How to Remove Peanut Butter Stains From Clothing, Upholstery, and Carpets

How to Remove Peanut Butter Stains From Clothes

1. Remove Peanut Butter Solids

   Scrape away as much peanut butter as possible with a dull knife or the edge of a spoon. Try not to smear the peanut butter beyond the original spot, and do not rub too hard, which can damage fabric fibers and push the peanut oils further into the fabric.

2. Apply Laundry Stain Pre-Treatment

   Treat the stained area with a solvent-based laundry stain remover like Zout, Shout, or Spray 'n Wash. If you don't have a stain remover on hand, use a bit of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent such as Tide or Persil to treat the stain. These detergents contain enough enzymes to break apart the oily component of peanut butter and surfactants to lift it away.

3. Rub Stain Remover Into Fabric

   • Rub the stain remover into the stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush; an old toothbrush works well. Work from the outer edge of the stain towards the center to avoid spreading the peanut oil.
   • Allow the stain remover or detergent to sit on the fabric for at least 15 minutes to begin dissolving the oily stain.

4. Wash the Garment

   • Wash the stained garment in the hottest water recommended for the fabric on the care label.
   • Check the stained area before drying. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps above. Stubborn stains, or those that have dried, can require two or three treatments for full removal.
   • If the stain is gone, go ahead and put the garment into the dryer on its recommended temperature setting.

   Warning

   If there is still a stain, drying the item on high heat will make the oil even more difficult to remove.

How to Remove Peanut Butter Stains From Carpet or Upholstery

• Remove excess peanut butter: Remove as much peanut butter as possible from the carpet or upholstery by scraping gently with a dull knife or the edge of a spoon. Be careful not to smear the peanut butter further into the fabric fibers.
• Mix a cleaning solution: Mix a solution of 2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon liquid detergent, and 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar in a large mixing bowl.
• Blot: Dip a clean white cloth, paper towel, or sponge into the solution and wring out excess moisture. Working from the outside edge of the stain towards the center, begin removing the peanut butter oils by blotting—not scrubbing—the wet cloth onto the mark. Keep rotating your cleaning cloth as the stain lifts so you don't spread oil back into the cleaned area. Working from the outside of the stain towards the center will keep the stain from spreading.
• Rinse: Rinse the area once the stain is lifted by dipping another clean cloth or sponge into plain water and then wiping the treated spot to remove soap residue. Leaving soap on carpet or upholstery can actually attract more soil. However, do not overly saturate carpet or upholstery. Use just enough water to remove any soap residue without drenching the fabric.
• Dry: Allow the treated area to air dry with no direct heat. Vacuum to lift and restore carpet fibers.

Additional Tips for Handling Peanut Butter Stains

The best way to tackle a peanut butter stain is to prevent it in the first place. Have children enjoy their treat over a plate, and take care when lifting foods laden in peanut butter so that none of the oily spread plops out onto your clothing or the floor.

But if an accident happens, and your best efforts with the above steps don't fully remove the mark, it's time for professional assistance. Note that if the peanut butter stain is on dry-clean-only clothing, vintage upholstery, or a delicate fabric like silk, it's best to leave the treatment to a professional dry cleaner or upholstery specialist. Be sure to let them know the nature of the stain, as well as all of the steps you've already taken to try and remove it.