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How to Get Butter Stains Out

Butter is a fat stain like cooking oil, often with milk solids that add a protein element.

Quick answer

Fresh Butter on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Scrape or blot off excess oil.
  2. Work a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap (or liquid laundry detergent) into the stain.
  3. Let it sit 10–15 minutes.
  4. Rinse from the back of the fabric with the warmest water the care label allows.
  5. Launder as usual, then air-dry and check before machine-drying.

Don’t do this

  • Do not use dish soap inside the washing machine — pre-treat and rinse it out first.

Sources: The Kitchn; King University stain removal guide (PDF); Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine); Dawn

For dried stains or other materials, use the lookup tool below.

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Butter on specific materials

Butter on CottonFresh & dried steps Butter on LinenFresh & dried steps Butter on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Butter on NylonFresh & dried steps Butter on SilkFresh & dried steps Butter on WoolFresh & dried steps Butter on DenimFresh & dried steps Butter on LeatherFresh & dried steps Butter on SuedeFresh & dried steps Butter on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Butter on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Butter on WoodFresh & dried steps Butter on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Butter on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Butter on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Is butter treated like grease?

Yes — scrape off solids, then treat with dish soap like any oil stain.

What about melted butter on a tablecloth?

Blot up what you can, cover with baking soda to absorb the oil, then dish soap and a hot wash if the label allows.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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