How to Remove Kool-Aid Stains

Kool-aid – the great childhood drink that has left it’s memories on many of our clothes. It’s no wonder those stains seem impossible to remove – it’s so strong, it has been used as dye! There are a few ways to remove these very stubborn stains. As with any stain removal technique, you will want to try a test application on a small, hidden spot to be sure it does not damage the color or fibers of your garment.

How to Clean Kool-Aid Stains…

There are several different methods you can use to remove Kool-Aid from your garments.

…With Ice Water

You Will Need:

Cold water (add ice cubes, the colder the better)
Clean white cloths
Spray bottle for water
Borax
Old toothbrush
Vacuum

How to Remove the Stain:

Begin by blotting with a clean cloth to remove as much of the Kool-Aid as possible. It’s very important to BLOT throughout this entire process DO NOT SCRUB. Your goal is to “lift” the stain, not rub it into the fabric. Working from the outside of the stain towards the center will keep the stain from spreading.
Spray the stain with the ice cold water.
Cover the stain with borax
Use an old toothbrush to gently work the borax into the stain.
Blot with clean cloth. Repeat as necessary with a clean cloth each time until no more stain appears on the cloth.
When the stain is removed, wash the clothing in cold water following detergent recommendations on the care tag.
You may want to air-dry the clothing to be sure the stain is not noticeable when it’s dry. If you place it in the dryer and it’s not completely gone, it will be set from the heat and impossible to remove.

…With Boiling Water

You Will Need:

Boiling Water
Large Bowl

How to Remove the Stain:

Keep the boiling water in a tea kettle or pitcher, you will need something that you can easily pour it from.
Lay the stained garment over the large bowl so the stain is centered on the bowl.
Carefully pour the boiling water over the stained area and into the bowl. BE CAREFUL not to splash yourself with the hot water.
As the water travels through the fabric, it will take the stain with it.
Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
When the stain is removed, wash the clothing in cold water following detergent recommendations on the care tag.
You may want to air-dry the clothing to be sure the stain is not noticeable when it’s dry. If you place it in the dryer and it’s not completely gone, it will be set from the heat and impossible to remove.

…With a Hot Iron

This method will work on both fresh stains and set-in stains.

You Will Need:

Iron
Clean white towel
Water
Ammonia
Spray bottle

How to Remove the Stain:

Mix a solution of 1 part water and 1 part ammonia in the spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the kool-aid stain.
Cover with a damp towel.
Place hot, steamy iron on top of damp towel for 30 seconds.
Remove the iron. The stain should be transferred to the towel.
When the stain is removed, wash the clothing in cold water following detergent recommendations on the care tag.
You may want to air-dry the clothing to be sure the stain is not noticeable when it’s dry. If you place it in the dryer and it’s not completely gone, it will be set from the heat and impossible to remove.

Additional Tips and Ideas

If the stain is on a garment that is dry-clean only, do not pre-treat or attempt to remove the stain. Take the item to a professional cleaner as soon as possible to have the stain treated. For help finding reputable cleaners in your area, contact your local Chamber of Commerce, or visit the Yellow Pages.

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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

jennifer July 30, 2008 at 11:22 pm: i need to know how to get kool-aid out of an tan colored sofa. i got alot of it out with carpet clearner and cold water. but the stain is still their. and it’s pink not red any more. any ideas??
amanda May 10, 2009 at 11:05 am: same here but its on a sweater thats cream colored.
i scurbbed it with stain remover and it turned pink.
contact me please.
Momo July 2, 2009 at 11:51 am: I got an orange Gatorade stain that was set in for a couple of months out with just water, a little dishwashing liquid and a hot iron and paper towels. Not even sure I needed any soap. The steam from the iron pulled it out, I just had to do it over and over for about ten or 15 mins but you can’t tell it was even there now.
Jess July 3, 2009 at 11:57 pm Steam iron worked great on wood: One of my kids spilled blue Kool-aid on my wood table and left it to set in and make a nice stain for me to clean up.
Luckily, I came on here and decided to try using my iron on the steam setting with paper towels to see if that would work.
It did! In less than a minute, the steam had pulled the kool-aid out and the paper towel absorbed it. *WHEW*
Brenda July 30, 2009 at 6:45 pm Kool Aid Carpet Stain: The kool aid stain is set in on light carpet. I had a pro out the day after it happened but they couldn’t get it out. It is now set in and I would like you to suggest my best optioon

Thanks
erma smallwood October 6, 2009 at 3:04 pm Kool-aid stain on my doilie: I have a beautiful chrocheted whit Doilie my friend made me & our G.Grand Kid’s spilled a glass full of Kool-Aid on it. I did’nt know until a day later & it’s dryed on it, so what can I do to get it out? I’m desperate.