Syrup can be challenging to remove from clothing. The stickiness and thickness of syrup means it can really cling to fabric fibers. However, with the right techniques and cleaning products, you can get syrup stains out of clothes.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about getting syrup out of clothes:
- What’s the best way to get syrup out of clothes? Pre-treat the stain with dish soap or an enzyme cleaner like OxiClean. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before washing.
- Does syrup stain permanently? Syrup stains don’t have to be permanent if treated properly. With prompt treatment you can fully remove syrup stains.
- Should you scrape off excess syrup? Yes, use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess syrup on the clothing surface.
- Does hot or cold water work best? For fresh stains, rinse with cold water first. Hot water can set in syrup stains.
- Can you save stained clothes by washing immediately? Washing immediately helps, but it’s best to pre-treat the stain first or it may set in.
The Challenges of Removing Syrup from Clothes
To understand why syrup stains can be so stubborn, it helps to know what’s in syrup that makes it stick to fabric.
Most syrups are largely composed of sugars like sucrose, glucose and fructose. These sugars are hygroscopic, meaning they attract and absorb water molecules. When syrup makes contact with fabric, the sugars grab onto water in the fibers. This creates a molecular bond that resists washing away.
Syrup also contains polymers which give it thickness and viscosity. These long chain molecules are sticky and gummy. They cling to textile fibers, trapping the syrup within fabric.
The density and viscous nature of syrup means it can quickly soak through fabric when spilled. The deeper a stain penetrates into clothing, the harder it is to remove.
Types of Fabric
The type of fabric is a factor in syrup stain removal. Thinner and lighter fabrics like cotton t-shirts will absorb syrup faster. Heavier and tighter woven fabrics like denim jeans don’t absorb as quickly but syrup can still stick to the surface.
Synthetic fabric blends using polyester or nylon fibers have an advantage. These smooth, non-porous fibers resist absorption of the syrup. This stops it from soaking in deeply where it becomes very stubborn to remove. However, syrup can still coat and cling to the fabric surface.
Dry vs. Wet Syrup
The drying process can make syrup stains even harder to remove. As syrup dries, the sugars crystallize and bond to the fibers. Water content evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated, sticky residue.
Wet syrup stains are easier to treat since the water content helps dilute the sugars and polymers. The looser syrup residue can be dissolved and lifted more readily from fabric.
Pre-Treating Syrup Stains
Pre-treating is a key step for dealing with any syrup stain. Pre-treatment loosens and breaks down the syrup prior to washing. This prevents the stain from becoming permanently set into the clothing.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is highly effective at cutting through grease, oils and other sticky residues. The surfactants in dish soap dissolve the sugars in syrup. It also helps release the stain from the fabric fibers:
- Apply a few drops of liquid dish soap directly onto the syrup stain.
- Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently rub the dish soap over the stain.
- Let the dish soap sit for 10-15 minutes before washing in the machine.
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners like OxiClean use enzymes that break down organic compounds. The enzymes break down the starches, sugars and proteins in syrup, loosening its bond with the fabric:
- Make an OxiClean paste by mixing powder with a small amount of water.
- Apply the paste onto the syrup stain and let sit for 30 minutes.
- The enzymes will work to dissolve the syrup so it can be washed out.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is an acidic solution that can help treat syrup stains:
- Spray full strength vinegar directly onto the stain.
- Let the vinegar soak in for 15 minutes to break down the syrup sugars.
- Wash in the machine after vinegar treatment.
Hot Water
For dry or crystallized syrup stains, hot water can help dissolve the sugars and loosen the residue. Avoid using hot water on fresh wet stains, as heat can set in the stain.
- Hold the stained area of fabric under hot running water.
- For heavy stains, boil some water and soak the clothing in the hot water for 15 minutes.
Steam
A garment steamer can provide penetrating moist heat to loosen dried syrup from fabric. The combination of heat and moisture breaks the bond with the fibers.
- Hang or lay the stained garment out flat.
- Hold the steamer nozzle over the stain, about 1 inch away.
- Steam the stain for 30 seconds at a time, allowing the heat and moisture to work.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture into fabric, helping dissolve syrup residues. It can assist as a stain pre-treatment:
- Apply a few drops of glycerin onto the stain.
- Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Glycerin helps moisten the stain so it releases from the fibers.
Laundry Detergent Options
Choosing the right laundry detergent is key when washing syrup stained clothes. Look for detergents with activated enzymes and stain fighting ingredients.
Liquid Detergent
Liquid laundry detergents often contain enzymes and surfactants that penetrate, dissolve and remove sticky stains like syrup.
Powder Detergent
Powder forms allow you to make a concentrated paste by mixing the powder with water. This thick paste can be rubbed into the stain before washing.
Oxygen Bleach
An oxygen bleach detergent uses sodium percarbonate to lift stubborn set-in stains like syrup. It produces activated oxygen to break down and release the stain.
Color-Safe Bleach
For white or colorfast clothing, a color-safe bleach can be added along with the detergent to further help remove a syrup stain.
Washing a Syrup Stained Garment
Once you’ve pre-treated the syrup stain, follow these tips when machine washing:
- Wash promptly – don’t let the stain sit untreated.
- Use hot water – set the wash temperature to hot.
- Extra rinse cycle – choose an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent and residues.
- Air dry – machine drying can set in any remaining stain.
Check on the stain after washing. If any trace of the syrup stain remains, don’t put in the dryer. Repeat the pre-treatment and washing process until it is fully removed.
Drying Without Washing
If a syrup stained garment needs to be dried immediately before proper washing, here are some tips:
- Use a hairdryer – aim it directly at the stain on high heat to dry it quickly.
