Is there a coke stain on your carpet? Here’s a simple method for removing a coke stain without paying for a professional clean.
Coca-Cola stains on carpets are common. Unfortunately, coke is a sticky and sugary drink that contains a variety of dyes. This causes a dark discolouration to carpet fibres, along with attracting dirt and dust.
The high sugar content may even attract insects if you don’t clean it up quickly!
The good news is that coke stains are often possible to remove. Fresh stains are easier, but even dried stains should be fixable.
How to Remove a Coke Stain
Before You Get Started…
Always test cleaning products or detergents on a small patch of hidden carpet. You never know how a particular carpet will react to a new detergent, so it’s important to check that there isn’t any discolouration.
If possible, treat a coke stain (or any other stain) immediately after it happens. This reduces the amount of time for the coke to seep deeper into carpet fibres.
Step 1: Blot the Stain to Remove Excess (If It’s Still Wet)
Use a soft, white cloth to blot up as much of the spilt coke as possible. Make sure you start from the outside and work inwards, as this prevents the stain from spreading.
Never rub a carpet stain though. This can cause discolouration and damage the carpet fibres, while pushing the stain deeper.
If the stain has dried you can skip this step.
Step 2: Apply a Washing Up Liquid and White Vinegar Solution to the Stain
While you can use plain water to clean a stain, this isn’t the most effective cleaning fluid.
Instead, mix a solution containing one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of washing up liquid, and 500ml of warm water.
Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean white cloth, then gently apply the solution to the stain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then blot it up with a dry cloth.
If the stain isn’t fully removed, you may need repeat this step several times. Keep blotting until the stain is no longer being transferred onto the white cloth.
Tip: Don’t use too much cleaning liquid on your carpet. Oversaturating the stain can damage the carpet’s backing and make it more difficult to fully dry the area.
Step 3: Rinse the Area With Cold Water and Allow to Dry
Once the stain has been removed by the cleaning mixture, apply plain cold water to the previously affected area with a sponge to rinse the fibres. Blot this up with another dry, white cloth.
You should now give the carpet plenty of time to fully dry. If possible, open the windows and use a fan to speed up the drying process, as this reduces the chance of a damp carpet smell.
Tip: You can also put some paper towels over the previously stained area and weigh them down to remove more fluid. Keep replacing the towels until they are no longer absorbing water, then remove them to allow the area to air dry.
Step 4: Vacuum the Area
Wait until the carpet is completely dry, then give it a quick vacuum clean. This removes any debris that might have become dislodged during the cleaning process.
Vacuuming also pulls the carpet fibres back into a normal position, which prevents flattening and makes the carpet look fluffy again.
What Should You Do If The Stain Remains?
If a mixture of washing up liquid, white vinegar, and water doesn’t solve the issue, then you might want to try a carpet stain remover.
These may be more effective than DIY solutions, although you should be careful to follow the instructions closely and avoid using too much of the product. As always, test a carpet stain remover on a small inconspicuous patch before applying it to a large stain.
If a carpet stain remover doesn’t work, then it’s time to call in a professional. A carpet cleaner will have access to tools and products to remove coke stains without causing damage to your carpet.
Other Tips for Removing Stains From Carpets
- Never rub a carpet stain. This pushes the stain deeper into the fibres and may also cause it to spread to a larger area. Always blot instead.
- When cleaning a carpet stain, make sure you use a white and clean cloth. Coloured cloths may cause discoloration. You should also work from the outside to inside to avoid spreading the stain.
- Try to clean up stains in carpets as soon as they happen. The sooner you remove a stain, the easier the process will be.
- Never vacuum a carpet that’s still damp from cleaning. Water could reach the motor, causing electrical damage and even risking an electric shock.
- For chocolate stains, make sure you remove as much of the chocolate as possible with a blunt knife, then vacuum to remove loose pieces. You can then use a mixture of washing up liquid and warm water to clean the stain. Apply it to the area with a clean cloth, wait five minutes, then blot it up with a dry cloth. Repeat with plain water to rinse the area.
- Washing up liquid and water can also be used to remove ground-in dirt from carpets. Create a solution of 250ml plain water and a quarter teaspoon of washing up liquid, then use a white cloth to gently work this into the carpet fibres. Allow the solution to sit for five minutes before blotting up with a dry cloth. Finally, rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry.
Summary
Coca cola stains can be hard to remove from carpets without the right techniques. Fortunately, a combination of white vinegar, warm water, and washing up liquid is usually enough to do the trick.
Do you have any questions about how to remove a coke stain from carpets? Please let us know in the comments section below.