How to Remove Egg Stains From Clothes and Carpet
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Remove Solids
Lift up any solids away with a dull knife or spatula. Never rub because that pushes the egg deeper into the fibers.
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Mix a Cleaning Solution
Mix a cleaning solution of two teaspoons of liquid hand dishwashing liquid in two cups of cool water.
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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.
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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.
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Air-Dry and Vacuum
Allow the carpet to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Vacuum to lift carpet fibers.
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: OxiClean, Nellie'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.
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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.
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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.
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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.