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Whether it’s a mixed drink spill, a shot or a can of beer, knowing how to remove alcohol stains can save your carpet and upholstery. Beer stains are relatively easy to remove, but mixed alcoholic beverages often contain juices or coloring ingredients that make these stains more difficult to remove. And of course, red wine always presents a greater challenge for removing stains than white wine.
You can use a variety of items you probably already have in your pantry for easy cleaning solutions. Here’s a guide to removing drink and alcohol stains from your carpet or upholstered furniture.
| A type of stain | Tannin-based, may contain color |
| Type of detergent | Dishwashing liquid, carpet stain remover, oxygen bleach |
| Water temperature | Cool to warm |
How to remove alcohol stains from a couch
This method also applies to other upholstery.
Remove moisture from the stained area
Blot up as much liquid as possible using a white paper towel. Press the towels into the stain. As the liquid is transferred, use fresh towels. Continue blotting until no more moisture is transferred.
Make a cleaning solution
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Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and two cups of warm water in a small bowl.
Treat the stain
Spruce / Ana Cadena
Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Work from the outer edges towards the center to prevent the stain from spreading. As the dye transfers from the stain to the fabric, move to a clean area to continue blotting.
An additional concern
- Always use a white cloth to prevent accidental dye transfer to the upholstery fabric – not all towels are permanent.
- Always wring out the cleaning cloth to prevent too much solution from getting into the base of the upholstered furniture. Too much moisture can cause extended drying time and allow mold growth.
Rinse the freshly cleaned area
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Fill another bowl or small bucket with water. Wet a clean white cloth and wring it out until the cloth drips. Carefully wipe the upholstery fabric to rinse the area. It is necessary to remove all soap residue because it can attract soil.
Air and vacuum drying
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Air dry away from direct heat. To speed up drying, add a circulation fan to the room.
For particularly tough stains
If an alcoholic beverage is mixed with a product that contains food coloring, it will likely require additional treatment.
- Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleaching powder and warm water following the instructions on the product label.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently work the oxygen solution into the fabric. Do not overmoisten.
- Let it sit for at least one hour before removing the moisture with a dry cloth.
- Allow the fabric to air dry, then repeat the treatment with a fresh solution of oxygen bleach and water if necessary until all stains are gone.
How to remove alcohol stains from carpet
Quick action to remove carpet stains will give the best results.
Blot Away the Spill
Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Use paper towels to wipe up as much liquid as possible from the carpet. Work from the outside of the stain to prevent it from spreading.
Treat with vinegar solution
Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Mix 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Soak the stained area with the solution. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Warning
If the carpet stain is over hardwood floors, place the stained area on plastic wrap or a tarp before treating it with the vinegar solution. Leaving a wet rug or its backing on a wooden floor can lead to water stains.
Remove the vinegar solution
Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Use paper towels to remove the vinegar solution. Continue with fresh towels as moisture transfers.
Use a soapy solution
Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water in a small bowl. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the soap solution and scrub the stained area. Start at the outer edges to prevent spreading and leave the soap on for at least 10 minutes.
Wash the carpet
Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Use a white cloth soaked in clean warm water to wipe off the soap residue.
Absorb, air dry and vacuum
Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Once all soap residue is gone, blot the area with paper towels and allow to air dry away from direct heat. Once the carpet is dry, give it a good vacuum to lift any stuck fibers.
Check for remaining stains
Spruce / Sarah Crowley
If traces of the stain remain after the carpet has dried, mix the same oxygen-based bleach and warm water solution recommended for upholstery. Apply the solution to the carpet and let it dry. Vacuum the carpet and repeat this treatment if necessary.
Warning
Although oxygen bleach is safe to use on all carpet colors, it should not be used to remove stains from wool carpets. The product can damage wool fibers and leave them brittle.
Additional tips for removing alcohol stains
Here are some tips to help ensure good results:
- If there is an alcohol stain on an upholstery fabric that is vintage or silk, call a professional upholstery cleaner for help.
- Always treat the stain as soon as possible.
- You can use a commercial carpet or upholstery stain remover to remove alcohol stains.
- If there are multiple stains, consider cleaning the entire carpet or piece of furniture to make sure the color stays even.
- Do not rub the stain. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibers of the carpet or upholstery. Wipe with a clean cloth instead.
- Do not spread the stain. Start from the outer edges and work towards the center when cleaning.