How to Remove Mayonnaise Stains

Even though mayonnaise is white, it is a greasy and oily substance, which makes for a nasty stain. But you can remove mayonnaise stains with these household items and get your fabrics, carpet and upholstery looking as good as new. Use these tips and get rid of mayonnaise stains no matter how big.

Laundry Detergent
Lift as much of the mayonnaise from the fabric as possible with a butter knife or spoon, being careful not to spread the mayonnaise deeper into the fabric or make the stain bigger. To remove the mayonnaise stain, work some heavy-duty laundry detergent into the stain with your fingers, agitating the fabric and covering the stain. Rinse in warm water to get all of the detergent out. Allow the fabric to air dry and inspect the stain site to make sure it is removed. If not, repeat the process. When the stain is gone, wash the garment in the laundry as usual.

Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar
To get rid of mayonnaise stains in carpet, start by scraping up any excess mayonnaise (wet or dry) with a butter knife or plastic utensil. When all excess has been removed, place some rubbing alcohol or white vinegar on a clean, dry cloth and blot at the stain, being careful not to pull at the carpet fibers or push the stain further into the carpet. If the stain is not completely removed, mix a small amount of dish liquid into 2 cups warm water and scrub the stain with the solution. (Be sure to test in a hidden area first to make sure the colors don't bleed or fade.) when the stain is removed, rinse with clean water and let air dry.

To remove mayonnaise stains from upholstery, scrape up any excess mayonnaise with a butter knife or plastic utensil. Put some rubbing alcohol on a clean, dry cloth and blot up the stain. When you can no longer blot up any more stain, apply a few drops of dry cleaning solvent to the stained area and blot it up with a paper towel. Mix a small amount of dish detergent with warm water and clean the stained area with it, rinsing with clean water. Be careful not to rub the area, as this could stretch out the upholstery fabric. Allow to air dry.

Baking Soda or Cornstarch
Since mayonnaise is an oil-based stain, using a powder like baking soda or cornstarch will help to blot up the oil and remove it. This method works on fabric, upholstery and carpet. Start by scraping up any excess mayonnaise with a butter knife or plastic utensil. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the mayonnaise stain and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, until the oil is absorbed. Brush the excess powder off of fabric, or vacuum it up from carpet and upholstery. Launder the fabric in the hottest water tolerable with your regular laundry detergent. Make sure the stain is completely removed before putting it in the dryer, or the dryer will set the stain. For carpet and upholstery, blot the stain with a dry cleaning solvent to remove the rest of the stain. Rinse, and let air dry.

Sources:
tipking.co.uk
goodhousekeeping.com