How to Remove Egg Stains From Clothes and Carpet

How to Remove Egg Stains from Clothes and Carpet

The Spruce / Adriana Sanchez

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 8 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10 to $20

You can remove stains left by eggs and their yolks on clothing and carpet using the correct technique. Eggs are a popular food choice no matter how they're served but they leave protein-based stains that come from animal-based products. It's crucial to treat egg stains as soon as possible and avoid the temptation to rub or wipe them with a napkin. Avoid using hot water or placing the stained garment in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain and make it harder to remove or even permanent.

All it takes to remove egg stains from clothing, carpets, and upholstery at home are a few simple steps with common household products. Continue reading for the steps to take to get egg stains out of fabrics effectively.

 Stain type  Protein-based
 Detergent type  Heavy-duty or stain remover
 Water temperature  Cold to warm
 Cycle type  Varies by fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Dull knife
  • Spoon (optional)
  • Spatula (optional)
  • Large bowl or sink
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • White cloths
  • Paper towels
  • Sponge (optional)
  • Vacuum

Materials

  • Stain remover, stick, spray or gel
  • Heavy-duty laundry detergent
  • Oxygen-based bleach (optional)
  • Liquid dishwashing soap

Instructions

How to Remove Egg Stains From Washable Clothes

Egg stains, aka protein-based stains, can be removed from washable clothes by soaking in cold water before washing. Egg stains often contain other ingredients, but protein needs treatment first.

  1. Remove Solids

    Use a dull knife or spoon to lift as much of the solid matter from the fabric as possible. Do not rub with a napkin or cloth because you will only push the stain deeper into the fabric or spread it over a larger area.

    removing egg stains with a dull knife

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska 

  2. Soak or Blot

    Soak the stain in a sink or large bowl of cold water. If you can't do this immediately, blot the stain with a white cloth or paper towel dipped in plain water. While soaking, use a soft-bristled brush to lightly scrub to lift out any particles of the egg. After the cold water soak, you can tackle the other components of the stain like butter or mayonnaise. 

    Tip

    Never use hot water because it will cook the protein, making the stain harder to remove.

    using a soft bristle brush on egg-stained clothing

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Treat the Stain

    Treat the oily part of the stain with a bit of solvent-based stain remover like Zout or Shout before washing. If you don't have a stain remover, apply a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent like Tide or Persil (these are the leading brands with enough enzymes to break down the oil) to the stain and work it in by gently rubbing with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Patience is key. Allow the stain remover to work for at least fifteen minutes to loosen the oil from the fabric before washing, following the directions recommended on the care label

    Treating the stain with stain remover solvent

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  4. Check the Stained Area

    Check the stained area after washing and before you toss the garment or linen in the clothes dryer. The heat of the dryer will make the stain much harder to remove when you have to treat it again. If the stain is not gone, repeat the steps.

    Checking to see if the stain has been removed

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

How to Remove Egg Stains on Carpet and Upholstery

Carpet and upholstery require the same cleaning solution and techniques to remove egg stains. Do not over-wet the fabric because excess moisture in the cushions can cause a problem. 

Before cleaning any furniture, always follow the manufacturer's care label on cleaning upholstery. This tag can be found under the sofa cushions or fabric skirt with letter codes that indicate how to clean the furniture. If the upholstery is vintage or silk, consult a professional.

  1. Remove Solids

    Lift up any solids away with a dull knife or spatula. Never rub because that pushes the egg deeper into the fibers. 

    Using a dull knife to lift any egg solids

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    Mix a cleaning solution of two teaspoons of liquid hand dishwashing liquid in two cups of cool water.

    Mixing a cleaning solution of water and soap

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

    Dip a sponge, white cloth or soft-bristled brush in the solution. Start at the outside edge of the stain and work the cleaning solution into the stained area. Blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel to transfer the stain out of the carpet. Keep moving to a clean, dry area of the cloth until no more stain is transferred.

    Applying the cleaning solution to the stained area

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  4. Rinse

    Dip a clean white cloth into some plain water to rinse the area. It is particularly important to rinse away any cleaning solution because it can actually attract soil to the area. Blot until no more soapy residue remains.

    Rinsing the area with a cloth dipped in plain water

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  5. Air-Dry and Vacuum

    Allow the carpet to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Vacuum to lift carpet fibers.

    Vacuuming the carpet after letting it air dry

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Additional Tips for Handling Egg Stains

If the egg stain is dried-on or old, then you need to try a different method than if the stain is fresh. First, scrape or brush off any crusted matter on the stained clothing with a soft-bristled brush. Next, soak in a mixture solution of oxygen-based bleach (brand names are: OxiCleanNellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and tepid water, according to package directions. Check to see if the stain is gone, if it is, then wash as usual; if not, then repeat the oxygen-bleach method.

If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the egg stain with the kit's provided stain remover or a commercial dry cleaning solvent before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

When to Call a Professional

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, head to the dry cleaner and identify the stain to your professional cleaner.

FAQ
  • Will an egg stain be permanent?

    If the egg stain has been in contact with heat or has been dried on for a while, it will be very challenging to remove and could be permanent.

  • Why does egg yolk leave a stain?

    Egg is naturally yellow but the fat and protein molecules are what make it so difficult to get out. Soaking the fabric in an enzyme laundry detergent may help break down the proteins into smaller molecules. This will make them easier to remove.

  • What removes egg stains?

    Water, stain remover, and laundry detergent. On whites it may also help to have oxygen-based bleach on hand especially if the stain has long since dried.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. The Ultimate Stain Removal Guide. Consumer Reports.