- Iron over paper towels – place paper towels over the stain and press a hot iron onto them.
- Hang in sunlight – the sun’s heat will dry out the stain.
Once dried, the syrup will be easier to brush off the surface of the fabric. Make sure to hand wash the item with detergent as soon as possible after drying.
Removing Dried or Old Syrup Stains
Over time, syrup can oxidize and turn darker. The sugars caramelize, forming a stubborn residue. Old set-in stains require extra treatment.
Borax Soak
Borax helps break down stubborn stains. Mix 1 tbsp Borax with 2 cups warm water. Soak the stained garment for 30 minutes before washing.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts stained fibers. Make a paste with 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp water. Gently rub it into the set-in stain.
White Vinegar Soak
Diluted vinegar dissolves oxidation and buildup on old stains. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Soak the item for 20 minutes.
Laundry Booster
Laundry boosting products penetrate set-in stains. Check the product directions and soak the stained garment prior to washing.
Stain Remover Spray
Liquid stain removers are specially formulated for dried and oxidized stains. Spray it on and let it soak in for 10-15 minutes before washing.
Home Remedies for Syrup Stains
In a pinch, you can also use items from around the house to pre-treat syrup stains:
Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol will dissolve sugars and other food residues. Dampen a cloth and dab or massage it into the stain.
Glycerin
Glycerin from pharmacies or craft stores helps draw out syrup from fibers. Apply a few drops and let sit before washing.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that can bubble away many stains. Spray it on and let it work for 10-15 minutes.
Dishwashing Liquid
Dawn and Palmolive are popular choices. Scrub a small amount into the stain and let it sit before washing.
White Chalk
Rub white chalk powder into the stain. Chalk absorbs moisture to pull out the syrup.
Talcum Powder
Sprinkle talcum powder onto the stain. Let it sit to absorb moisture before brushing it off and washing.
Tips for Future Syrup Spills
These tips can help minimize staining when future syrup spills happen:
- Wipe up excess – immediately blot syrup spilled on clothes before it sets in.
- Rinse backside – hold the opposite side of the fabric under running water to flush out syrup.
- Avoid hot water – use cold water only, as hot water can make syrup stains harder to remove.
- Pre-treat quickly – apply dish soap, glycerin or vinegar within 5 minutes.
- Gently scrape – use a dull knife to lift off sticky excess syrup residues.
Getting syrup out of clothing takes patience and persistence. But with the stain-fighting techniques covered here, you can keep syrup spills from ruining your favorite outfits.
Does Syrup Stain Skin or Hands?
Yes, syrup can also stain skin, leaving behind stickiness and discoloration. Follow these tips for removing syrup from skin or hands:
- Rinse with cold water – run hands under a cold tap to wash away excess syrup.
- Use soap – lather up hands well with dish soap or hand soap to dissolve sugars.
- Exfoliate – use a scrub or washcloth to gently exfoliate skin and lift stain from skin pores.
- Rub with oil – massage coconut or olive oil into hands/skin to dissolve syrup residue.
- Try whitening toothpaste – the baking soda can help lift discoloration from skin.
Avoid hot water when washing syrup off skin, as heat can set in staining. With prompt cleanup, syrup generally doesn’t persistently stain skin like it can with fabric.
Tips for Washing Syrup Out of Hair
Here are suggestions for removing syrup from hair:
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water – keep rinsing until water runs clear.
- Apply clarifying shampoo – massage it into the hair and scalp.
- Use heavy conditioner – coat hair strands to loosen residue.
- Try vinegar rinse – dilute 1 tbsp vinegar per 1 cup water.
- Use hydrating oil – apply coconut or olive oil to hair before washing.
It may take a few washes to fully remove syrup from hair. Avoid hot water to prevent caramelizing the syrup further. Condition well after washing to smooth and detangle.
How to Remove Different Types of Syrup Stains
Certain syrups and sweeteners can leave specific types of stains:
Maple Syrup
The sugars in maple syrup oxidize into dark brown stains. Use an enzyme pre-treatment or oxygen bleach detergent.
Chocolate Syrup
Cocoa and oils make chocolate syrup stubborn to remove. Dish soap or vinegar work well to cut through it.
Simple Syrup
This basic sugar-water syrup soaks in quickly. Rinse backside under cold water before sugars crystallize.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup contains glucose sugars that stick tightly. Use glycerin to draw out the stain.
Golden Syrup
Sugars in this syrup caramelize with heat. Wash with cold water and avoid drying before washing.
Honey
Sticky and viscous, honey coagulates as it dries. Loosen dried honey with a steamer before washing.
Molasses
The dark sugars cause molasses to oxidize over time. Use laundry booster or whitening toothpaste.
Pancake Syrup
Oils in pancake syrup can go rancid if left in fabric. Wash ASAP with dish soap.
Caramel
Buttery caramel liquefies when warm and solidifies when cool. Heat with steam or iron to loosen.
Fruit Preserves
Sticky jams and jellies attract insects. Soak in borax solution before washing.
Condensed Milk
The sugars caramelize and go rancid over time. Treat with enzyme cleaner.
Check garment care labels and use color-safe products as needed. With the right techniques, even the trickiest syrupy stains can be conquered!
Conclusion
Removing syrup from clothing is possible with the right methods. Pre-treating and washing promptly using dish soap, vinegar, enzyme cleaners or other stain fighters allows you to tackle both fresh and dried-on syrup stains. While sticky syrup can certainly be a challenge to get out of fabric, don’t resign yourself to living with stained clothes. With some strategic scrubbing, soaking and washing, you can win the battle against pesky syrup spills.
