Removal of Stains From Soft Drinks

by Ellice Lin

Overview

Soft drinks are popular beverages. However, they can cause messy spills and ugly stains on clothes, carpeting and upholstery. Fortunately, soft drink stains are easy to remove whether at home or in the office without expensive commercial cleaning products.
Clothing

Remove as much of the stain as you can with a white cloth or sponge by light blots or dabs. Do not rub it as this may only cause the stain to spread. Soft drink stains on clothes are usually easy to remove after a wash with laundry detergent. If you are at the office and do not have access to laundry detergent, a few drops of liquid dish detergent from the kitchen works as well. Do not use soap, as soaps may cause the stain to be more difficult to remove. Stubborn stains may require bleach.

Carpets

Stains on carpet and upholstery require more work. According to "Good Housekeeping" magazine, for carpet stains blot up as much of the spilled soft drink as possible. Then mix 1 tbsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent and 1 tbsp. of ammonia or white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water. Blot dry with detergent/vinegar solution until the stain disappears. Finally, sponge with cold water and blot dry.
Upholstery

To remove stains from upholstery, "Good Housekeeping" magazine suggests that you blot up as much of the spilled soft drink as possible. Then mix 1 tsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent with 2 cups of cool water and blot dry. Repeat until the stain disappears. Finally, sponge with cold water and blot dry.