Cheese sauce stains can be tricky to remove from fabric, carpet, and upholstery. The oily, sticky nature of cheese sauce means it can quickly set into stains that are stubborn to get out. However, with the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can banish cheese sauce stains for good.
What Causes Cheese Sauce Stains?
Cheese sauce is a emulsified concoction of cheese, milk or cream, and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. This thick, creamy mixture clings to fabric and quickly bonds with fibers. The high fat content of cheese sauce makes it especially stubborn to remove once dried.
The ingredients that give cheese sauce its staining power include:
- Cheese: Natural oils and milk proteins.
- Milk/Cream: Fats and proteins.
- Flour/Cornstarch: Sticky starches.
When cheese sauce makes contact with fabric, these staining substances soak into fibers. As the cheese sauce dries, the oils turn rancid and the proteins and starches bond tightly with fibers. This makes cheese sauce stains difficult to fully remove.
How to Get Cheese Sauce Out of Clothes
Cheese sauce spilled on clothing should be treated immediately for the best chance of removal. Here are the steps to take:
Step 1: Scrape Off Excess
Use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off any thick, globby excess cheese sauce from fabric. Try to remove as much as possible.
Step 2: Rinse With Cold Water
Hold the stained area of the garment under cold running water. This will help dilute and flush away cheese sauce before it dries and sets.
Step 3: Apply Stain Remover
Pre-treat the stained area with a liquid laundry stain remover or stick pre-wash bar. Look for products that contain enzymes, which break down proteins and starches.
Step 4: Wash With Detergent
Wash the clothing in the washing machine with regular laundry detergent. Use the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Step 5: Air Dry
Line or flat dry the garment instead of machine drying, which can set any remaining stain.
Step 6: Repeat if Needed
Check if the stain is gone once dried. Repeat washing with stain removers if it remains.
Removing Set-In Cheese Sauce Stains From Clothes
For dried, set-in cheese sauce stains on clothes:
- Apply stain remover and let sit for 10-15 minutes to soak in.
- Sponge with warm water and blot dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain to absorb oils.
- Launder as usual with detergent and hot water.
- Lay flat to air dry and check if stain remains.
- Repeat process as needed until stain is removed.
Stubborn dried cheese sauce stains may require extra measures:
- Soak in an enzyme-based pre-wash stain remover overnight before washing.
- Use a stain-fighting detergent with enzymes to boost cleaning power.
- Wash in hot water and dry in sunlight to aid stain removal.
- Spot treat with dish soap, let sit, then rinse before washing.
With repeated treatments, you can get even set-in cheese sauce stains out of clothes.
Removing Cheese Sauce From Carpet
Cheese sauce spilled on carpet also needs immediate action for the best chance of stain removal. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Blot Excess
Gently blot excess cheese sauce from the carpet using a clean, absorbent white cloth or paper towels. Don’t scrub or rub, which can spread the stain.
Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the stained area. The baking soda will begin absorbing oils. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Vacuum
Use your vacuum wand and crevice tool to vacuum up the baking soda along with surface cheese sauce particles.
Step 4: Clean With Carpet Shampoo
Mix an enzyme-based carpet shampoo with water according to directions. Use a carpet scrub brush to work the shampoo into the stain. Let sit 5-10 minutes, then rinse clean.
Step 5: Blot Dry
Blot excess moisture with clean towels. Attach towels to weighted objects to help press moisture out.
Step 6: Repeat if Needed
Once carpet is fully dried, check for any remaining stain. Repeat cleaning process if stain persists.
For dried cheese sauce carpet stains:
- Scoop up any crusted material.
- Apply carpet stain remover. Gently blot the area.
- Mix dish soap with warm water. Scrub into stain.
- Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda, let sit, and vacuum up.
Eliminating Cheese Sauce Stains From Upholstery
Upholstery is prone to cheese sauce staining given its absorbent, porous fibers. Here is how to conquer cheese sauce upholstery stains:
Step 1: Blot Excess Cheese Sauce
Immediately blot away any excess cheese sauce from upholstery using a clean white cloth or paper towels. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Step 2: Sprinkle Cornstarch
Sprinkle a light coating of cornstarch over the stain. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb grease.
