How Do You Get Peanut Butter Out of Clothes? 7 Simple Steps to Try

By Lifetips butter out of clothes
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Image Credit: the Spruce

We’ve all been there—one minute you’re enjoying a peanut butter sandwich, the next, there’s a big, greasy stain on your shirt. Not to worry though! Getting peanut butter out of clothes doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With just a few steps and some basic stuff you probably already have at home, you can get that stain out without a hassle.

Why Peanut Butter Stains Are Tricky

Peanut butter is both oily and sticky, which makes it a tough one to deal with. The oil sinks deep into fabric fibers, and the sticky texture makes it spread if you’re not careful. But, don’t stress—this stain is totally manageable if you know what to do.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Peanut Butter Out of Clothes

  1. Scrape off the Extra
    First thing, grab a spoon or knife and gently scrape off as much peanut butter as you can. Don’t press it in, just lift the excess off. The less peanut butter, the easier it’ll be to clean.
  2. Blot the Stain
    Next, grab a paper towel or a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Just press down—no rubbing. Rubbing will spread it, and we don’t want that.
  3. Use Dish Soap
    I swear by dish soap for stains like this. Just dab a little on the stain, then gently rub it in with your fingers. Dish soap helps break down the oils, so it’s perfect for greasy messes.
  4. Let It Sit for a Few Minutes
    Give the soap a few minutes to work its magic. I usually let it sit while I clean up or take care of other things. The longer it sits, the better.
  5. Rinse with Warm Water
    Rinse the area with warm water, making sure you get rid of the soap. Take a good look to see if the stain’s still there.
  6. Use Baking Soda (If Needed)
    Still see some peanut butter? No problem. Mix up a little baking soda and water into a paste, then rub it onto the stain. Baking soda helps lift the oils and the stain. Let it sit for a minute or two before rinsing.
  7. Wash as Usual
    Now, toss your clothes in the wash. Use the warmest water your fabric can handle, but skip the dryer for now. If the stain is still there, drying it will make it harder to get out.

What Can Help with Peanut Butter Stains?

You don’t need a bunch of fancy cleaners. Dish soap, baking soda, and even a little vinegar can do wonders. Just make sure to test any new stuff on a hidden spot of the fabric first.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t rub the stain—seriously, you’ll just spread it around. And avoid using hot water until you’ve worked out most of the stain. Hot water can set the peanut butter in, making it worse.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Stains from Happening Again

I’ve found that using a napkin or plate when eating peanut butter really helps. If you’re eating peanut butter on the go (kids, I’m looking at you), try to make sure they’re sitting down or using a plate. It’s just little habits like that that save your clothes!

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