Butter is one of life’s simple pleasures, whether it’s slathered on toast, melted over popcorn, or added to a creamy sauce. However, when some ends up on your favorite shirt, you might wonder, “But at what cost?!” No need to swear off the stuff: Getting butter out of clothes can indeed be done.

In fact, there are a handful of methods that can get butter out of clothes, all of which we’ve detailed here. With expert advice, you’ll be able to deal with this greasy mishap—no problem. Below, learn how to get butter out of clothes using a washing machine, washing by hand, and with common (and natural) household items at hand.

How to Get Butter Out of Clothes By Machine Washing

Machine washing is a convenient way to get butter out of clothes. First thing’s first though: Be sure to check the garment’s label to ensure that it is in fact machine washable. If so, you can proceed with the following steps.

Materials Needed:

• Commercial stain remover or mild dishwashing liquid
• Laundry detergent

Instructions:

1. Act Fact: “If you’re able to treat the stain as soon as it happens, that’s great,” shares cleaning professional Dawn Arias-Spinelli. “This helps ensure success.” Blot up as much of the excess butter as possible. Don’t rub it into the fabric; instead, use a paper towel or cleaning cloth to pick up unmelted pieces and soak up grease.
2. Pre-treat the Stain: Apply a commercial laundry stain remover or mild dishwashing liquid to the stain. This will help cut the grease in the stain. “Let the pre-treatment sit for about 10 minutes,” says Arias-Spinelli.
3. Choose Your Water Temperature Wisely: Add detergent and the stained clothing to the washing machine. With grease stains, you’ll typically want to wash the garment on the hottest temperature that the garment can tolerate. The warmer water can help further break down the stain—though gentler fabrics will likely call for a cooler water temperature.
4. Check the Stain: Once the washing cycle is complete, inspect the clothing for any remaining butter. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process before drying. (Heat from the dryer can set the stain permanently.)
5. Dry as Usual: Once the stain is removed, dry your clothes as usual.

How to Get Butter Out of Clothes By Hand-Washing

If the stained clothing can’t be tossed into the washing machine, hand-wash it as soon as possible. With a bit of patience and the right techniques, you can remove the butter without damaging your favorite garment.

Materials Needed:

• Paper towels or cleaning cloths
• Spoon or butter knife
• Mild dish soap
• Rinse-free handwashing detergent

Instructions:

1. Blot and Scrape: Start by blotting up any excess butter with a paper towel or cloth. If the butter is chunky or unmelted, you can use a spoon or butter knife to gently scrape off the excess butter. Take care not to spread the stain further.
2. Apply Dish Soap: Gently massage a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid into the butter stain, as it’s formulated to break down grease. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to give the soap time to do its job.
3. Soak in Warm Water: Fill a sink or basin with warm water (if the garment’s fabric allows). Add in your rinse-free detergent. Submerge and gently agitate the water. For stubborn stains, you may need to rub the fabric together gently. Allow to soak for about 15 minutes.
4. Rinse and Air-Day: Rinse the item thoroughly with cool water to remove any soap residue. Air-dry by either hanging or laying flat (per the garment’s label).

How to Get Butter Out of Clothes With Alternative Household Items

You can remove butter from stained clothing both naturally and with items you likely already have—and sometimes, you’ll strike gold with a combo of the two. For instance, both baking soda and cornstarch can be used to absorb grease by sprinkling them on affected areas. Allow to sit before brushing off and laundering as preferred. Skincare blotting papers can also come in handy in a pinch by blotting on the stain.