My family makes fun of my peanut butter and banana sandwiches; however, I suspect when I am not looking they are sneaking their own to enjoy. I love peanut butter as does my husband and our daughter. I do not like the sticky mess it makes when my daughter or husband gets peanut butter on their clothes. My godson loves peanut butter as well and often makes a mess with his sandwich since he is still learning how to eat the “big boy” way. I never like to send his clothes home dirty or with stains so I learned a few stain removing tricks for peanut butter on clothing.
First, remove as much of the peanut butter from the clothing by scraping off the excess with a dull butter knife or spoon. However, be gentle and try not to grind the peanut butter further into the fabric. Using a stain remover with enzymes, pre-treat the peanut butter stain thoroughly and leave sitting for about an hour before washing. Launder on the hottest water setting for the fabric with color safe bleach and a laundry detergent containing enzymes (enzymes are great for breaking up food stains in during washing). Allow to air dry (do not put in the dryer) and repeat the process if necessary.
Dishwashing liquid and white vinegar works wonders on many stains including tough peanut butter stains. Combine one tablespoon of white vinegar one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid (grease cutting is the best for food stains) with two cups of warm water. Apply the mixture directly to the peanut butter stain to saturate thoroughly. Use an old toothbrush or small brush and gently scrub the stain with the mixture. Wash according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow to air dry. Repeat if necessary.
Another great secret for removing stains is dry cleaning solvent. Remove excess peanut butter from the garment and then use a clean, white cloth to apply dry cleaning solvent directly onto the stain. Using another dry cloth, blot the stain until all of the dry cleaning solvent is absorbed. Repeat if the stain is still visible or follow with the white vinegar/dishwashing liquid mixture above. Rinse well and launder as normal allowing to air dry to make sure the stain has been removed completely.
NOTE: As always, test a small spot somewhere on the garment that will not be seen to make sure that you will not damage the fabric with your stain removing technique. If the garment is delicate, it may be best to take it to a professional to minimize the change of damage.
Sources:
ThriftyFun.com
ClothingDictionary.com
