Chicken stains on your clothes or carpet can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. With the right techniques and cleaning products, you can get rid of chicken stains and restore your fabrics to their original condition. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to remove chicken stains from both clothes and carpets, using simple household ingredients and cleaners.
What Causes Chicken Stains
Chicken stains are typically caused by oils and fats from the chicken skin, meat, or broth spilling onto fabric. Other culprits include:
- Marinades and sauces with oil or dairy ingredients
- Breading and coatings on fried chicken
- Bone marrow, cartilage, and connective tissues
- Seasonings and spices like paprika or turmeric
On clothing, chicken stains often appear as yellowish, orange, or brown oily spots. If left untreated, the oils can oxidize over time and leave behind stubborn discoloration or permanent set-in stains.
On carpets and rugs, chicken stains lead to dark greasy smears and splotches that can attract dirt and odors. Ground-in chicken juices can damage carpet fibers.
So the quicker you can treat chicken stains, the better chance you have of getting rid of them completely.
How to Remove Fresh Chicken Stains from Clothes
When dealing with fresh chicken stains on washable fabrics, timely action is key. Here are tips for removing new chicken stains:
Step 1: Blot Excess Oil
- Use a clean paper towel or cloth to gently blot the stain and lift away any excess oil or grease on the fabric surface. Don’t scrub vigorously or you may grind the stain deeper into the fibers.
- Place an absorbent pad or paper towels under the fabric to pull grease through to the backside. Change pads as needed.
- Try to remove all free-flowing oil before applying any water or cleaning solutions.
Step 2: Flush with Cold Water
- Rinse the backside of the stain with cold running water. For heavy stains, hold the fabric taut and pour cold water directly onto the stain.
- Cold water helps solidify any remaining oils and prevents them from spreading into the fabric. Hot water can set in chicken stains.
Step 3: Pretreat with Stain Remover
- Apply a liquid laundry stain remover or stick pre-wash directly to the stained area. Look for pre-treatments specially formulated for grease and oil based stains.
- Lightly work the pretreat into the fabric with a soft bristle brush. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the fibers.
- Good options include OxiClean, Shout, Spray n Wash, and Zout. Vinegar or Dawn dish soap also work.
Step 4: Wash Immediately
- Machine wash the stained item in the hottest water safe for the fabric, along with your regular detergent.
- Wash chicken stained clothes separately from other items to prevent cross-contamination.
- If needed, repeat washing cycles until the stain is fully removed. Avoid drying chicken stained clothes until the stain is gone.
- For sturdier white fabrics, add chlorine bleach to help eliminate residual staining. Check care labels first.
How to Remove Set-In Chicken Stains from Clothes
For dried, set-in chicken stains on clothing:
Step 1: Loosen Stain
- Try working a bit of liquid dish soap, laundry detergent, or oxygen bleach powder like OxiClean directly into the stain.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help lift and loosen the embedded oils.
Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste
- Mix a spoonful of baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste.
- Using an old toothbrush, buff the paste thoroughly into the stain.
- Let the baking soda paste sit for at least an hour before washing. The abrasive grains combined with the alkaline salts in the baking soda help break down stubborn oil stains.
Step 3: Wash with Hot Water
- Machine wash the clothing using the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric.
- For whites and colorfast prints, use chlorine bleach if possible.
- Repeat washing cycles as needed until no traces of the chicken stain remain.
Step 4: Repeat Stain Removal Steps
- For very persistent set-in stains, repeat stain removal procedures until the discoloration disappears.
- With dried stains, it can take multiple treatments to fully lift the affected oils from the fabric.
How to Remove Chicken Grease Stains from Carpet
Chicken stains on carpet require immediate action to avoid permanent damage or discoloration:
Step 1: Blot Excess Grease
- Use clean, absorbent white cloths or paper towels to blot away any excess oil sitting on top of the carpet fibers. Don’t scrub.
- Place fresh layers of absorbent material under the stain and apply pressure to draw out as much liquid as possible.
Step 2: Loosen with Baking Soda
- Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the greasy stain. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing it in.
- Let the baking soda sit for at least 8-12 hours to absorb embedded oils. The longer the better.
- Overnight is ideal. The baking soda will darken as it draws up grease.
Step 3: Vacuum Baking Soda
- Once the baking soda has had time to work, thoroughly vacuum up all traces of it using the hose attachment.
- Repeat baking soda application and vacuuming if any discoloration remains.
Step 4: Clean with Carpet Shampoo
- Mix an enzyme-based carpet shampoo with warm water according to label directions. Lightly work it into the stain with a soft brush.
- Let the shampoo sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting it up with clean absorbent towels.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing and wetting of the carpet pile. Extract all moisture.
Step 5: Finish with Vinegar Rinse
- For a final cleansing rinse, mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Dampen a white cloth in the solution and gently sponge over the area.
- Blot with fresh towels until no more liquid transfers onto the towels.
- The vinegar helps neutralize odors and brighten the carpet fibers.
How to Remove Dried-On Chicken Stains from Carpet
For stubborn, dried chicken stains that have set into carpet fibers:
Step 1: Scrape Up Solids
- Use a dull knife or spatula to gently lift and scrape away any crusted or hardened food residue on the surface fibers. Take care not to damage the carpet.
Step 2: Apply Carpet Stain Remover
- Spray an oil and grease fighting carpet stain remover liberally over the stain per label directions. Allow 5-10 minutes of dwell time.
- Good options include Woolite, Resolve, and Folex. Rotating a brush over the foam can help work it into the carpet.
Step 3: Blot and Rinse
- Once the cleaner has set, blot the area with clean colorfast rags or paper towels. Press down firmly to lift out the grease.
- Follow up with a vinegar rinse (1 part vinegar diluted in 3 parts water) to neutralize odors and brighten.
- Blot until towels lift no more moisture. Avoid overwetting the carpet backing.
Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda
- When carpet is fully dry, sprinkle fresh baking soda generously over the stain. Let sit overnight before vacuuming.
- The baking soda will continue pulling out residues from deep in the carpet fibers.
- Reapply baking soda and vacuum 2-3 times as needed.
How to Remove Chicken Broth and Stock Stains
Many chicken stains come from spills of chicken broth, stock, or drippings from cooking. Because these are water-based stains rather than oil-based, tackle them a little differently:
Step 1: Blot Excess Liquid
- Gently blot up all you can of the spilled chicken broth using clean absorbent towels or paper. Don’t scrub or spread it around.
Step 2: Rinse with Cool Water
- Flush the back of the stain with cool water to dilute and flush away remaining broth. Hot water can set in stains.
Step 3: Apply Stain Stick
- Use an enzymatic stain stick or gel stick and concentratedly work it into the stain. This will help break down and dissolve proteins.
Step 4: Wash Immediately
- Machine wash clothing right away in hot water safe for the fabric. Add chlorine bleach for whites and colorfasts.
- For carpets, blot stain with damp towel. Once dry, sprinkle baking soda, let sit, and vacuum up. Vinegar rinse can also help.
How to Remove Dried Chicken Broth Stains
For stubborn, dried chicken broth stains:
Step 1: Rehydrate the Stain
- Use a spray bottle to liberally dampen the stained area with warm water. This rehydrates the spill so it can be lifted.
Step 2: Apply Stain Removers
- For clothes, apply a laundry stain pretreatment and let sit 5 minutes before washing.
- For carpet, use carpet stain remover spray. Let sit 5 minutes.
Step 3: Blot and Flush
- For clothes, rinse back of stain under cool water while blotting front with towels.
- For carpet, blot up excess moisture with colorfast rags or paper towels. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
Step 4: Wash and Deodorize
- Wash clothing promptly on high heat water setting.
- Once carpet is dry, sprinkle baking soda, let sit overnight, and vacuum up.
Step 5: Repeat if Needed
- For very stubborn stains, repeat stain removal process until no residue remains. It can take multiple applications.
How to Remove Seasoning Stains from Chicken
Spices, herbs, sauces, and marinades used to season chicken can also leave stubborn stains, especially vivid seasonings like:
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Curry powder
- Barbecue sauce
- Teriyaki marinade
These water-soluble stains require a bit different approach:
Step 1: Flush Back of Stain
- Rinse back of fabric with cold water while stretching it taut. This pushes the seasoning through to the other side.
Step 2: Apply Stain Stick
- Use a color-safe stain removal stick or gel stick on front of stain. The enzymes will help break down staining compounds.
Step 3: Wash Promptly
- Machine wash clothing or fabric immediately, using hot water safe for the material.
- Wash chicken seasoned items separately to avoid transfer of colors.
Step 4: Avoid Drying
- Air dry stained clothing until stain is fully removed. Heat can set in certain stubborn food stains.
Step 5: Use Bleach if Needed
- For whites and colorfast prints, chlorine bleach can help remove persistent seasoning stains like turmeric. Check garment care label first.
Step 6: Repeat if Needed
- For very stubborn dried-in seasoning stains, repeat stain removal process 2-3 times until stain disappears.
How to Remove Chicken Sauce Stains
Many delicious chicken dishes like chicken parmesan, general tso’s chicken, or chicken marsala rely on sauces that can leave oily, greasy stains if spilled. Here is how to tackle them:
Step 1: Blot Excess
- Immediately blot away any thick, excess sauce sitting on top of the fabric. Try not to spread it around.
Step 2: Flush with Cold Water
- Rinse the backside with cold water while stretching fabric over a sink. This will help push sauce through to other side.
