How To Remove Butter Stains From Clothes: 10+ Proven Methods

Butter is delicious on toast, popcorn, and baked goods,  but when it ends up on your clothes, it can feel like a disaster. Unlike coffee or juice stains, butter is a fat-based stain, which makes it much harder to remove with water and regular washing alone.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do you get butter stains out of clothes?” or “How do I get rid of a butter stain that’s already set?” — you’re not alone. The good news is that there are several reliable methods, using everyday products you probably already have at home.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to remove butter stains from different fabrics, using common stain-fighting solutions like dish soap, baking soda, shampoo, and even some surprising household products like hairspray and WD-40.

Why Butter Stains Are So Stubborn

Before learning how to get a butter stain out, it helps to understand why they’re so tough to remove.

• Butter is high in fat: Water alone doesn’t dissolve grease. That’s why butter tends to “cling” to fabric fibers instead of washing out.
  

• It can spread quickly: If you rub instead of blotting, the greasy spot often grows.
  

• Heat sets the stain: If you throw butter-stained clothes into a dryer before removing the spot, the heat will “bake in” the grease, making it nearly impossible to get rid of.
  

That’s why the key to getting butter stains out of clothes is to act quickly, pre-treat the area, and use the right products that break down oils.

General Tips on How To Remove Butter Stains

Before diving into specific methods, keep these universal tips on how to get rid of butter stains on clothing in mind:

1. Blot, don’t rub. Use a paper towel, napkin, or cloth to gently blot away excess butter. Never rub—it only spreads the grease deeper.
   

2. Scrape off solids. If there’s a chunk of butter or residue, use a spoon or dull knife to lift it off.
   

3. Pre-treat before washing. Always use a stain-fighting product before tossing the item in the washer.
   

4. Air dry first. Don’t use the dryer until you’re 100% sure the stain is gone. Heat sets grease permanently.
   

Repeat if needed. Some stains take more than one round of treatment, especially on heavier fabrics like denim.

1. Removing Butter Stains with Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets & Vegan Stain Remover Bar

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, effective way to get rid of butter stains, Kind Laundry makes it easy with two powerful tools: their detergent sheets and the vegan stain remover bar. Together, they offer a gentle yet highly effective system for tackling even stubborn grease stains without relying on harsh chemicals.

Step 1: Treat the Stain with the Vegan Stain Remover Bar

Start by addressing the butter stain directly before washing.

1. Blot and scrape – Use a spoon or paper towel to lift away any excess butter without rubbing it deeper into the fabric.
   

2. Dampen the fabric – Wet the stained area lightly with cool or lukewarm water.
   

3. Apply the stain remover bar – Rub the Kind Laundry Vegan Stain Remover Bar directly onto the butter spot. The bar is formulated with plant-based ingredients that break down grease while being safe on most fabrics.
   

4. Work it in – Gently massage the fabric together or use a soft brush to help the formula penetrate the fibers.
   

5. Let it sit – Leave it for 5–10 minutes to allow the natural ingredients to loosen the butter oils
   

This step helps “pre-treat” the stain so it doesn’t set when you wash the item.

Step 2: Wash with Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets

Next, wash the garment as you normally would — but instead of bulky liquid or powder detergent, use a Kind Laundry Detergent Sheet.

1. Load your laundry into the washer.
   

2. Add one detergent sheet (or two for heavier loads). These pre-measured sheets dissolve completely in water, releasing a concentrated cleaning formula.
   

3. Select the right cycle – Choose the warmest water temperature that’s safe for the fabric. Warm water is especially effective at lifting butter stains.
   

4. Wash and check – After the cycle, inspect the garment before drying. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process before putting it in the dryer.
   

Why It Works

The vegan stain remover bar targets the butter stain at the source, breaking down the oils before they bond permanently with the fabric. The detergent sheets with added enzymes then take over, lifting out the residue while being safe, mess-free, and eco-conscious.

Together, these two products give you a sustainable and effective solution for tackling butter stains without relying on harsh chemicals.

2. Powdered Laundry Detergent

Powder works a little differently and can be especially helpful in removing older butter stains from clothes.

Steps:

1. Make a paste with powdered detergent and warm water.
   

2. Apply the paste directly to the butter stain.
   

3. Work it in with a toothbrush.
   

4. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
   

5. Wash normally.
   

Pro tip: Rinse thoroughly before drying, powder residue can sometimes leave white marks.

3. Dishwashing Soap

One of the most popular and effective ways of removing butter stains is dish soap. After all, dish soap as a home remedy is designed to cut through greasy food.

Steps:

1. Apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly to the stain.
   

2. Add a splash of warm water.
   

3. Rub gently with your fingers or a soft cloth.
   

4. Rinse under warm water until the suds are gone.
   

5. Wash in the machine.
   

Why it works: Dish soaps contain degreasers that target oils and fats.

Best for: Fresh stains, everyday fabrics, and kids’ clothes.