Step 3: Vacuum
Use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to remove the cornstarch and lift cheese sauce particles from fibers.
Step 4: Clean With Upholstery Shampoo
Mix an enzyme-based upholstery shampoo with water per label instructions. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the foam into the stain.
Step 5: Rinse and Blot Dry
Use a sponge to rinse the upholstery with clean water. Blot dry with towels. Stuff towels or rags under heavy objects to press out moisture.
Step 6: Let Fully Dry
Allow the upholstery to completely dry before using again. Test for stain removal and repeat cleaning if needed.
For set-in dried cheese sauce on upholstery:
- Use a dull knife to gently scrape off any chunks.
- Apply upholstery stain remover and let soak in 10-15 minutes.
- Blot dampened stain with water and dry towels.
- Spot clean with dish soap using minimal water. Rinse and blot dry.
- Finish by sprinkling cornstarch or baking soda. Let sit before vacuuming.
Why Cheese Sauce Stains Are So Stubborn
The inherent qualities of cheese sauce make it a particularly pesky stain situation:
Oily and Greasy – Cheese is high in fatty oils that cling to fabric and resist water-based cleaners.
Sticky and Gooey – Thickening agents make cheese sauce gloppy and sticky, adhering it to fibers.
Protein Stains – Milk proteins bind strongly to fabrics, especially when heated and dried.
Prone to Rancidity – The natural oils turn rancid over time, releasing staining free fatty acids.
Heat-Set – Heat from tumble drying and dishwashers can set cheese sauce stains permanently.
Bond With Fibers – Starches form strong bonds with fabric fibers that are hard to break.
Reacted With Detergents – Chemical reactions with laundry detergents can set stains.
With knowledge of cheese sauce’s staining tendencies, you can use the right stain fighting techniques to overcome even the most stubborn cases.
Supplies for Removing Cheese Sauce Stains
Having the right tools and cleaners on hand is key to treating cheese sauce stains quickly and effectively. Here are the best supplies to have ready:
- Liquid laundry detergent – Look for enzyme-based formulas.
- Stain remover spray – Seek out oil and grease fighting options.
- Stain pretreatment sticks – Useful for pre-treating garments.
- Dish soap – Dawn or other grease-cutting type. Avoid antibacterial varieties.
- White vinegar – Helps cut grease and mild acids lift stains.
- Baking soda – Absorbs oils and deodorizes lingering odors.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Removes old, set-in protein stains.
- Cornstarch – Absorbs greases from carpet and upholstery.
- Enzyme carpet cleaner – Breaks down food soils in carpet.
- Upholstery shampoo – Choose enzyme-based formulas made for delicate fabrics.
- Soft bristle scrub brushes – For working cleaners into fabric, carpet, and upholstery.
- Absorbent white cloths – Cotton rags or paper towels for blotting.
- An old toothbrush – For scrubbing stains on fabric.
- Laundry drying rack – For air drying stained items.
Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Cheese Sauce Stains
Follow this comprehensive guide using the techniques and supplies outlined above for foolproof cheese sauce stain removal:
Act Quickly
Immediately blot or scrape off fresh spills before they have time to set and dry.
Flush With Cold Water
Rinse the backside of fabric stains under cold running water to dilute and flush away residue.
Pre-Treat Stains
Apply a laundry stain remover stick or spray to pre-treat stains before washing.
Sprinkle Absorbing Agents
Coat carpet and upholstery stains with baking soda or cornstarch to absorb oils.
Blot Stains
Gently blot liquid spills with absorbent white cloths or paper towels. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
Scrape Off Solids
Use a dull knife or spoon to gently lift off any thick, gelled cheese sauce residue.
Clean With Dish Soap
For set-in stains, apply a few drops of dish soap and work into the stain with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.
Wash With Enzyme Cleaners
Use laundry, carpet, and upholstery cleaners that contain grease-cutting enzymes.
Air Dry Items
Line dry clothing and allow upholstery and carpet to completely dry to avoid setting stains.
Repeat As Needed
It often takes multiple treatments to fully lift stubborn cheese sauce stains.
