How to Remove Yogurt Stains From Clothing and Upholstery

How to Remove Fresh Yogurt Stains

1. Remove Solids

   Lift off any excess yogurt from the clothing gently using a spoon or the back of a butter knife.

   Tip

   Don't dig too deeply into the fabric, but try to remove any yogurt that hasn't soaked into the fibers.

2. Soak Stained Area

   Soak the stained area in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes.

   Warning

   Don't use hot water to soak the stained area. Yogurt is a protein-based stain, and hot water will set it.

3. Treat the Stain

   If the stain remains, add laundry detergent to the stained area and soak again for 30 minutes gently rubbing the stained area every 3 to 5 minutes.
   

   Use an enzyme-based stain remover on the stain or rub in a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent directly onto the stain. You can also use a detergent that contains enough enzymes to break apart the stain (leading performers include Tide or Persil). 

4. Apply Stain Remover

   Apply a stain remover to the area and allow it to sit for 7 to 10 minutes to soak into the stain.

5. Rinse the Stained Area

   Rinse thoroughly and repeat these steps until the stain is gone.

6. Wash and Air Dry

   Wash the clothing according to the fabric care label, and let air dry to be sure the stain is fully removed. If the stain is gone, launder as usual, but if the stain is still there, repeat the steps.
   

   Warning

   Do not put any stained clothing in the dryer as the heat from the dryer will set the stain, and it will be harder to remove or be permanent.

How to Remove Dried Yogurt Stains

1. Treat the Stain

   Rub an enzymatic heavy-duty laundry detergent on the stained area with your fingers.

2. Soak

   Soak the clothing in cold water for 30 to 45 minutes. Gently rub the stained area every 3 to 5 minutes before returning it to soak in cold water.

3. Treat With Stain Remover

   Apply a stain remover and allowing it to sit for 7 to 10 minutes.

4. Rinse the Stained Area

   Rinse thoroughly and continue to repeat these steps until the stain is fully removed. Then wash as normal. Do not dry the clothing until the stain is completely gone.

How to Remove Old Yogurt Stains on Clothing

Old yogurt stains on clothing can be very tough to remove. If you've tried all the steps for dried yogurt stains and still have a stained area, you can try using baking soda. Sometimes the baking soda can help pull parts of the stain out of the fabric.

1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water.

2. Apply the Solution

   Spread the cleaning solution over the area using your fingers or a spoon.

3. Air-Dry

   Allow it to completely air dry before continuing with the steps for dried stains.

How to Remove Yogurt Stains on Upholstery and Carpet

The same method is used for cleaning yogurt stains off upholstery or carpet. Take extra care not to saturate the fabric to prevent excessive moisture in the cushions. If the fabric is vintage or silk, consult an upholstery cleaning professional.

Before cleaning any furniture, always follow the manufacturer's care label on cleaning upholstery. This tag can be found under the sofa cushions or fabric skirt with letter codes that indicate how to clean the furniture.

1. Remove Solids

   Lift up any excess yogurt carefully with a spoon or the back of a butter knife.

2. Mix Cleaning Solution

   Mix a few drops of dish soap with 2 cups of cold water.

3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

   Sponge the dish soap and water solution gently with a clean white cloth onto the upholstery. Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to keep it from spreading, work the cleaning solution into the stain. Blot up the solution gently using a separate white cloth until the stain and wetness are gone. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred. 

4. Rinse the Stained Area

   Dip a clean white cloth in plain water to rinse the spot, then blot dry with a clean cloth

   Warning

   Rinse the stained area well, being careful not to oversaturate. It is important to rinse as any soapy residue left will attract more soil.

5. Air-Dry and Vacuum

   Allow the area to air-dry, keeping it away from direct heat. For carpeting, vacuum to lift any fibers that are matted.

Additional Tips for Handling Yogurt Stains

If the clothing is white, you can try to use bleach to remove the stain as well, although be aware this could damage any pattern or the fabric itself.