How to Remove Old Coke Stains from Carpet

How to remove old coke stains from carpet

Can you count the numerous time you’ve accidentally spilled Coke on the floor? The frequency goes up if you have children.

If you’ve had guests over, they may have spilled Coca Cola on the carpet and tried to blot it out, but there was always that tell-tale stain. Over time, you may have forgotten about it, or just didn’t know how to get the stain out.

When attempting to remove old stains, using the wrong products can damage the carpet beyond repair. Also, be very careful when using solutions that could bleach the carpet. Most solutions with bleaching agents should not be used on dark carpet to preserve its integrity.

Here are a few solutions to remove old Coke stains from the carpet.

Do Coca Cola stains come out?

Yes, it is possible to treat these stains with common household items like vinegar, dishwashing liquid, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide. However, the important thing is to act quickly. As soon as you spot the stain, immediately treat it using the process that I will outline below.

Old coke stains may require more elbow grease and the use of commercially available stain removers. Fortunately, these products aren’t expensive and available in stores or online.

What removes Coca Cola stains?

There are different options available at your disposal. Home remedies include the use of cleaning agents like dish soap, vinegar, ammonia to name a few. Tougher dried coke stains may require a more potent cleaning solution like OxyClean, which is formulated for these types of blemishes.

Method 1: Soda Water and Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid

This option is useful when the stain is fresh and may be more difficult as time goes on.

Materials

  • Soda water
  • Warm water
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Paper towel or white towel
  • Thick absorbent cloth or towel

Here are the steps:

  1. Soak up the Coke with the paper towel or white towel.
  2. If the stain has been there, pour soda water onto a clean cloth and dab the affected area. Use a rolling motion to absorb the water.
  3. Do not rub or scrub the carpet, or the stain may spread.
  4. Add one teaspoon of dish soap into warm water.
  5. Dip the towel into the solution and gently sponge onto the carpet.
  6. Use a thick towel or cloth to blot dry, pressing downward with pressure.
  7. Dry the area with a towel. One way to speed up drying time is by placing a heavy object over the sheet.

Method 2: Club Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ammonia and Vinegar

This four-part process has tiers. If the first step doesn’t work, move to the next part. Likewise, if the second part doesn’t work, move on to the third, until the last part.

It is a more tedious process than the first method, but the results are worth the time and effort.

Materials

  • Wet/dry vacuum cleaner (optional)
  • Towels or paper towels
  • Warm water
  • Club soda
  • Liquid detergent
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Ammonia
  • Vinegar

Part I: Using Club Soda

  1. If the spill is fresh, grab a towel to blot excess liquid. Begin at the edges and work toward the center.
  2. A wet/dry vacuum will speed up step 1.
  3. Apply club soda to the area without drenching the carpet.
  4. Gently blot the area of any excess residue.
  5. Check if the stain is visible. Don’t continue if it’s no longer evident.
  6. If you have a wet vacuum, make use of it as a final step to fast-track the drying cycle. If not available, open the fans.

Part II: Liquid Detergent

  1. Combine one teaspoon of liquid detergent with 2 cups of warm water. The soap should be clear with no bleaching properties.
  2. Apply this homemade concoction on the stain and let stand for five minutes.
  3. Gently blot the area.
  4. Apply warm water to rinse the area. Do not oversaturate the carpet.
  5. Blot and vacuum the excess. Don’t proceed further is stain is no longer noticeable.

Part III: Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a known bleaching agent. Please test on an inconspicuous area before proceeding to check if it discolors the carpet.

  1. Apply a solution of 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with three tablespoons of warm water.
  2. Special note: hydrogen peroxide can bleach the carpet, so this only applicable should only be used with light colors.
  3. Cover with a thick towel to block the light.
  4. Let stand for 30 minutes, periodically checking for loss of color.
  5. Apply warm water to rinse the carpet, but avoid drenching it.
  6. Blot excess or vacuum.
  7. If the stain is not visible, do not continue.

Part IV: Ammonia

Test ammonia in a small area first before using this solution on the stain to see if it causes any discoloration on carpet strands. If it does, avoid using it.

  1. Apply a solution of ¼ clear ammonia with 1 cup of warm water.
  2. Ammonia has a bleaching effect, so only use it on light-colored carpets.
  3. Apply the ammonia solution to the stain. Don’t apply too much.
  4. Watch for loss of color.
  5. Gently blot the area.
  6. Apply a solution of ¼ cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water to the stained area without fully saturating.
  7. Rinse with warm water – just enough to extract the excess vinegar.
  8. Blot the excess.
  9. A wet/dry vacuum helps hasten this step.

Method 3: Non-Bleach Detergent and Water

Oxyclean

This solution may have to be applied more than once for effective results. If possible, try to obtain a detergent with oxygen content, which will make stain removal easier. One excellent option is the OxiClean versatile stain remover.

Materials

  • Non-bleach detergent – a product like OxyClean will increase the effectiveness of this method
  • 2 Bowls
  • Lukewarm water
  • White vinegar
  • A few clean towels

Here are the steps:

  1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-bleach detergent and lukewarm water in a bowl.
  2. In the second bowl, mix white vinegar with water (use a 1 to 2 ratio).
  3. Use a clean towel and dip into the detergent solution. Wring out excess water leaving the cloth damp.
  4. Pat the stain with the towel, gently pressing the solution into the area.
  5. Wait 15 minutes.
  6. With a dry towel, pat the stain until it feels dry.
  7. Use another towel to soak into the vinegar solution.
  8. Cover the stain with the towel, pressing the solution into the stain.
  9. Place something substantial on the towel to quicken the drying time.
  10. Leave for 15 minutes.
  11. From the outside in, blot the area.
  12. If the blemishes are still evident, repeat the process until it disappears.

There are a few commercial stain removers on the market that will make things a little easier.

Some good options are Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover, Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator, and a few over-the-counter solutions you may find in the department or hardware store.

These may also have bleaching agents, so it’s best to read the manufacturer’s recommendations before applying to your carpet.

Depending on the location of the stain, if all else fails, it makes sense to get assistance from a professional carpet cleaner who knows how to treat certain carpet types.

After attempting to do this on your own with no success, this may be the only solution that will get into the fibers of the carpet, thoroughly deep clean the area and maintain the integrity of the carpet.

About the author: Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Guide, brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful reviews showcased on this platform. Beyond his passion for empowering consumers with informed choices, he cherishes precious moments with his family, exploring global cuisines and exploring different horizons with his beloved wife and son. Follow him on Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram.