How to Remove Butter & Margarine Stains

Since butter and margarine produce an oily, greasy stain, they need emulsifiers to remove them. Thankfully, many household products fit the bill and can be used to remove butter and margarine stains. To get rid of butter and margarine stains, it's best to treat them as soon as possible. But even if you don't notice them right away, follow these tips to remove grease stains from clothing and get them as good as new. Just take care not to put stained fabrics in the dryer, as this will cause the stains to set and become harder to remove.

Liquid Dishwashing Detergent
Many liquid hand-washing dish detergents contain grease fighters that will help remove butter and margarine stains. Dab some dishwashing liquid onto the stain (clear is best so the dye doesn't react with clothing colors), and work it in with a damp cloth or paper towel. Agitate the stain to work it out, then launder as usual. Allow the garment to air dry to make sure the stain is completely removed before putting it in the dryer. If there's still a grease spot, repeat the process.

Dry Laundry Soap
Make a paste with some dry laundry soap and water and work into the stain. Get rid of butter and margarine stains by working the paste into the stained area and then let sit for a half hour before putting into the wash. Launder as normal and make sure the stain is completely gone before putting into the dryer.

Flour
Begin by removing any excess butter or margarine with a dull butter knife or plastic utensil, being careful not to push the butter further into the fabric. Sprinkle flour onto the stain and gently rub it into the spot so that it absorbs the grease. Turn the garment inside out, placing a folded towel between the layers of fabric to protect the clean areas. Apply a small dab of concentrated liquid laundry detergent on the back of the stain and work it in. Brush off the flour and launder the garment in the hottest water the fabric will allow. Make sure the stain is completely gone before putting the garment in the dryer.

Ammonia
Using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, blot the butter or margarine stain with ammonia. Once the stain is gone, rinse and air dry to make sure no greasy residue remains. If it does, repeat the process and launder as usual, making sure not to put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely removed.

Commercial Stain Remover
Remove butter and margarine stains by first removing any excess. Then apply a spray or stick stain remover to the entire area of the stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes (longer won't hurt). Then apply a clear laundry detergent to the stain and work it in well with your fingertips or a soft scrub brush. Rinse the fabric and inspect the area to make sure the stain is removed. If there's still a greasy residue, repeat the process. When the stain is gone, launder as usual.

Sources:
cleaning.tips.net
ehow.com
tipking.co.uk
doityourself.com