Most lotions and creams can be removed with standard stain removers,laundry detergent, and patience.

Learn how to get rid of lingering lotion stains on clothing and carpet with these simple steps.

Don’t rub because you’ll push the stain deeper into the fibers and make it harder to remove.

How to Remove Lotion and Cream Stains

The Spruce / Hilary Allison

Work the cleaner into the stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.

Let the cleaning solution sit on the fabric for at least 15 minutes.

Rinse the area thoroughly with hot water.

a bottle of Oxi Clean Carpet Stain Remover sitting on a rug with a Spruce Approved badge stamped on the image

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Wash in Hot Water

Wash the garment, as usual, using thehottest waterrecommended on thecare label.

Use the same technique for upholstery, but take care to not over-saturate cushions.

When the carpet is completely dry, vacuum to lift and separate the fibers.

materials for removing lotion stains

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Additional Tips for Handling Lotion Stains

Don’t give up on a stubborn stain too soon.

pretreating lotion stain on a garment

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

scrubbing the stain with a soft bristle brush

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

choosing a temperature to wash a garment

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

soaking a garment in an oxygen bleach solution

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

materials for removing lotion from upholstery

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

sponging on a cleaning solution

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

drying the fabric with a new cloth

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

vacuuming the upholstery after stain removal

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida