How to Remove Caramel Stains from Clothing
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The Spruce / Joules Garcia
A delicious ice cream sundae would not be complete without its caramel topping, but drips seem inevitable. If you have kids (or not), some of that topping always seems to find its way onto your clothes. Once it dries and hardens, it turns into a mess that will not come out of your clothes. Find out how to remove dried caramel stains from your laundry.
Stain Type | Caramel |
Detergent Type | Laundry, oxygen bleach |
Water Temperature | Warm and hot |
Cycle Type | Normal |
Before You Begin
Caramel includes sugar and butter and usually has food coloring added. This makes it a greasy and sticky stain that can soak into the fibers of your clothing and even spread a bit from the initial contact area. When you think of a caramel stain, think of the butter as the biggest problem in the stain.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine
Materials
- Ice or an ice pack
- Borax
- Stain remover, stick, gel, or spray
- Hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, or lemon juice
- Liquid laundry detergent
Instructions
Steps to Remove Caramel Stains from Clothing
Use these steps to launder an item stained with caramel. The key is to remain persistent and resist the urge to put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.
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Ice, Lift, and Dab
- Apply ice to the caramel spot immediately, if possible. Just pile on a few cubes or an ice pack. Chilled caramel will harden, making it a lot easier to scrape off than warm, sticky caramel.
- Use a spoon or the dull side of a knife to lift off the sticky caramel.
- Dab the area with a wet paper towel.
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Apply Borax Solution
Mix 1 tablespoon of water with 3 tablespoons of borax and spread it onto the stain liberally. Borax is a great stain fighter and has the strength to penetrate the caramel stain.
Warning
Be careful handling borax. It can be an eye, skin, and lung irritant.
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Wait and Rinse
Let the garment sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. This will give you a good idea of how much of the stain, if any, is left.
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Apply Liquid Detergent
Rub liquid detergent into the caramel stain. Use enough liquid detergent to cover the caramel stain. Using your thumb and fingers, rub it in gently. The goal is to saturate the stained area.
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Wait and Rinse, Again
Let the caramel stain stand for at least five minutes before rinsing hot water through the back of the stain over the sink. Make the water as hot as you can to help force the stain out.
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Apply Stain Remover
Apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray, and wash regularly with liquid detergent. Be sure to check the clothing after it comes out of the washer and before it goes into the dryer.
Warning
Do not put a fabric with a caramel stain in the dryer. The dry heat will permanently set the stain.
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Add a Bleaching Agent (White or Colorfast Fabrics Only)
Use a mild bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar if the stain remains and the garment is white (or you have tested it for colorfastness).
You can also use lemon juice for lightening. Cover the stained area, let it sit for about an hour, and rinse thoroughly.
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Repeat if Necessary
Apply stain remover stick, gel, or spray again and rewash with liquid detergent if traces of the stain remain after completing the above steps.
Additional Tips for Handling Caramel Stains
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