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How to Get Egg Stains Out

Pure protein — cold water only until it's out.

Quick answer

Fresh Egg 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 off any solids gently, without rubbing.
  2. Rinse under cold water — never hot.
  3. Apply an enzyme-based detergent and let it work.
  4. Launder per the care label in cold or warm water.
  5. Air-dry and check before machine-drying.

Don’t do this

  • Hot water cooks protein stains into fibers.

Sources: The Spruce; Tide

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

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Egg on specific materials

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

Frequently asked questions

Why is egg tricky?

Heat literally cooks egg protein into fabric, like a fried egg on a shirt. Cold water keeps it soluble.

Raw vs cooked egg on fabric?

Same rule for both: scrape, cold-rinse, enzyme detergent. Never hot water first.

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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