There are all sorts of stories going around about how to remove these liquorice stains. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.
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Removing liquorice stains
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Removing liquorice stains
A liquorice stain often goes unnoticed: a candy that has fallen on the floor, a sticky child’s hand on the sofa or a remnant hat ends up on the carpet. Although liquorice seems harmless, it can cause stubborn stains due to the combination of colourings, sugars and sometimes even salt or fat. Quick action prevents the stain from setting or discolouring. Fortunately, with the right approach, liquorice stains can be easily removed. Below, we explain the best way to clean these for each type of surface.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: Liquorice, Sweets, Candy
Characteristics (anatomy) of the liquorice spot
A drop stain usually consists of a combination of sticky sugars, plant extracts (such as liquorice) and colourings. Some types also contain fat or salty ingredients. This mixture not only makes the stain sticky, but also potentially discolouring. On absorbent surfaces, the liquid quickly penetrates fibres or pores. If you leave the stain, it will dry into a sticky or dark spot that attracts dirt. Rubbing or using hot water can cause the stain to penetrate deeper or set.
Removing liquorice stains from a carpet or rug
Carpets and rugs are susceptible to drop stains due to their fibrous structure and absorbency. As soon as the liquorice melts or becomes moist, the sugars, colourings and any fats are easily absorbed into the upper fibre layer. Dark dyes from liquorice remain visible on light-coloured carpets and can even spread towards the backing, causing permanent discolouration if not dealt with quickly.
The sticky sugar layer also attracts dust and dirt, causing the stain to darken over time. A dried stain can cause a stiff, shiny spot that is not only noticeable but also uncomfortable to walk on. In addition, certain types of liquorice may contain fragrances that linger in the fibres.
When removing a drop stain from carpet, it is important to avoid friction. Hot water or aggressive cleaning agents are also not a good idea: these can set the colour or damage the carpet. A gentle approach that dissolves grease and colouring works best. Take your time and work carefully in stages to remove the stain safely and completely.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. All you need is a bottle of James Stainwonder!
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be visible immediately.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases, James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If a (slight) discolouration did occur, you should neutralise James Stainwonder as soon as the stain has disappeared. In this case, immediately place a damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Immediate treatment with water
This stain can be treated immediately with water. For this you need a white, cotton cloth and water. Follow the steps below:
- First remove, as far as possible, any loose substances using a spoon.
- Immediately hold a white cotton cloth under the cold tap, wring it out and place it flat on the stain.
- Leave the cotton cloth in place to dry completely, no peeking. Should the cloth become saturated, replace it with a fresh one as described above. Then leave the cloth until it is completely dry.
Note: Do not perform the above instructions if water causes aspect loss or discoloration on the material to be treated.
Removing liquorice stains from hard floors
On hard floors, a liquorice stain may seem harmless at first, but it can actually cause more damage than you think. The sticky sugars stick to the surface and attract dirt, causing a dark or dull spot. On porous or lightly textured floors – such as natural stone, wood or embossed PVC – the dye quickly soaks into pores or joints. If the liquorice stain is not removed quickly, the sugar coating will dry into a hard crust that sticks to or into the surface. This makes the stain not only visible, but sometimes also noticeable to the touch.
Using hot water or abrasive agents may seem like a quick solution, but it is actually risky. It may damage the protective layer of the floor or fixate the dyes. You must be careful, especially with floors that have a matt finish or natural materials. The best approach is gentle cleaning that focuses on dissolving sugars and colourings without damaging the surface. Work carefully, without excessive moisture or pressure, so that the stain disappears safely without leaving any traces behind.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Treat using a moist cotton cloth
This stain can be treated immediately with water. Use clean water and preferably a white, cotton cloth.
Removing liquorice stains from upholstery
Furniture fabrics such as sofa upholstery or chair cushions can suffer greatly from liquorice stains. The stain may appear small, but the combination of stickiness and colourants causes the contamination to spread quickly through the fabric. Especially with light or coarsely woven fabrics, the sticky mixture is immediately absorbed into the fibres.