4. Soap Bar

If you’re traveling or don’t have detergent handy, a simple bar of soap can save the day.

Steps:

1. Dampen the butter stain with warm water.
   

2. Rub a plain soap bar directly on the fabric.
   

3. Lather it up until suds form.
   

4. Rinse well.
   

5. Wash normally.
   

Pro tip: Avoid heavily perfumed or colored bars that could add their own stains. Stick with white, plain soaps.

5. Baking Soda

If you’re wondering how to get rid of butter stains naturally, baking soda is a powerful choice.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the butter stain.
   

2. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (overnight for tough stains).
   

3. Brush off the powder.
   

4. Pre-treat the spot with detergent or dish soap.
   

5. Wash as usual.
   

Why it works: Baking soda absorbs oils, drawing grease out of fabric fibers.

Best for: Delicate fabrics like silk or wool where liquid treatments may be too harsh.

6. WD-40 Method

This trick sounds odd, but WD-40 can help re-liquefy set-in grease, making it easier to wash away.

Steps:

1. Place cardboard behind the fabric to protect layers.
   

2. Spray a very small amount of WD-40 onto the stain.
   

3. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
   

4. Blot with a paper towel.
   

5. Pre-treat with dish soap or detergent.
   

6. Wash normally.
   

Caution: Always test on an inconspicuous area first. WD-40 may leave residue on delicate fabrics.

7. Hairspray Technique

Hairspray contains alcohol, which can help dissolve grease and make it easier to get rid of butter stains.

Steps:

1. Spray the butter stain generously with hairspray.
   

2. Wait 5–10 minutes.
   

3. Blot with a clean cloth.
   

4. Rinse with warm water.
   

5. Launder as usual.
   

Best for: Cotton, polyester, and blends. Avoid on silk and wool.

8. Shampoo Method

Shampoo is formulated to break down natural oils, making it surprisingly effective on butter stains.

Steps:

1. Apply a small amount of shampoo to the butter spot.
   

2. Work it into the fabric with your fingers.
   

3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
   

4. Rinse well.
   

5. Wash in the machine.
   

Pro tip: Clarifying shampoos work best because they’re stronger at cutting through oils.

9. Cornstarch

If you’re wondering how to remove butter stains from delicate fabrics, cornstarch is a safe and effective option. It works much like baking soda by naturally absorbing oils.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle cornstarch over the butter stain.
   

2. Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
   

3. Brush away the powder.
   

4. Pre-treat with detergent.
   

5. Wash normally.
   

Best for: Delicate fabrics or “dry clean only” items (though you should still take those to a professional afterward).

10. Lighter Fluid (Use With Extreme Caution)

This old-school hack is powerful but risky. Lighter fluid (naphtha) can dissolve grease, but it’s flammable.

Steps:

1. Place cardboard behind the stain.
   

2. Dab a cotton ball with a small amount of lighter fluid.
   

3. Blot the butter stain gently.
   

4. Rinse thoroughly.
   

5. Pre-treat with detergent before washing.
   

Warning: Only use this in a well-ventilated area, and never near flames.

Extra Tips for Stubborn Butter Stains

• Repeat treatments: Sometimes one round isn’t enough.
  

• Use an enzyme-based stain remover: These are designed for protein and fat-based stains.
  

• For dry-clean-only items: Blot the stain gently, then take it to a professional cleaner. Don’t risk DIY methods.
  

Check before drying: If you still see a faint grease ring, retreat before using the dryer.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you remove butter stains from clothes? The answer depends on what you have on hand, the fabric type, and whether the stain is fresh or set. From everyday options like dish soap and baking soda to surprising methods like WD-40 or hairspray, there’s always a solution.

The most important rule? Treat butter stains quickly, pre-treat before washing, and never use the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone. With a little patience, you can save your favorite clothes from greasy disasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove butter stains from jeans?

Use dish soap or liquid detergent, scrub with a brush, and wash in hot water (if the fabric allows). Repeat if necessary.

Can you remove butter stains from silk?

Yes, but stick to gentler options like baking soda, cornstarch, or a mild soap bar. Avoid harsh chemicals like WD-40 or lighter fluid.

Does vinegar work on butter stains?

Vinegar helps with odor and some stains, but it’s not the most effective for greasy stains like butter. Dish soap or baking soda works better.

What if the butter stain has already dried?

You can still remove it by reactivating the grease. Try WD-40, shampoo, or dish soap, then wash as usual.

How do you remove butter stains without washing?

If you don’t have access to a washer (e.g., when traveling), use baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the grease, then rub gently with a damp cloth.

Can professional dry cleaners remove butter stains?

Yes, most professional cleaners are trained to handle grease stains. If the item is expensive or delicate, dry cleaning is your safest option.

Are butter stains permanent?

Not if treated quickly. The faster you act, the better your chances. If the stain has been through the dryer, it may be much harder (sometimes impossible) to remove completely.