How to Remove a Dehydrated Food Stain

Scrape off dehydrated food from fragile materials such as knits with a rubber spatula. Scrape gently against the nap, and then from side to side, to completely remove the dried material. Use a butter knife to carefully scrape dried food from carpet or rugs. Brush crusty dried food off of sturdy fabrics or upholstery with a stiff bristled brush. As with the scraping method, brush against the nap and from side to side to remove dried food.

Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent or liquid soap in 1 cup of cold water. Dip a rag or clean sponge in the mixture and wring it out. Dab the rag on the food stain, working from the center outward. Avoid using excess moisture because too much moisture can spread the stain.

Let the soap remain on the stain for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water. If the stain is on a stationary object such as upholstered furniture or carpet, moisten a rag with water and dab at the stain, taking care not to make the area excessively wet.

For washable fabric such as curtains or clothing, soak the item in a sink or wash tub. Rinse with cold water. Check whether any stains remain. Add 1 teaspoon of oxygen cleaner to 1 tablespoon of cold water and pour it on the stain if any discoloration remains. Oxygen cleaner, also called oxygen bleach, works by releasing oxygen, and it's considered safer for textiles and the environment than chlorine bleach. Dab the oxygen cleaner and water mixture on carpet or upholstery, directly on the stain, after testing for colorfastness. Leave the cleaner on for 30 minutes. Rinse or dab away the cleaner with cold water. Repeat the treatment, if needed.