Egg stains on clothes and carpets can be extremely frustrating to deal with. Eggs contain proteins and fats that can easily soak into fabric fibers and set into stubborn stains. However, with the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can successfully remove dried and fresh egg stains from both your clothes and carpets.
What Causes Egg Stains
Egg stains form when the proteins and fats in egg yolks and whites soak into fabric. Here are some common ways egg stains occur:
- Cracking eggs while cooking and spattering raw egg onto clothing or carpets
- Dropping basket of eggs and breaking raw eggs on fabric surfaces
- Cooking scrambled eggs or omelets and spilling some onto clothes or rugs
- Children getting egg on their clothing or carpets while eating breakfast
- Easter egg decorating accidents where dye leaks onto clothing or floors
- Spilled egg-based sauces and condiments like mayonnaise or hollandaise
The fats and proteins in both raw and cooked eggs can stick strongly to fabric fibers and become trapped within them. This causes a visible stain and an unpleasant odor over time as the egg residue goes rancid.
How to Remove Fresh Egg Stains
If you catch an egg stain soon after it happens, you have the best chance of removing it completely. Here are tips for cleaning fresh egg stains:
Blot Excess Egg
- Immediately blot or scrape off any excess egg sitting on top of the fabric. Don’t smear it around.
- For carpets, gently scrape off excess egg with a dull butter knife or spoon.
- For clothing, use a clean paper towel or soft cloth to lift the egg away from the surface.
Blotting prevents the egg from setting further into the weave of the fabric.
Rinse With Cold Water
- Rinse the stain with cold running water to dilute the egg and prevent it from drying.
- For clothes, hold the stained part of the garment under cold tap water.
- For carpets, pour cold water directly onto the stain to rinse it out.
Cold water keeps egg proteins from denaturing and bonding to fabric as they would in hot water.
Use Laundry Detergent or Dish Soap
- Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap directly to the fresh egg stain.
- Gently rub the detergent into the stain using a clean toothbrush or cloth.
- Let the detergent sit on the stain for 3-5 minutes to penetrate and lift the proteins.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
The surfactants in laundry detergent and dish soap help detach egg proteins from fibers to allow the stain to wash away.
Finish With Vinegar Rinse
- Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.
- Spray vinegar liberally onto the egg-stained area.
- Let the vinegar sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Wash the item normally.
An acidic vinegar rinse helps dissolve any remaining egg residue and odor left behind after washing.
How to Remove Dried Egg Stains
For dried, set-in egg stains, a little more work will be required to break up and lift out the attached proteins. Here are tips:
Scrape Off Excess Dried Egg
- Use a dull knife, spoon, or your fingernail to gently scrape any chunks of dried egg from the fabric surface.
This helps eliminate some of the stain that is sitting on top of the fibers before washing.
Apply Pre-Treatment Spray
- Mist a pre-wash stain remover directly onto old, dried egg stains.
- Look for pre-treatment sprays containing enzymes that break down proteins.
- Let the spray penetrate for 10-15 minutes before washing.
Pre-treatment sprays help break the bond between the egg proteins and fabric fibers to make the stain release.
Wash With Hot Water
- Use the hottest water safe for the fabric when machine washing egg-stained clothes or rinsing carpets.
- Hot water helps dissolve and release proteins stuck in fibers.
Check clothing labels first before washing in hot water to prevent damage.
Boost Detergent
- Use an extra dose of laundry detergent in your washing machine.
- Look for detergents with added enzymes and stain-fighting ingredients.
- For carpets, mix an extra scoop of carpet shampoo into your cleaning solution.
Extra detergent helps lift out more of the dried egg proteins with added cleaning power.
Repeat Vinegar Rinse
- Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.
- After washing, spray vinegar directly onto any remaining dried egg stains.
- Let sit 5 minutes before a final rinse in cold water.
Vinegar dissolves stubborn leftovers and neutralizes odors from dried egg spills.
Homemade Egg Stain Removers
For tough egg stains, try these effective homemade pre-wash treatments:
Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick scrub. Spread onto the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. The alkaline baking soda helps break down acidic egg proteins.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply it directly to the stain and let bubble for 5 minutes. Rinse and wash normally. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that lifts discoloration.
