How to Remove Cola Stains

Pat asked, “How can I clean a microfiber sofa cushion that had a cocktail spilled on it? It was vodka and diet coke. Thanks!”

The sooner you treat a cola stain, the easier it will be to remove, so try to treat a cola spill on your clothing or upholstery as soon as it happens.¹

You Will Need:

• White vinegar¹
• Water
• A hair dryer

Steps to Remove the Cola Stain:

1. Blot any excess liquid from the fabric.
2. Make a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. For old or more serious cola stains, use a stronger vinegar solution or plain vinegar.
3. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and use the cloth to dab the mixture onto the stain.
4. Use a clean cloth to blot the stain.
5. Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with plain water.
6. For upholstery, use a hair dryer on cool air or the lowest heat setting to dry the area so as to prevent water stains.

If one thing is certain, it is that a carpet will endure some spills or stains over time. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to remove a cola stain.²

You Will Need:

• Ammonia
• Clear dish soap, such as Palmolive Pure + Clear
• Water

Steps to Remove the Cola Stain:

1. Make a solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 cup water.
2. Place the ammonia solution in a spray bottle and lightly spray the solution onto the stain. Do not spray so much that the solution can soak into the carpet backing.
3. Use a paper towel or cloth to blot the stain.
4. Make a solution of ¼ teaspoon clear dish soap and 1 cup water.
5. Use a cloth to apply the dish soap solution to the cola stain.
6. Continue blotting the stain with the dish soap solution until the stain is gone.
7. Use a spray bottle with plain water to rinse the area.
8. Blot the area with a cloth to remove excess moisture.
9. Place a dry cloth over the area and set a weight on top of the cloth while the area dries.

• Always ventilate the area well when using ammonia, and wear gloves. For more ammonia safety information, see Wikipedia.
• Do not use ammonia on wool carpets, as it can damage the fibers.
• Use cool or cold water to clean the stain, as warmer water can cause the stain to set and become more difficult to remove.

1. Vinegar by Vicki Lansky
2. Clean Like A Man by Tom McNulty