Patrick Oconnell
Macaroni and cheese is a delicious meal, but it can be a nightmare to get out of your clothes or carpet. The key to removing these stains is to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove them. There are various methods to tackle these stains, including using a stain remover, laundry detergent, dish soap, vinegar, or bleach. Oxyclean products have been recommended by several sources, as well as a mixture of Purex 2 powder, dishwasher powder, and hot water.
How to get out a macaroni and cheese stain
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Initial action | Wipe with a paper towel, then rinse the reverse side of the fabric under cold running water |
| Stain remover | Laundry stain remover, Oxyclean max force spray, Oxiclean Versatile Stain Remover Powder, hand sanitiser, or a mixture of Purex 2 powder, dishwasher powder, and water |
| Additional methods | Baking soda paste, ice vinegar and dish soap, lemon juice, liquid chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, liquid dishwashing detergent, dry cleaning solvent |
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What You'll Learn
Act fast
Acting fast is crucial when dealing with macaroni and cheese stains. Here are some detailed steps to tackle fresh stains effectively:
Step 1: Initial Response
As soon as you notice the stain, grab a paper towel and start wiping. This initial response helps to remove excess cheese, butter, or sauce, making the stain less concentrated. While this won't eliminate the stain entirely, it's a crucial first step.
Step 2: Water Rinse
The next step is to rinse the stained area with cold running water for a few minutes. Holding the fabric under the water, focus on the reverse side of the stain to force it out of the fabric. This step should be done as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting in.
Step 3: Detergent Treatment
After rinsing, apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid directly to the stained portion. Gently work the detergent into the fabric in a circular motion, starting from the outside of the stain and moving inward. Let the detergent sit for about 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it out. The detergent will help break down any remaining grease or cheese residue.
Step 4: Vinegar Solution
For an extra boost, create a solution of cold water and white vinegar. Combine one tablespoon of vinegar with cold water and pour it onto the stained area. Allow this solution to work on the stain for about 5 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar can help break down any remaining cheese or sauce residue.
Step 5: Repeat and Inspect
If necessary, repeat steps 2 to 4 until the stain is no longer visible. After treating the stain, carefully inspect the fabric to ensure no traces remain. Remember, acting fast and treating the stain multiple times can significantly improve your chances of success.
Acting promptly gives you the best chance of removing macaroni and cheese stains. By following these steps, you can effectively treat fresh stains and prevent them from becoming permanent fixtures on your favourite clothes.
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Use a stain-lifting pen
If you have a stain-lifting pen, you can use it to remove macaroni and cheese stains from your clothes. First, remove the garment and lay it on a flat surface. Using a dull knife, scrape away any excess macaroni and cheese from the surface of the fabric. Next, grab your stain-lifting pen and apply it directly to the stain, following the instructions on the packaging. Allow the stain remover to sit for the recommended amount of time, then rinse the garment with cold water. Turn the garment inside out and run cold water directly through the stain to ensure that you are rinsing away the stain rather than pushing it deeper into the fabric. Finally, you can run the garment through the washing machine, using the hottest water recommended on the care label to address any remaining grease from the cheese.
If you don't have a stain-lifting pen on hand, you can try using hand sanitizer as a stain remover. Apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to the stain and work it into the fabric. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the garment with cold water and wash it as usual.
Another option for removing macaroni and cheese stains is to use a natural laundry pod or eco-friendly, non-toxic dish soap. Create a solution of soap and cold water, then dip a towel or sponge into the mixture and blot the stain repeatedly to lift away any excess sauce. Once you've removed as much of the stain as possible, rinse the garment with cold water, turning it inside out to ensure you're not pushing the stain deeper into the fabric. Finally, you can run the garment through the washing machine, using the hottest water recommended on the care label.
If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can try using a commercial stain remover, following the directions on the package. You may need to repeat the process several times to fully remove the stain.
It's important to act quickly when treating macaroni and cheese stains, as they can be difficult to remove due to the turmeric and butter used in the dish. Always check the care instructions on your garment before attempting any stain removal methods, and avoid using hot water or putting the item in the dryer until you're sure the stain is completely removed, as this can set the stain and make it permanent.
