How To Remove Shea Butter Stain From Washable Fabrics

February 16, 2023

Shea butter is a popular natural ingredient in many skincare products, but it can leave an unwanted stain on your clothes. Whether you accidentally spilled shea butter on your clothes or your skincare product left a mark, you don't have to toss out your clothes just yet. In this article, we will provide you with simple and effective methods for removing shea butter stains from washable fabrics. With a few common household items and a bit of patience, you can easily banish those stubborn shea butter stains and restore your clothes to their former glory. So, if you're ready to learn how to remove shea butter stains from washable fabrics, keep reading!

COLOR

Yellow

APPEARANCE

These stains may appear as a greasy or oily mark on the fabric that could be transparent or slightly yellowish. They may also have a nutty or shea butter scent.

WATER TEMP

Warm (85° to 105°F)

RATIONALE FOR WATER TEMP

Warm water helps to dissolve the oil and make it easier to remove.

The Science Behind Shea Butter Stains

Shea butter contains natural oils that can leave a greasy residue on fabric, which can result in stains. The oils in shea butter have a high melting point, so they can become solid at room temperature and stick to clothing fibers. Additionally, the natural color of shea butter can also contribute to discoloration of fabrics. This is why it's important to be careful when using shea butter and to let it fully absorb into the skin before putting on clothing to avoid staining.

What You'll Need To Get Rid Of Shea Butter Stains

  • Paper towels or clean white cloth
  • Dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent
  • Stain remover or pre-treatment solution
  • Washing machine or basin
  • Bleach (if safe for the fabric and color)

Step By Step Process To Remove Shea Butter Stains

  1. Scrape off any excess shea butter with a paper towel or clean white cloth.
  2. Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent to the stain and gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
  3. Let the solution sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Rinse the fabric with warm water, then apply a stain remover or pre-treatment solution and let it sit for another 5-10 minutes.
  5. Wash the garment in the washing machine or basin using the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric and according to the care label instructions. You can add bleach to the wash cycle if it's safe for the fabric and color.
  6. Check the stain after the wash cycle and repeat the above steps if necessary.
  7. Dry the garment as usual.
Please note that it's important to check the care label of the fabric before using hot water or bleach, as some fabrics may shrink or discolor with high heat or harsh chemicals. Additionally, it's always a good idea to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration.

In Brief

Shea butter stains on washable fabrics are caused by its natural oils that leave greasy residues. These can be removed with a combination of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent, pre-treatment solution, and hot water. Always check the care label and test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying the cleaning solution.

Want to share this?