How to Remove Fabric Softener Stains: Tips and Guidelines

Hand pouring softener in a washing machine. — Steps on how to remove fabric softener stains from different surfaces. firemanYU / Getty Images

Fabric softener makes your freshly laundered clothes so much gentler to the touch. But when it causes laundry stains, use these stain removal methods.

The first step in removing fabric softener stains is to identify the stained material.

Below are the most common types of materials that can become fabric softener-stained, with steps on how to remove fabric softener from each:

Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate or Wool
Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester or Spandex
Other surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Ceramic, Glass/Tile, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering

Non-washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove fabric softener stains from Acetate, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate or Wool:

Dampen the stain with water and rub gently with bar soap (do not use a dedorant-type soap). Or, rub the area with liquid laundry detergent such as Shout Liquid Laundry Stain Remover.
Rinse thoroughly with clear water, then blot the excess liquid and allow to dry.

Washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove fabric softener stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex:

Dampen the area with water and gently rub with bar soap (do not use a deodorant-type soap). Or, rub the area with liquid laundry detergent or cleaners such as Shout Liquid Laundry Stain Remover.
Rinse thoroughly.
Blot the excess liquid and launder as soon as possible.

Other Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove fabric softener stains from Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Ceramic, Glass/Tile, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering:

Wipe up any excess spill immediately, as the chemicals can injure the surface.
Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water.
Rinse well and wipe dry.