You don’t need to worry about spilled soda on your carpet because there are easy methods to remove even the most vibrantly colored smear. What’s important is to use the right cleaning products so you don’t ruin the color of your rug in the process. According to Cordless Vacuum Guide, bleach-based cleaners will remove the stain but will also get rid of all the dye from your carpet, leaving you with a light spot.
To properly dispose of spilled soda, it is essential to move fast. The longer you let the drink sit, the deeper it will be absorbed and more challenging to eliminate. Immediately, use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot the smear until the area appears dry. Make sure not to scrub, or you may make it worse. Then you can choose which method works best for you — mixing a DIY cleaning solution yourself or a commercial cleaning product that’s mild enough not to get rid of the carpet’s original color.
Use a DIY cleaning solution
You can make a DIY cleaning solution to remove soda stains on your carpet in a pinch with a few ingredients you likely have at home. COIT Cleaning & Restoration recommends using two different cleansers for this task. First, you will mix 1/4 teaspoon of the detergent of your choice in a bowl with some warm water. Your second solution uses a 1:2 ratio of white distilled vinegar and water in a separate bowl.
Once you have removed as much soda from the area as possible with a towel, you will soak a cloth in the detergent solution. Now, apply the cleanser to the stain by pressing the cloth into the carpet. Leave it to soak for at least 15 minutes. Then, use a fresh towel to pat the area dry. Now you can use the vinegar solution to remove any leftover color from the soda, so take another clean cloth and press the mixture into the carpet. Next, put something heavy on top of the wet towel for 15 minutes so the vinegar can go deeper into the fiber. Finally, blot the stain to dry it and repeat these steps if it is still visible.
Use commercial cleaners
Commercial cleaners are also available if you would rather purchase a ready-to-use carpet stain remover. Depending on the severity of your spilled soda, there are different products you can use. For example, Clorox suggests going for a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner for more intense spots, like the Clorox2 Stain Remover and Color Booster, as this product is tougher against the highly pigmented dyes in soda. On the other hand, Formula 409 Carpet Spot & Stain Remover is perfect for an average stain.
To use this method, you first have to ensure you got as much soda out of the carpet as possible. Next, spray the cleaner on the stain and let it soak for at least 10 minutes. Then sprinkle some water over the area and dab a cloth to dry it. If you can still see the stain, repeat the process. Clorox also recommends using a carpet cleaning machine (if you have one or would rather leave it to professionals) to remove the smear. However, towels and a good cleaning solution will work if you don’t have access to one.