Homemade Cleaners for Cheese Sauce Stains
You can make effective DIY cleaners for cheese sauce stains using ingredients from your pantry:
All-Purpose Stain Spray
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon enzyme laundry detergent
- Spray bottle
Baking Soda Carpet Powder
- 1 cup baking soda
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Hydrogen Peroxide Upholstery Cleaner
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
Vinegar Fabric Rinse
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
Mix up as needed and use these homemade cleaners as substitutes for commercial products per the stain removal instructions.
How to Avoid Future Cheese Sauce Stains
Once you get cheese sauce stains out, follow these tips to avoid new stains down the road:
- Wear an apron when making or eating cheese sauce.
- Immediately rinse cheese sauce spills on clothes in cold water.
- Clean up spills from carpet and upholstery right away.
- Avoid wearing fine fabrics when around cheese sauce.
- Clean cheese sauce out of clothing before machine drying.
- Keep stain removers and cleaners on hand for fast treatment.
- Apply fabric protector spray to clothes, carpets, and upholstery.
- Use placemats on tables and trays under kids’ plates.
- Teach children to be careful with cheesy foods and sauces.
Staying prepared and acting quickly are the best defenses against cheese sauce stains leaving permanent spots and damage on your belongings.
How to Remove Cheese Sauce Stains: In Summary
Cheese sauce may have a reputation for staining, but armed with the right techniques and products, you can lift even the most stubborn stains. Remember these key points:
- Act immediately on fresh stains using cold water.
- Pre-treat with enzyme stain removers before washing.
- Use dish soap on set-in stains before laundering.
- Absorb grease on carpets and upholstery with baking soda or cornstarch.
- Wash and rinse with stain fighting enzyme-based cleaners.
- Avoid heat drying until stains are fully removed.
- Persist with repeat treatments for difficult dried-in stains.
- Keep suitable commercial or DIY cleaners on hand for fast action.
- Deal with spills right away to avoid permanent damage.
Follow these best practices, and you can wave cheese sauce stains goodbye for good. Your clothing, carpeting, and upholstery will stay looking their best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Sauce Stains
Still worried about keeping cheese sauce from staining your belongings? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I get dried cheese sauce stains out of clothes?
For dried cheese sauce on clothes, apply stain remover, let sit, blot, and sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch before laundering with detergent and hot water. Repeat as needed until the stain lifts.
Can cheese sauce stains be removed from carpet?
Yes, cheese sauce stains can be removed from carpet using a stain fighting enzyme cleaner. Blot excess, apply baking soda, vacuum, scrub with carpet shampoo, and rinse clean.
What is the best way to get cheese sauce out of upholstery?
Gently blot fresh spills on upholstery. Apply cornstarch, let sit, vacuum, use enzyme upholstery shampoo, rinse, and blot dry. For dried stains, scrape off chunks and use dish soap and water.
What removes set-in cheese sauce stains?
Enzyme cleaners, dish soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar can all help remove stubborn set-in cheese sauce stains through repeated treatments.
Why do my clothes still have stains after washing cheese sauce out?
Residual stains after washing are likely due to heat setting the stain or chemical reactions with laundry detergent. Avoid machine drying and switch to an enzyme-based detergent.
How do I get cheese sauce smell out of carpet?
Mix baking soda with essential oils and sprinkle it on carpet to absorb odors. Vacuum thoroughly once dry. You can also use enzyme carpet cleaners to eliminate odors.
How can I avoid getting cheese sauce on my clothes?
Wear an apron when cooking with or eating cheese sauce. Immediately rinse spills on clothes in cold water. Apply stain remover before machine washing.
What temperature should I wash cheese sauce stained clothes?
Wash cheese sauce stained clothes in the hottest water recommended for the fabric type using an enzyme laundry detergent. Avoid machine drying until stains are fully removed.
Can I make my own cleaner for cheese sauce stains?
Yes, you can make effective homemade cleaners using ingredients like dish soap, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. Refer to recipes in this article.
What should I do differently to remove stains from dry clean only fabrics?
Take extra care blotting and scraping spills from dry clean items. Use gentle techniques like dish soap, baking soda, or diluted vinegar applied with a soft cloth to spot treat stains.
So don’t despair over cheese sauce spills. With some elbow grease and the cleaning methods in this guide, you can restore your belongings to their original spotless state.