Over time, the stain will darken due to dirt accumulation and a hard spot may form where the liquorice has dried. Odours from the liquorice can also linger in the fabric, causing an unpleasant smell, especially in warm or humid conditions. This not only makes the stain visible, but also conspicuous and distracting.
When cleaning liquorice from upholstery, a gentle approach is essential. Rubbing, hot water or aggressive agents often cause circular marks or fibre damage. It is preferable to use a cleaner that is specifically suitable for textiles and that gradually dissolves the sugar and colour mixture. Allow the fabric to dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent any residue.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. Always test for colour fastness and material perpetuation in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain. Spread a little James Stainwonder on a clean, dry cotton cloth towel and use it to cover the stain. This is to prevent circles from appearing after drying.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be immediate. Do not remove the cotton cloth until it is dry to see the result.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If there is a (slight) discolouration, neutralise James Stainwonder with water as soon as the stain has disappeared (to do this, however, lift the cotton cloth in between to be able to assess whether the stain has already disappeared). In this case, immediately place another damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Immediate treatment with water
This stain can be treated immediately with water. For this you need a white, cotton cloth and water. Follow the steps below:
- First remove, as far as possible, any loose substances using a spoon.
- Immediately hold a white cotton cloth under the cold tap, wring it out and place it flat on the stain.
- Leave the cotton cloth in place to dry completely, no peeking. Should the cloth become saturated, replace it with a fresh one as described above. Then leave the cloth until it is completely dry.
Note: Do not perform the above instructions if water causes aspect loss or discoloration on the material to be treated.
Would you also like to benefit from James’ effective stain removal? Discover our full range and order your James products easily online. You’ll soon be enjoying a clean and stain-free interior again!
Frequently asked questions and myths
Why are liquorice stains often sticky and difficult to remove?
Liquorice contains a lot of sugar, starch, colourings and often sal ammoniac or other sticky ingredients. When it comes into contact with surfaces, it melts or partially dissolves, creating a viscous substance that penetrates deep into materials. Once it dries, it leaves behind a sticky, sometimes shiny spot that attracts dirt or hardens. The combination of sugars and colourants makes removal difficult, especially on porous surfaces or in textile fibres.
Is it wise to use hot water to remove a liquorice stain?
Although hot water can dissolve sugars, it carries risks. In textiles, heat can cause dyes to fix themselves in the fibres. On some floors, hot water can spread the stain or even cause damage to adhesive layers or coatings. In addition, the use of heat may temporarily worsen the stickiness before the stain comes off. A safe approach using lukewarm water and the right cleaner is often more effective and less risky.
Why does it still smell like liquorice, even though I can no longer see the stain?
Liquorice contains aromas and salty components such as salmiak or aniseed, which can leave odours in the fibres or pores of materials. Even after removing the visible stain, odours may still be present. This odour can linger for a long time, especially in carpets, fabric furniture or joints. Without deep cleaning that also loosens odours, the smell will continue to be released slowly – especially in warm or humid conditions.
Can I safely remove drop stains with washing-up liquid or all-purpose cleaner?
Dishwashing liquid can partially dissolve sugars, but often leaves behind residues itself. All-purpose cleaners often contain perfumes or soap-like substances that, if used incorrectly, can cause rings or streaks, especially on textiles or matt floors. These substances can also activate or disperse the colourings in liquorice. It is better to choose a pH-neutral cleaner that targets food stains and leaves no extra residue.
Why do some types of liquorice leave a brown stain and others a black one?
The composition of liquorice varies depending on the type. Salty liquorice often contains ammonium chloride, while sweet liquorice contains more caramel or sugar syrup. The dyes used also vary, from naturally carbonised sugars to artificial black colour pigments. As a result, one stain may dry brownish and the other deep black. The approach to removal must therefore be tailored to the type of liquorice, as not all stains behave in the same way.
Deal with any stain using the right approach from James
A drop stain is treacherous: small in size, but big in impact if you don’t take action in time. The combination of sugars, colourings and stickiness requires a targeted and safe approach. Fortunately, with the right products and method, the stain can be easily removed without damaging your floor or furniture fabric. Are you unsure about the best method? Do not take any risks and opt for a professional approach that will leave your surface fresh and spotless. Acting immediately makes all the difference.