Egg stains and how to get rid of them?

Eggs are favourite breakfast and lunch for many people. However, egg stains can be tough to remove. The reason for that is that they are protein-based and come from animal-based products. Like most stubborn stains, it is best to take care of them as soon as they occur. An important thing to remember is that you should never rub egg stains in. It is best to blot them away. Another thing to keep in mind is that hot water should never be used. The stained garment should not be placed in the dryer since the heat may set the stain and make it impossible to remove.

Do not worry, a few simple household products and the right technique will help you get rid of the stain in no time. Keep reading to find what steps you can take in order to efficiently get rid of egg stains on carpets or upholstery. You can reach out for help professional cleaners to do the work instead of you.

You will need:

  • dull knife
  • large bowl
  • soft-bristled brush
  • white cloths
  • paper towels
  • sponge
  • vacuum cleaner
  • stain-remover
  • heavy-duty laundry detergent
  • oxygenated bleach
  • liquid dishwashing soap

Instructions:

Protein-based stains can be removed by first soaking them in cold water. Egg stains often contain other ingredients but proteins must be taken care of first. Make sure you treat such stains as soon as they occur, otherwise they might be nearly impossible to remove

    1. Remove all solids – Use a dull knife/spoon or a plastic scraper to remove all liquid egg residue. Never rub the stain, as you may end up pushing it deeper into the fibres of the fabric or cause it to spread.
    2. Soak and blot – Soak the stain in cold water in a sink or a large bowl. If that is impossible, blot the stain with a sponge soaked in cold water. While soaking the garment, use a soft-bristled brush in order to gently scrub the stained area. After the cold water soaks, you can treat any other stains such as butter or mayonnaise.

Extra tip: Never use heat or hot water when treating the stain. You will end up cooking the protein and making the stain extremely hard to remove.

  1. Treat the stains – Use a stain-remover in order to treat the egg stain. Make sure it is solvent-based. If you don’t have such a product, use a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent with enough enzymes to break down the stain. Gently scrub the stained area with a soft-bristled brush and leave the product on for 15 minutes. When done, wash the garment according to the instructions on the fabric care label.
  2. Check for stains – Before washing and drying the garment, make sure to check for any stain residue. If there is, repeat the steps above until it is completely gone. Do not put the item in the dryer and avoid washing it on a high-temperature cycle to prevent making the stain permanent.

In order to remove egg stains from carpets and upholstery
The same cleaning methods and products can be used in order to remove such protein-based stains from upholstery or fabrics. Keep in mind that excess can damage the fabric and make the issue worse. Before treating a carpet or an upholstered furniture piece, always make sure to check the care label of the fabric. If the fabric is delicate or vintage, seek professional help in order to avoid permanent damage to the piece.

  1. Remove solids – You should always remove solids first. Never rub or scrub the stained area since you may cause the stain to become tough to remove or even permanent.
  2. Mix a cleaning solution – Combine two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of cool water.
  3. Apply the cleaning mixture – Dip a sponge, a cloth or a soft-bristled brush in the solution. Start at the outer edge of the stain and work your way towards the centre. That way you will prevent the stain from spreading. Keep doing that until the stain has completely transferred to the cloth.
  4. Rinse the stained area – Dip a white cloth into plain water and gently dab the stained area in order to rinse the rest of the stain and remove any soapy residue that may be left on the carpet or upholstery.
  5. Dry and vacuum – Let the stained area air-dry, then vacuum it thoroughly to restore the original texture of the fabric.

When cleaning a dried-out egg stain you will need a different approach than when treating fresh egg stains. Firstly, scrape off any crusted and dried-out egg matter. Then soak the item in a mixture of oxy bleach and water, according to the package instructions. If the stain is still not gone, repeat the oxygenated bleach steps until it is fully gone.