How can I clean Cali-fig out my daughter's school uniform?

Kim Blackmore
by Kim Blackmore

My daughter spat Califig (syrup of figs) all over her school uniform, white shirt, red jumper and navy skirt - any help would be appreciated

  4 answers
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Sep 11, 2019

    Have you tried soaking them, separate in Oxiclean?

  • Deb K Deb K on Sep 12, 2019

    Hi Kim, this should help

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UhGqxU69tAWashable Clothes

    Syrups are made from the sugars of plants and are tannin stains—a plant component that often shows in varying the intensity of color in the final product. Fresh tannin stains can usually be removed by washing the garment or table linens with laundry detergent in the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric on the care label.

    When a drip of syrup or honey lands on fabric, use a dull knife or edge of a credit card to lift as much of the solids away from the surface of the fabric as possible. Do not rub because that only forces the stain deeper into the fabric fibers. Dip a clean white cloth or paper towel in plain water and blot the stained area until you can fully wash the garment.


    Natural soaps like Fels Naptha are great for removing oily stains but never use natural soap in a bar or soap flakes to treat syrup stains because soap can make tannin stains more difficult to remove.

    If the syrup stain is older and has set or if an artificial color has been added to the product, additional treatment may be needed beyond washing. Chlorine bleach can be used to remove stains on white cotton garments and linens.


    For synthetic fabrics and colored or printed clothes, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (brand names are: OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and lukewarm water following package directions. Mix enough to completely submerge the stained garment. Allow the stained item to soak at least four hours or overnight and then launder as usual.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Sep 17, 2019

    Use goo gone sold at Home Depot and follow directions