wash cycle is complete. Do not put the fabric into the dryer until you're positive the stain is gone, as high heat can permanently set an oily stain. It's best to let the fabric air dry after the wash because butter stains can be difficult to see on wet fabric.
   

4. Repeat as Needed

   If the stain is not gone after washing, repeat each cleaning step.

How to Remove Butter Stains From Carpet

Removing butter stains from carpet is a similar process to removing them from clothing and other fabric. In fact, if your carpet can go in the washing machine, you generally would follow the clothing stain-removal process. However, for carpet that can't be washed, you'll have to stick with this dry-cleaning method. 

1. Lift Away the Solids

   Using a dull knife or spoon, lift away as much of the solid butter from the carpet as possible. Gently part the carpet fibers to make sure you catch everything, so you don't accidentally rub any butter into the carpet. Blot away liquid butter spills with a clean white cloth or paper towel.

2. Apply Cornstarch, Baking Soda, or Talcum Powder

   Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch, baking soda, or talcum powder to absorb the oil. Use a soft-bristle brush to work it gently into the carpet. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Then, vacuum up the powder.
   

3. Treat With a Dry-Cleaning Solvent

   Blot the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent or carpet-cleaning product following the product instructions. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel. Keep blotting until no more oil is transferred from the carpet to the cloth.

   If you don't have dry-cleaning solvent or carpet cleaner, mix 1 tablespoon dish soap with 2 cups of hot water. Blot the stain with a clean white cloth dipped into the solution. Then, rinse the area with another cloth dipped in plain water. Any leftover soapy residue can actually attract dirt.

How to Remove Butter Stains From Upholstery

The same cleaning process recommended for carpet can be used to remove butter stains from upholstery. However, if the upholstery is silk or vintage, sprinkle with cornstarch and call a professional before attempting to remove the stain. Delicate fabrics often require specialized care.

1. Remove Solids and Liquids

   If possible, remove the upholstery fabric from the interior cushion. Or at least attempt to lift the fabric to provide some space between it and the cushion. This will help to prevent the butter from seeping into the cushion.

   Then, use a dull knife or spoon to lift any butter solids off the upholstery surface. Blot liquid butter with a clean white cloth or paper towel.

2. Apply Cornstarch, Baking Soda, or Talcum Powder

   Generously sprinkle cornstarch, baking soda, or talcum powder on the stained area. Gently work it in with a soft-bristle brush. Then, vacuum it up with a handheld attachment or dust buster.

3. Treat With a Dry-Cleaning Solvent or Upholstery Cleaner

   Apply a dry-cleaning solvent or upholstery cleaner to the stained area, following label instructions.

   If you don't have one of these products available, you can use 1 tablespoon dish soap mixed with 2 cups hot water. However, be careful not to oversaturate fabric on a cushion, as this can damage the cushion.
   

Continue to repeat the cleaning steps as needed. If you get to a point where the stain is still present and is not lightening, contact a professional cleaner. They might have some stain removal tips for the specific fabric to prevent the stain from becoming permanent.