Pudding is a favorite food of children, and as such it is a common stain for moms and dads to have to tackle in the laundry. Most pudding stains can be removed with a couple of steps, though chocolate pudding can require a little bit extra from the stain remover.
Removing Pudding Stains – Scraping Is a Must
If the pudding stain occurs and you are lucky enough to catch it when it happens, take a clean spoon and immediately scoop off any remaining pudding without spreading the stain. Should the stain have occurred unnoticed then take a dull knife, a case knife or a plastic knife will work well, and scrape the crusted over pudding remains from the shirt. I recommend placing the shirt on the counter and holding it where the stain is at a 90 degree angle to the surface and scraping down. This will help prevent you from spreading the stain any further with the scraping motion.
Removing Pudding Stains – Cold Water
Pudding stains lift best if they are soaked in cold water as warm water allows the stain to set up much the same way hot water creates puddings (with the exception of instant). The cold water soak is especially important if you are treating a pudding stain that was allowed to crust over due to not being seen. Even if you have a preferred stain removing product or spray, avoid using it until the cold water has loosened the stain. This will allow your favorite product to create the desired results.
Removing Pudding Stains – Treat with Your Favorite Product
Pick your favorite stain removing product, be it a spray, stick, or powder, and apply it directly to the stain and rub it in thoroughly with your fingertips being careful not to spread the stain outside of its area. You can submerge the article of clothing or linen back in cold water for a few minutes and let the stain remover set. If you are treating a chocolate pudding stain, then it may be necessary to completely reapply stain remover a few times and repeat the entire stain removal product and cold water soak cycle until the stain has lifted.
Removing Pudding Stains – a Warm Water Wash
When you wash the pudding stained clothing the first time, let it run through a warm water wash cycle with your preferred detergent. When the clothing has finished washing inspect it for traces of the stain. If you do not see it, the clothing can dry, but if it is still there repeat the treatment process. Washing it in hot water will set the stain, so you want to be sure it is gone completely before subjecting it to this temperature.
Pudding stains can be removed with a bit of dedication, but the easiest way to avoid them is to ensure pudding is typically eaten in play clothes where a few small stains do not matter!
Sources:
Pre-Treating Reference: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/stain-buster/stains-pudding-may07
