Whether salted or not, caramel is a popular topping for a wide range of food. If you have been making caramel sauce or something else, stains occur. It is not uncommon for people to spill or drop caramel on the floor or the couch. And the worst part is cleaning the pot after making caramel. Luckily, this type of stain is very easy to get rid of as long as you know the correct method and tools.

In this article, we will share tips and tricks about how to get rid of caramel residue from pots and pans, as well as how to remove caramel stains from carpets and different fabrics.

How to get rid of sugar residue from a pot:

As you probably know, caramel is mainly made of sugar. That means that you will end up having a lot of sticky residues. Once you are done using the pot, pour enough water to cover the sugar residue. If you have a bunch of sticky tools and utensils that you used during the process, put those in the water too. Then bring the pot back on the stove.

The hot water will slowly melt the sugar and rid you of all the stickiness in no time. What is more, the water will also dilute the sugar, so even if you turn the heat off and decide to rinse the pot later, it will not crystallise once more.
If you, unfortunately, have sticky sugary residue all over an item that cannot go on the stove, simply fill it with very hot water, or submerge it in it. Hot water and enough time will manage to melt and dissolve the sugar and remove all the sticky mess so you don’t have to deal with it.

Cleaning caramel stains from clothes:

Cleaning those sticky stains from your clothes can be tricky. There are a few things you should keep in mind when attempting such a task. If the stained garment is labelled as ‘’dry cleaning only’’. you should let the caramel harden, then remove the solid pieces from the stained area. Avoid rubbing the caramel while it is soft – that will cause it to spread around, making the mess bigger and harder to get rid of.

Allow the caramel to harden first (you can use an ice cube to speed up the process). Then remove the solid pieces by scraping them with a dull knife, credit card, or spoon. Once you are done, dip a clean cloth in plain water and dab the stained area.
Hold the caramel-stained garment directly under cold running water. Hold the wrong side of the fabric up so that the caramel is flushed out of the fibres.
Use enzyme-based laundry detergent or a heavy-duty product of the same kind. Apply a bit of the detergent and gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or by using a soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Wash as usual. Always follow the instructions on the care label. Always check the stain before putting the garment in the dryer. If you can still see it, repeat the steps above. The heat from the dryer may actually set the stain and make it permanent.

Cleaning caramel stains from carpets and upholstery:

The steps that should be taken when cleaning carpets, can also be used on upholstery. It is important, however, that you do not over-saturate the area because excess moisture can cause mould and mildew growth. If you are attempting to clean vintage silk or velvet upholstery, always consult a professional in order to avoid damage.

Allow the caramel to harden (you can use an ice cube to speed up the process). Use a dull knife, plastic scraper, or spoon to remove any hard particles from the fabric.
In a small bowl or bucket mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of water.
Dip a clean cloth or a sponge in the cleaning solution and gently work it into the stain. Always work from the outer edge towards the centre in order to prevent spreading. Blot with clean dry paper towels to absorb moisture and soapy residue. Repeat this step until the stain is gone.
Finally, use plain cold water to rinse the area. Dip a clean cloth in it and blot away the area. Make sure you thoroughly rinse and remove all the soap. Any residue left on the fabric will attract soil and cause further staining.
Let the fabric air dry, then vacuum to restore its fibres.

If you added some food colouring to the caramel, mix oxygen bleach and warm water. Always do a colour test in an inconspicuous area to make sure no damage occurs. If no colour transfer or discolouration is noticeable, submerge the whole garment into this solution and let it sit in there for at least 4 hours or overnight. When done, wash the piece of clothing as usual.