Getting Cough Syrup Out of Clothes

No one really likes to take medicine when they need it, least of all children. Whether you are trying to give some cough syrup to a sick child, or you happened to cough a little when pouring some of your own, you can easily end up making a mess. Getting cough syrup out of clothes or fabric can often be a little difficult. After all, this type of medicine often has the consistency pancake syrup. However, it is possible to get the syrup out of your clothes fairly easily, especially if you use this method.

Before you begin using this method, you should be aware that you will be using some cleaners that could make your colors fade. Prior to using the complete process, test the cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area of the clothes or fabric to ensure that they do not get damaged in any way. If there is no damage, then feel free to proceed.

1. Rinse. As soon as you possibly can, begin rinsing the stain in warm water. This will dilute the stain, and make it much easier to remove.
2. Make a cleaning solution. Create a small amount of cleaning solution by mixing together one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of cool water in a small mixing bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly, and you can stop when you begin to see a thin layer of bubbles.
3. Sponge the stain. Use a soft, clean sponge and apply the cleaning solution to the stained area of your clothes. Once you have sponged the solution onto the stained area of the fabric, use a spoon or brush and tamp the area.
4. Flush. Flush the stained area with water, until there is no more cleaning solution left on the stain. Use cool water when you are doing this.
5. Sponge the stain. Using another soft, clean sponge begin applying some rubbing alcohol to the stain. Blot the area of the stain, and continue to blot until the stain is either gone or is no longer being absorbed into the cloth.
6. Turn inside out, and repeat. Turn the clothing inside out, and repeat steps 1 through 6. Once you have finished doing that, turn the clothes right side out.
7. Pretreat the stain. Apply your favorite form of prewash stain remover to the stain. As you do this, make sure that you following the directions for that stain remover correctly.
8. Launder as normal. Place the clothing into the washing machine, and wash as you normally do. If it is safe to use chlorine bleach on the stained garments, then by all means do so. This will help to ensure that you get any residual stain removed from the clothes.