Instead, keep a few inexpensive products on hand to remove Popsicle stains without breaking the bank.
Cold Water Flush
Flush the stained area with cold water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, and free of Popsicle color. In many cases this will remove most if not all of the stain. Never use hot water while the stain remains, as this can permanently set the stain into the fabric. For dry-clean-only items, take the garment to your cleaners immediately for professional assistance.
Inexpensive Household Ingredients
Lemon juice is an organic ingredient that will work well in removing a stain caused by a Popsicle. A bottle of lemon juice will work best, or you have the option to slice a few fresh lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a dish.
Hydrogen peroxide also works effectively to remove popsicle stains. In a spray bottle, mix a solution of one part cold water, one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (the kind you pour onto cuts and scrapes).
Vinegar is yet another element that will remove Popsicle stains. Make a solution of one cup cold water and one cup distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Do not use apple cider vinegar, as it is comprised differently, and is also a brown color that can stain fabrics.
Stain Removal Procedure
After preparing your stain removal solution from the list above, drench the stained area with your ingredient of choice. Let sit for a few minutes, then flush again with cold water. Apply another application of your homemade solution, then work into the stain with a cloth, paper towel or soft brush. Add cleaning solution as needed until the stain has been removed completely or at least greatly diminished. Flush with cold water, add one more drenching of the cleaning solution, and let sit for 30 minutes.
Laundering
After the 30 minutes has passed, launder as you normally would in a cold water cycle. Remember, using hot water or heat from the dryer can set the stain in for good if it has not been completely removed. Add your regular detergent to the wash cycle, and wash. Remove the garment from the wash, and if the stain still remains, repeat the stain removal procedure and laundering process as needed until the stain has been removed to your satisfaction.
The Drip Cap
- Popsicle stains can be easy to remove, when handled quickly, and when using the right cleaning elements.
- Lemon juice is an organic ingredient that will work well in removing a stain caused by a Popsicle.
- In a spray bottle, mix a solution of one part cold water, one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (the kind you pour onto cuts and scrapes).
- Let sit for a few minutes, then flush again with cold water.
- Remove the garment from the wash, and if the stain still remains, repeat the stain removal procedure and laundering process as needed until the stain has been removed to your satisfaction.