If you regularly invite friends over for a drink, you may be familiar with alcohol stains. While they are easy to get rid of, they may require time and effort. Of course, depending on the type of alcohol, cleaning methods may vary.
Beer stains are tannin and water-based, making removal relatively simple, however liquor-based mixed drinks frequently contain juices or dyed additives, making those stains more difficult to remove. Of course, red wine always poses more of a stain removal problem than white wine.
The good news is that you will only need simple household ingredients you most likely already have at home. You can prepare your distilled white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, and oxygen-based bleach.
This article will show you how to easily get rid of liquor and alcohol stains from your carpet, clothing, and other fabrics. If the fabric you are about to treat is vintage or silk, it is best to call a professional in order to avoid damage.
Cleaning alcohol stains from upholstery
If you were relaxing on the sofa after a long day at work and accidentally spilled some of your drink on it, hurry up and follow these steps to get rid of the stain.
- Remove as much moisture as possible from the stained area – Grab a white paper towel and absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Use fresh towels as you continue to blot the liquid. Make sure you do not rub it in since that may cause it to spread.
- Mix a cleaning solution – In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid detergent, ½ cup of distilled white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water.
- Treat the stain – Dip a clean cloth in the cleaning solution and wring it well until it is no longer dripping. Begin working it in the stain (always start at the outer edge and work your way toward the centre). Use a white cloth to prevent accidental dye transfer. Make sure you do not oversaturate the upholstery piece.
- Rinse the area well – Fill a bowl with plain water. Dip a clean cloth in it and wring it well. Again, it should not be dripping but just damp. Gently wipe the cleaned area to remove soapy residue (make sure you get rid of all of it – it may attract soil and grime in the future).
- Air dry and vacuum the area.
Cleaning tough stains – If the drink you spilled contained some food dyes it will probably require additional steps. Follow the guidelines on the product package to create a solution of oxygen-based bleach powder and warm water.
Work the oxygen bleach solution into the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. Do not oversaturate the fabric!
Allow it to sit for at least an hour before wiping the moisture away with a dry cloth.
Allow the fabric to air-dry before repeating the process with a fresh solution of oxygen bleach and water if necessary until all of the stains are removed.
Cleaning alcohol stains from carpets – Similar to the upholstery method, treating the stains as soon as possible will ensure the best results possible.
- Blot as much of the liquid as possible – Grab a paper towel or a clean white cloth and blot as much of the moisture as possible.
- Mix a vinegar solution and apply it – Mix ½ cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to the stained area of the carpet. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then blot it away and move to the next step.
- Mix a soapy solution – Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip a cloth in the cleaning mixture and gently scrub the stain starting at the outer edges and working your way toward the centre.
- Rinse and dry – Dip a clean cloth in plain water, wring it until it is not dripping and gently scrub the stained area until all of the soapy residue is gone. Allow it to air dry completely, then vacuum the whole surface of the carpet to lift the fibres.
Additional tips on cleaning alcohol stains from carpets and upholstery:
- You can use a commercial carpet or upholstery cleaner to treat alcohol stains.
- If you have several stains or splatters all over the carpet, you may want to clean the whole thing in order to make sure the colour remains even.
- Do not let the stain sit. The sooner you start treating it, the easier it will be to get rid of.
- Do not rub the stain. Instead, blot it – that way you will prevent its spreading.
If you are not sure how to approach a certain stain or you are worried that you may ruin your upholstery or carpet, it is best to call a professional company. They will know exactly how to treat the particular fabric and the specific type of stain.