Enzyme Soak
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of a proteolytic enzyme like pepsin, papain, or bromelain into 2 cups of warm water. Submerge the stained clothing or apply the solution to carpets. Let soak 30-60 minutes before washing. Enzymes break down proteins.
Vinegar Spray
Make a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Lightly spray onto the stain, let soak in 5 minutes, then wash normally. Vinegar removes odors and stains.
Club Soda
Pour club soda liberally onto fresh carpet stains. Let it bubble and fizz for 5-10 minutes before blotting and repeating until the stain lifts. The carbonation in club soda can help lift stains.
Lemon Juice or Cream of Tartar
Both acidic lemon juice and cream of tartar help dissolve the proteins in dried egg stains. Make a paste with either and water, apply it to the stain for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.
How to Remove Egg Stains By Fabric Type
Certain types of fabrics and carpets may need specialized treatment to remove egg stains and prevent damage or discoloration.
For Washable Fabrics
Check clothing labels and only use the hottest water recommended for the material. For heavy stains on white fabrics, soak in an enzymatic laundry booster for 30 minutes before washing. Use chlorine bleach on whites if needed, but avoid bleach on colors to prevent discoloration.
For Wool or Cashmere
Scrape dried egg away carefully with a dull knife. Soak in cool water with an enzyme detergent or mild shampoo for 30 minutes. Rinse without agitation. Air dry flat and do not place in hot dryer.
For Silk
Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon mild soap with 2 cups cold water. Use a clean cloth to gently blot it onto the stain. Rinse with cold water and do not vigorously rub. Dry away from direct heat.
For Leather
Use a clean dry cloth to blot excess egg. Mix a solution of 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. Lightly sponge onto the stain and let dry naturally. Wipe with damp cloth and dry away from heat.
For Carpet or Rugs
Scrape away excess egg from fibers. Apply carpet cleaner or foam shampoo and let soak 5-10 minutes. Use cold water extraction or blot with clean cloths. Avoid excessive heat or friction during drying.
How to Prevent Egg Stains
While egg stains might be inevitable when cooking up an omelet or dyeing Easter eggs, there are ways to reduce the chances of eggs ruining your clothing and home fabrics:
- Wear an apron when cooking with raw eggs to protect your clothing.
- Cover surfaces with tablecloths or towels when decorating eggs to catch drips.
- Transport eggs carefully in closed cartons to prevent cracking and leaks.
- Cook eggs gently on low heat and use splatter screens when frying.
- Clean up spills right away using cold water and detergent.
- Store eggs properly in the refrigerator to prevent cracking as they expand.
- Use plastic fillable eggs rather than real eggs for decorating with kids.
Can You Remove Egg Stains with Mayonnaise?
Some home remedies suggest using mayonnaise to lift old, dried egg stains from fabric. However, this is not actually an effective method. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of raw egg yolk, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice. Putting mayo directly onto an egg stain will just add more egg residue to the fabric. It does not have any special properties that lift stains out better than laundry detergent or other cleaning solutions. The vinegar in mayonnaise could potentially help dissolve some proteins, but straight vinegar works just as well without adding excess oils that leave behind a greasy residue. Rubbing mayonnaise vigorously can also damage delicate fabrics. So skip the mayo and use proven stain fighters like enzyme pre-treatments, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice instead for the best results removing egg stains.
How to Remove Egg Smell from Carpet
Even after you successfully lift an egg stain from carpet fibers, you may be left with a lingering rotten odor from any residue left behind. Here are some tips to get rid of that nasty egg smell in carpets:
- Generously sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. Let sit for several hours to absorb odors before vacuuming up. The baking soda will soak up smells.
- Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray onto the carpet. Let sit for 5 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. Vinegar neutralizes odors.
- Lightly spray diluted hydrogen peroxide onto the carpet. Let bubble for 5 minutes then blot dry. Hydrogen peroxide naturally deodorizes as it dries.
- Purchase an enzymatic carpet cleaning spray that is designed to break down and eliminate organic material that causes odors from pet stains or spills. Use as directed.
- Rent a carpet steam cleaner and use it to forcefully wash the stained area with hot water and detergent to lift away any last traces of egg residue.
- Consider replacing carpet padding underneath if the spill seeped all the way through and odors persist after deep cleaning the fibers.
