If you spilled dark soda on your carpet, you don't have to replace the carpet. Since dark sodas contain mostly sweeteners, the stain will be mostly sugar when it dries. The secret is to clean the stains as soon as you notice them. Here are tips to clean dark soda stains from your carpet.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- white paper towels or cloths
- metal spoon
- spray bottle
- non-bleach liquid dish soap
- white vinegar
- club soda
- wet/dry vacuum (optional)
Check the label to determine the proper cleaning method and the type of carpet, since some carpets can only be dry cleaned. Pre-treat the stain by scraping as much of the stain as possible with a spoon.
For fresh spills, blot with folded white paper towels or cloths. This stops the liquid from getting into the carpet pad.
Don't scrub, because it will push the stain further into the carpet. If the stain has been sitting awhile, stand on the cloth or paper towel to help draw out the liquid.
Clean with Club Soda
Club soda is carbonated water, but it won't damage carpet or leave a residue. Let a can of club soda come to room temperature.
Add a small amount of club soda on the stain, and let it sit several minutes, then blot. Avoid saturating the stain. Club soda usually doesn't need to be rinsed, but you may vacuum excess liquid.
Try Liquid Dish Soap and Vinegar
If club soda didn't help, blend a teaspoon of liquid dish soap in four cups of warm water in a bowl. For set-in stains, use eight ounces of water. Test the reaction by dabbing some of the mixture on a hidden area of carpet.
Moisten a cloth or paper towel in the mixture, dab the stain, then hold the cloth or paper towel on the stain for several seconds. Remove the cloth or towel, let the mixture stand fifteen minutes, and blot with a clean paper towel or cloth to rinse. Blot the stain starting from the outside and work toward the inside.
Mix white vinegar and some warm water in a bowl. Moisten the cloth or paper towel in the mixture and blot the stain, then let it stand several minutes. Lay a fresh cloth or paper towel over the stain and set a heavy, flat object on it to help remove the detergent. Use a fresh cloth to blot the vinegar.
Cleaning stains as soon as you notice them will help make the carpet last longer. If you don't trust your skill, the stain still won't come out, or you have a natural fiber carpet, contact carpet cleaners.
