How to Clean Up Molasses

Gingerbread cookies are one of many delicious treats flavored with molasses.

Thick, rich molasses syrup is used to flavor many baked good recipes, such as gingerbread or molasses cookies. Its density causes the syrup to move slowly and its natural sweetness makes it sticky. An accidental spill of molasses on a kitchen surface or carpeted floor results in a sticky situation. Fast action is required to ensure the molasses isn't tracked elsewhere and that it doesn't have the chance to sink further into the affected surface.

Things You'll Need

• Spoon
• Paper towels
• Bucket
• 1/4 tsp. dish-washing detergent
• Clean cloths
• Table salt
• Wet vacuum
• Carpet shampoo
• Carpet shampooer

Instructions

Kitchen Countertop or Floor

1. Spoon excess molasses off the tile surface. Wipe the molasses on a paper towel and continue to remove as much of it as possible from the countertop or floor.

2. Dampen a paper towel with water. Wipe the surface to remove any remaining molasses syrup.

3. 

   A mild detergent solution removes many sticky stains in the kitchen.

   Mix 1/4 tsp. dish-washing detergent with 2 cups of warm water in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth in the soapy solution and wring out excess moisture. Wash the counter or floor to remove sticky residue left by the molasses.

4. Rinse the surface with a damp cloth and dry with another cloth.

Carpeting

1. Scoop the spilled molasses from the carpet, using a spoon. Remove as much of the sticky syrup as possible, wiping it off on a paper towel as it's removed.

2. 

   Salt is a natural absorbent, helping to remove a sticky stain.

   Absorb remaining molasses syrup by covering the stain with a mound of table salt. Allow the salt to absorb the substance for 20 to 30 minutes. Scrape the salt and molasses from the carpet with the spoon.

3. Flush the area with warm water from a wet vacuum. The heat and moisture help break down remaining sticky residue so it's easier to remove from the carpet fibers. Extract the water with the wet vacuum and repeat this step two or three times to remove as much remaining molasses as possible.

4. Shampoo the carpet using a carpet cleaner and shampoo, according to directions. Allow the carpeted area to air-dry completely. If any stickiness remains, repeat this step until it's completely removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up as much of the spilled molasses before tending to the rest of the stain. Washing off the stain with molasses syrup still sitting there is likely to cause the stain to worsen by spreading the molasses.

• Blot the carpeting with diluted white vinegar to remove residual molasses stain or odor.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: Kitchen Cleaning Check List
• 3M Scotchgard: Stain Removal Guide
• University of Illinois Extension: Stain Solutions: Molasses