Remove carpet stains in 8 easy steps

Remove carpet stains in 8 easy steps

The prospect of getting red cold drink stains out of a carpet can be a nightmare. Fortunately, these simple tricks can help you remove cold drink stains effectively, without destroying your carpet. Here’s how… 

As soon as a spill occurs, use a white towel or paper towels to blot up as much fluid as possible. This will help contain the spread of the stain and absorb excess fluid.

If you own a wet vacuum, go over the spill area several times to remove as much fluid as possible. This will not remove the stain completely, but it will minimise the damage so you can clean it more effectively.

1. Mix two cups of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing soap. If you prefer not to use soap, plain warm water will do. Two cups of warm water mixed with 2 cups of ammonia also will also work just as effectively.

2. Dampen the stained area of the carpet with the solution. Take care not to make the area too wet. If it is too wet, the fibres can become matted and the stain could spread.

3. Lay a white towel or sheet over the stain and make sure you cover it completely. You may need several towels available in order to remove the stain completely.

4. Using an iron on low heat, press it lightly on top of the towel. Do not press down on the carpet as this could burn and damage it.

Using an iron on low heat, press it lightly on top of the towel. Do not press down on the carpet as this could burn and damage it.

5. Check the underside of the towel after a minute or two. It should be turning pink or red as the heat breaks down the dye bonds, and the stain wicks up through the carpet (this is why you need to use white or light coloured towels).

6. Rearrange the towel or use a fresh one as necessary to keep a clean part of the towel over the stain. Repeat this process until the colour stops showing on the towel.

7. If the carpet starts drying out, dampen it again and continue applying the iron. When the colour stops coming up, use another fresh towel and rub the area briskly to restore the fibres.

8. Vacuum the entire carpet and stay off the damp area until it is completely dry.

While this technique can be effective for removing stains on carpets and upholstery, it may take several tries to completely eliminate the stain. Patience is important, because rushing the cleaning process by increasing the heat or pressing the iron hard into the carpet can cause damage and discolouration.

Good to know

Vacuum the entire carpet and stay off the damp area until it is completely dry.

While using a simple cleaning solution and a warm iron can be effective against many red stains, how easily the stain is removed depends on the size of the spill, the ‘strength’ of the drink, and texture and depth of the carpet.

Not only can a simple cleaning solution and a warm iron work for removing cold drink stains, but the same technique can be used for foods that contain red food colouring like ice lollies, cake icing, sprinkles and gelatin desserts.

Here are a few more tricks to try

1. Blot the stain with carbonated water to break down the dye bonds for easier removal. 

2. Soak a fresh, wet stain with salt to absorb the liquid, then vacuum the area before cleaning. 

3. Use heavy carpet cleaning chemicals only as a last resort. Many will be ineffective against red stains.

Good to know

It doesn’t matter if the stain is fresh or dried, the same technique can be used to lift the colour out of the carpet. A dried stain may take more time to remove, but the technique does not change.