How to Remove Cream Cheese Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

Soft cheeses are delicious but unfortunately not every bite lands in our mouths. They're not so good on our clothes, carpet, and upholstery. Whether it is your favorite cream cheese smear or another soft cheese like cottage cheese, goat cheese or Brie, the steps for removing the stains are just the same.

Project Metrics

Working Time: 5-15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Before You Begin

For delicate or non-colorfast fabrics, test any detergent or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not discolor the fabric.

Older soft cheese stains will be harder to remove. You might need to repeat the cleaning process a couple of times before the stain disappears. Before placing the garment in an automatic dryer, check to be sure the stain is removed. High heat may set the stain permanently and make it difficult to remove.

If the stained garment is labeled as dry clean only, remove any solids and blot with a clean white cloth. Do not rub because that will make the stain harder to remove. For small stains, you can spot clean with a dry cleaning solvent. Always test the solvent on an inside seam to be sure it will not fade the fabric and always follow product directions carefully. 

If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

For larger stains, head to the dry cleaner as soon as possible and point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner.

If attempting to remove a cream cheese stain from upholstery and the fabric is silk or vintage, consult a professional before attempting to remove the stain.

What You'll Need

Supplies

• Heavy-duty detergent or enzyme-based stain remover
• Dishwashing liquid
• Distilled white vinegar

Tools

• Soft-bristled brush
• Washer or large sink
• Dryer, clothesline or drying rack
• Dull knife, spoon or credit card
• Small bowl or bucket
• Sponge
• Vacuum

How to Remove Soft Cheese Stains from Clothes

1. Remove Any Solids

   Use a dull knife or spoon or the edge of a credit card to lift off any excess cream cheese from the fabric. Do not rub the fresh stain with a cloth or paper towel because that will push the cheese particles deeper into the fabric making them much harder to remove. If the cheese has dried, brush it away gently with a soft-bristled brush.

2. Pretreat the Stain

   Treat the stained area with a solvent-based stain remover spray or gel. If you don't have a stain remover, use a bit of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent (Tide or Persil) to treat the stain. These detergents contain enough enzymes to break down the oil and protein components of the cheese. Less expensive brands may not work as well.

   Allow the stain remover to sit on the fabric at least 15 minutes before washing so it can begin to dissolve the proteins and oils in the stain.

3. Select the Water Temperature and Wash Cycle

   Wash the garment or table linen as recommended for the fabric on the care label. If there is no label, use warm or cold water and the permanent press cycle.

4. Check the Stained Area

   Check the stained area before tossing the item in the dryer. If the stain is not gone, repeat the steps. Drying the item, especially if it is a synthetic fabric like polyester and acrylic, on high heat if it is still stained will make the oil even harder to remove.

5. Dry the Item

   Follow the care label recommendations for drying the fabric.

How to Remove Cream Cheese Stains From Carpet

The same cleaning solution that you use for carpet can be used to remove soft cheeses from upholstery. Be particularly careful not to oversaturate the fabric and cushion filling.

1. Remove Excess Solids

   Use a dull knife or the edge of a spoon to lift away as much of the cream cheese as possible. Never wipe or rub the area with a paper towel because that will push the cheese into the carpet fibers more deeply.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   In a small bowl or bucket, mix a solution of two cups warm water, one tablespoon dishwashing liquid, and two tablespoons distilled white vinegar.

3. Tackle the Stain

   Dip a clean white cloth, paper towel or sponge in the solution and wring out any excess moisture. Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, wipe away the stain. Starting at the outside edge helps prevent the stain from becoming larger. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is lifted from the carpet.

4. Rinse the Area

   To rinse, use another clean cloth dipped in plain water to wipe down the area. It is important to do this step because if you leave any soapy residue in the carpet it will actually attract more soil.

5. Air-Dry and Vacuum

   Allow the area to air dry with no direct heat. Vacuum to lift and restore carpet fibers.