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Try a baking soda paste
Baking soda is an incredibly versatile and effective cleaning agent. It's perfect for tackling a huge range of tasks, from unclogging drains and removing tough stains to neutralizing odors from surfaces like carpets or fabrics. It's also packaged in a way that is better for the planet—cardboard packaging that can be composted instead of plastic. A simple box of baking soda is an inexpensive and versatile item that can be found for less than a dollar in any grocery, drug, or convenience store.
To make a baking soda paste, start by mixing equal parts baking soda and salt. Then, add just enough water to create a spreadable paste. Gently rub the paste into the stain and let it sit for up to 10 minutes. Finally, rinse off the paste with cool water and wash the clothing as usual. You can also add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap to the paste to help with particularly greasy mac and cheese stains.
If you don't have time to make a paste, you can simply sprinkle baking soda onto the wet stain, leave it overnight, and then wash your clothing as usual. This method will not only remove the stain but also eliminate any related odors.
For particularly tough stains, you may need to apply the paste multiple times before seeing results. Baking soda paste can also be used to tackle sweat stains. After applying the paste, let it dry, and then use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining residue. Alternatively, simply wash the fabric in lukewarm water.
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Soak in a stain solution
To remove macaroni and cheese stains, a good method to try is to soak the stained item in a stain solution. This is a cheap and effective method to shift tough stains.
Firstly, you need to make the stain solution. One recipe suggests using Purex 2 powder, dishwasher powder, and hot water. The powders are placed in a bucket, and the hottest tap water is added. You can adjust the amount of powder depending on the size of the bucket. Another recipe suggests using Super Stain Soak, which is highly effective and can be purchased for around $5. A similar product is Oxiclean Versatile Stain Remover Powder, which can be left to soak for around six hours.
Once you have made your solution, you can add the stained items to the bucket. You can add items as they become stained, and leave them to soak for up to a week. After this time, you can then add the entire contents of the bucket, water and clothes, to the washing machine. Wash as normal, but without adding more soap. Before drying, inspect the items and if necessary, throw them back into the bucket for a second soak.
If you are unable to soak the stained item, you can try a similar method by sponging the stain with a detergent solution. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water. Sponge the stain with the solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process until the stain disappears. Finally, sponge with cold water and blot dry.
If the stain is on a white or colourfast garment, you can try soaking the item in a diluted solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water. Bleach may damage or discolour the fabric, so always check the fabric's bleach tolerance on a hidden seam first. If the stain persists after 15 minutes of bleaching, it cannot be removed in this way.
Always check that the stain has been removed before drying the item, as the high heat of a dryer can set the stain.
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Bleach as a last resort
Bleach should be a last resort for removing macaroni and cheese stains. Before attempting to use bleach, try the following methods:
- Scrape off as much of the stain as possible with a brush or a knife.
- Blot the stain with a paper towel.
- Mix cold water with a tablespoon of white vinegar and pour it onto the stain. Wait for 5 minutes, then rinse the area again with cold water and dry it with a towel.
- Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
- Apply a couple of drops of dish soap to the stain, then use an ice cube to work the soap into the stain. Dip a clean, dry microfiber cloth into distilled white vinegar and blot any remaining stains.
- Mix equal parts baking soda and salt. Add just enough water to make a spreadable paste and gently rub it into the stain. Let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then rinse off the paste with cool water and wash the clothing as usual.
- If the stain is on a carpet, moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it stand for an hour, then blot and repeat until the carpet is stain-free.
- Try a commercial stain remover.
If the stain persists and the garment is white or colourfast, you can try soaking the entire garment in a diluted solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water. However, it is important to note that bleach may change the colour of the garment or cause irreversible damage. Always check for bleach tolerance on a hidden seam before attempting this method. If the stain does not come out after 15 minutes of bleaching, it cannot be removed by bleaching.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by wiping the stain with a paper towel. Then, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with cold water and pour it onto the stain. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse the area with cold water and dry it with a towel. If the stain remains, apply a laundry stain remover and wait 5-10 minutes.
Use a brush to scrape off as much of the dried macaroni and cheese stain as possible. Then, pour some cold water onto a cloth and start blotting the area.
Yes, products such as OxiClean Max Force Spray or OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder have been found effective in removing macaroni and cheese stains.
Yes, you can make a baking soda paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and salt with a small amount of water. Gently rub this paste into the stain and let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water and wash the clothing as usual.
If blotting is not removing the stain, moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let it stand for an hour. Blot and repeat until the carpet is stain-free.