Step 3: Apply Stain Stick
- Use an enzyme-based stain removal stick or gel and work into stain for a few minutes. This will start breaking down oils.
Step 4: Wash Promptly
- Machine wash clothing or fabric right away using hot water safe for material. Wash sauce-stained items separately.
Step 5: Repeat Process if Needed
- For dried-in stains, repeat stain removal process 2-3 times until no residue remains. It can take multiple treatments.
Step 6: Use Oxygen Bleach if Necessary
- For persistent grease stains, an oxygen bleach like OxiClean can help lift out oils from clothes in the wash. Check garment care label first.
How to Remove Fried Chicken Breading Stains
The breading on fried chicken is prone to grease stains. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Gently Scrape Off Solids
- Use a dull knife to gently lift away any hardened breading or crust on fabric surface. Avoid scrubbing or grinding it in.
Step 2: Blot Excess Oil
- Place paper towels or rags under stain and press down firmly to absorb as much oil as possible. Replace towels frequently.
Step 3: Apply Stain Stick
- Use an enzyme-based stain remover stick or gel. Work into stain for several minutes to break up oils.
Step 4: Wash Promptly
- Machine wash item immediately on hottest setting safe for fabric. Wash separately from other clothes.
Step 5: Repeat If Needed
- For stubborn stains, repeat process. It can take a few wash cycles to fully remove embedded oils from fried breading.
How to Remove Chicken Wing Sauce Stains
Rich, flavorful chicken wing sauces like Buffalo, barbecue, or sweet chili can lead to messy orange, red, or brown stains. Here are some tips:
Step 1: Blot Excess Sauce
- Immediately blot up any thick, gloppy sauce pooling on the fabric. Try not to spread it around.
Step 2: Flush Back of Stain
- Stretch fabric over sink and rinse back of stain with cold water. This will help push sauce through to other side.
Step 3: Apply Stain Stick
- Use a laundry stain pretreatment stick or gel. Work into stain for several minutes to start breaking down oils and pigments.
Step 4: Wash Promptly
- Machine wash item immediately using hot water safe for fabric. Wash separately from other clothes.
Step 5: Avoid Drying
- Air dry stained item until no more residue remains. Heat can set in certain food stains.
Step 6: Use Oxygen Bleach if Needed
- For really persistent wing sauce stains, an oxygen bleach like OxiClean can help lift out oils and pigments. Check garment care label first.
How to Remove Chicken Blood Stains
Raw chicken can sometimes leak bloody juices that lead to red or brown stains. Here is how to tackle them:
Step 1: Rinse Back of Stain
- Hold stained fabric taut and rinse back of stain with cold running water. This will help push blood through to other side.
Step 2: Apply Meat Tenderizer
- Make a paste with unseasoned meat tenderizer and cool water. Gently work it into the stain for 5 minutes using a soft bristle brush.
- Meat tenderizer contains enzymes that break down the proteins in blood stains.
Step 3: Flush and Blot
- Rinse the back of the fabric again under cold water while blotting stain from front with paper towels.
Step 4: Wash Promptly
- Machine wash clothing immediately using cold water safe for the fabric. Hot water can set blood stains.
Step 5: Air Dry
- Allow stained item to air dry to ensure stain is fully gone before drying with heat.
Step 6: Repeat if Needed
- For very stubborn dried blood stains, repeat stain removal process 2-3 times until no trace remains.
How to Remove Rotisserie Chicken Stains
Rotisserie chicken hot off the spit can lead to oily stains from the chicken skin and rendered fat. Here are some tips for removal:
Step 1: Blot Excess Oil
- Immediately blot stain with clean paper towels or rags to absorb as much free oil as possible. Don’t scrub it around.
Step 2: Apply Stain Stick
- Use an enzyme-based stain removal gel or stick. Gently work it into the fabric for several minutes.
Step 3: Flush and Blot
- Rinse back of stain with cold water while blotting front with fresh paper towels.
Step 4: Wash Promptly
- Machine wash clothing or fabric right away in hottest water safe for material.
Step 5: Repeat If Needed
- For dried-in rotisserie chicken stains, repeat stain removal process 2-3 times until no residue remains.
How to Remove Ground Chicken and Turkey Stains
Ground chicken or turkey can leave greasy, oily stains, especially if quite fatty. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Blot Excess Oil
- Immediately blot stain with clean paper towels or rags. Apply pressure to absorb as much free oil as possible.
Step 2: Apply Stain Stick
- Use an enzyme-based stain removal gel or stick. Gently work it into the fabric for several minutes. This will start breaking up oils.
Step 3: Flush and Blot
- Rinse back of stain with cold water while blotting front with fresh paper towels.
Step 4: Wash Promptly
- Machine wash clothing or fabric right away in hottest water safe for material.
Step 5: Repeat If Needed
- For very stubborn stains, repeat stain removal process 2-3 times until no oily residue remains.