Egg Stain Removal Tips
Here are some final tips and reminders for successfully removing egg stains from fabric:
- Act quickly when a spill first occurs to prevent stains from setting.
- Always blot or scrape off excess egg instead of smearing it around.
- Rinse right away with cold water to dilute proteins and prevent drying.
- Check clothing labels and use hot water if recommended.
- Repeat treatments like vinegar spray for stubborn stains.
- Avoid over-rubbing delicate fabrics which can damage fibers.
- Enzyme treatments work well to break down egg proteins.
- Dry carpets and clothing slowly, away from direct heat.
- Properly store and handle eggs to prevent cracks and leaks.
With a little patience and the right techniques, you can rescue your favorite clothes and restore your carpets after even the stickiest egg spill. Follow these guides to cleaning fresh or dried egg stains, use homemade solutions, and eliminate leftover odors for the best results. Soon you’ll have egg-free fabrics ready to wear and display again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Egg Stains
How do you get dried egg stains out of carpet?
For dried egg on carpets, start by scraping off any hardened bits of egg reside with a dull knife or spoon. Apply an enzyme-based carpet cleaner, let it soak for 5-10 minutes, then blot with clean cloths and rinse with cold water. Repeat until the stain lifts, and finish with a white vinegar rinse to eliminate odors.
What is the best homemade stain remover for egg stains?
Homemade stain removers using ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and lemon juice can help lift tough egg stains. Make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes before washing. Or spray a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water and let soak in for 5 minutes before rinsing.
What setting do you wash clothes with egg on them?
Check garment care labels first, but in general, washing with hot water is best for removing egg stains, as the heat helps dissolve egg proteins stuck in fabric. Use the hottest setting suitable for the clothing item. Avoid overly hot temperatures on delicate fabrics like wool and silk.
Why won’t egg stains come out in the wash?
If egg stains persist through the wash, it’s likely because the egg proteins have bonded tightly to the fabric fibers. Use a laundry pre-treatment spray or soak in an enzymatic detergent before washing to help break down the proteins. Wash in hot water, repeat treatments like vinegar spray, and avoid drying until stains are fully removed.
How do you get old egg stains out of clothes that have already been washed and dried?
For already washed and dried egg stains, start by gently scraping off any hardened egg residue. Apply a laundry pre-treatment spray with enzymes and let it soak in before washing again in hot water with extra detergent. Use white vinegar as a stain-fighting booster in both the wash and rinse cycles. Repeat as needed.
Can eggs explode in the microwave?
Yes, eggs can explode when microwaved, due to rapid steam buildup inside the tight confines of the egg shell. The heat causes the proteins in the egg to rapidly unravel and release sulfur compounds, which create pressure. It’s best to avoid microwaving whole, unshelled eggs.
How do you clean scrambled egg off the microwave?
Scrambled egg spatters inside the microwave can be cleaned using a microwave-safe bowl filled with water. Microwave the bowl for 2-3 minutes, letting the steam soften the dried egg residue. Then wipe out the interior with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. For stuck-on bits, scrape gently with a plastic spatula. Avoid using sharp metal tools.
What happens if you put egg shells down the garbage disposal?
It’s not recommended to put eggshells down the garbage disposal, as they can accumulate along the blades and pipes. Over time, the buildup of calcium carbonate from the shells can block drains. Instead, crush shells and dispose in the compost or trash. An occasional accidental shell should be ok, but avoid making a habit of putting shells in the disposal.
Can you use baking soda and vinegar to clean together?
While baking soda and vinegar are both useful cleaners and deodorizers, they should not be mixed directly together. The acid in vinegar reacts with the base baking soda, cancelling out each other’s properties. The reaction just creates foam and water, without any cleaning benefits. Instead, use baking soda and vinegar separately in stain treatment.
In Closing
Dealing with pesky egg stains doesn’t have to be a hopeless mess. With the cleaning solutions and techniques provided, you can successfully remove fresh and dried egg from valuable clothes and carpets. Just be sure to act fast when spills happen, employ enzyme power to cut through proteins, use vinegar to eliminate odors, and take measures to prevent stains in the first place. Follow these guides and your fabrics will be back to their stain-free, beautiful selves.