Guide to Eliminating Candy Stains

Stain Removal

Candy can leave a sour impression on your favorite items, but don’t worry. Here’s how you can remove those sticky stains after satisfying your sweet tooth.

Removing Candy Stains From:

Acetate, Burlap, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, and Wool

First, scrape off excess candy. Then, sponge the stain with warm water and apply a wet spotter with a few drops of white vinegar. Let it stand until the stain is removed, pressing down on it with a clean absorbent pad every 5 minutes. Keep the stain moist with the wet spotter and vinegar. Once the stain is gone, flush with water. If the stain persists, repeat the process using rubbing alcohol instead of the wet spotter and vinegar. Don’t use the alcohol treatment on acetate or triacetate. Rinse well with water to remove all sugar. On carpeting, blot the excess liquid with an absorbent pad, then apply Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover or Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover. Allow to dry.

Removing Candy Stains From:

Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Spandex

Soaking or laundering in warm sudsy water usually removes the stain. If it persists, resoak the fabric, adding a few drops of ammonia to the soaking solution. Let the fabric soak for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water. Then, soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 1 hour (30 minutes for cotton and linen). Rinse well and dry. If the stain persists, apply rubbing alcohol (don’t use it on acrylic or modacrylic) to the stain and gently tamp. Keep the stain moist with alcohol and blot occasionally. Rinse well with water. Dry or launder as soon as possible.

Removing Candy Stains From:

Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, lron, Ivory, Linoleum, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Pewter, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Sandstone, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, and Zinc

Wipe the stain from the surface with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

Removing Candy Stains From:

Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, and Terrazzo

Scrape off any excess from the surface, being careful not to gouge the softer stones. Wash or scrub any remainder with a solution of washing soda or detergent (never use soap because it leaves a scum impossible to remove) and water. Rinse well and dry.

Removing Candy Stains From Leather and Suede

Gently scrape off any excess from the hide. Mix mild soap in lukewarm water to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge, stroking with the nap on suede. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. On leather only, follow with The Tannery or Fiebings Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

Eliminating Candy Stains from Silver

To remove candy residue from silver, wash it in hot soapy water. Then, rinse it with hot water and dry it with a soft, clean cloth to prevent tarnishing.

Cleaning Candy Stains from Wood

Clean the stain on wood by wiping it with a cloth soaked in warm, mild soapy water. Then, rinse it with a clean damp cloth, dry it, and polish or wax it as usual.

While candy may not be entirely guilt-free, you can use these handy tips to remove candy stains and keep your belongings looking clean and fresh.

©Publications International, Ltd.

Making Wet & Dry Spotters

To create a dry spotter, mix 1 part coconut oil (which can be found at pharmacies and health food stores) with 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. Store this solution tightly capped to prevent the solvent from evaporating. Mineral oil can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, but it may not be as effective.

Note: Dry-cleaning solvents are toxic and may be flammable.

To prepare a wet spotter, combine 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use and keep it in a plastic squeeze bottle.

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FAQ

1. What are the most common types of candy stains?

The most common types of candy stains include chocolate, gummy candy, hard candy, and lollipops. Each type of candy may require a different approach to remove the stain depending on the ingredients and texture of the candy.

2. How do I remove chocolate stains from clothing?

First, scrape off any excess chocolate with a blunt knife or spoon. Then, apply a pre-treatment stain remover or a mixture of laundry detergent and water directly onto the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing the garment in cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain permanently.

3. Can I use bleach to remove candy stains?

No, bleach should not be used to remove candy stains. Bleach can react with the dyes and chemicals in the candy, causing discoloration and making the stain worse. Instead, opt for a mild laundry detergent or a specialty stain remover designed for candy stains.

4. What is the best way to remove gummy candy stains?

Gummy candy stains can be tricky to remove, as they are often sticky and can leave residue behind. Try freezing the garment or fabric first, then using a blunt knife to scrape off as much of the candy as possible. Apply a pre-treatment stain remover or a mixture of vinegar and water to the stain before washing in cold water.

5. How can I remove hard candy stains from carpets?

First, use a spoon or blunt knife to scrape off any excess candy. Then, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap, and use a clean cloth to dab the stain. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can spread the stain. Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth until it is fully removed.

6. Is it possible to remove candy stains from upholstery?

Yes, candy stains can be removed from upholstery. Use a spoon or blunt knife to remove any excess candy, then blot the stain with a clean cloth and a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Avoid using too much water, as this can damage the fabric. If the stain persists, consider using a specialty upholstery cleaner.

7. How can I prevent candy stains?

To prevent candy stains, try to avoid eating candy over clothing or upholstery. If you have young children, consider using a bib or covering surfaces with a protective cloth. Also, be sure to treat any candy stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the fabric.

8. Can a professional cleaner remove stubborn candy stains?

Yes, a professional cleaner may be able to remove stubborn candy stains that cannot be removed at home. However, it is important to inform the cleaner of the type of candy and the fabric or surface it has stained, as this can affect the cleaning process. Professional cleaning can be expensive, so it is best to exhaust all at-home options first before seeking professional help.