How To Get Coke Stains Out Of Carpet

If you're a fan of Coca-Cola, chances are you've accidentally spilled a little on your carpet at some point. And if you have, you know that Coke stains can be stubborn and difficult to remove. But don't worry! With a little elbow grease and the proper techniques, you can remove those stains and restore your carpet to its former glory.

Published: March 8, 2023.

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Do Coca-Cola Stains Come Out?

The good news is that, yes, Coca-Cola stains can be removed from carpets. The bad news is that it can be tricky and may take some effort, especially if the stain has had time to set in.

But don't despair! With a few household items and some patience, you can remove even the most stubborn Coke stains.

A Step-by-Step Guide How to Remove Fresh Coke Stains from Carpet

When cleaning coke and similar liquids, it is essential to clean them as quickly as possible. Wet coke can be cleaned from the carpet using several methods; one of the simplest is the following:

  • Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to remove as much spilled liquid as possible.
  • Mix a solution of four parts water and one part white vinegar. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and blot the stain, being very careful not to rub it in.
  • Rinse the area with clean water and blot with a clean towel to remove the vinegar solution.
  • If the stain persists, mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water and blot dry.

This method requires some time and effort, but it doesn't use any harsh chemicals and doesn't emit any dangerous fumes while cleaning.

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Note: mixing baking soda (alkali) and vinegar (acid) is not recommended. They cancel each other when mixed. However, if there is plenty of soda in the carpet, you can either vacuum the baking soda or cancel it with some diluted vinegar and remove the liquids using a dry cloth or paper towel.

A Step-by-Step Guide How to Remove Dried Coke Stains from Carpet

Dried coke stains are much harder to remove, but it can be done with some effort and without using strong chemicals.

  • If possible, scrape off any excess dried Coke with a dull knife or spoon.
  • Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and blot the stain, being careful not to rub it in.
  • Rinse the area with clean water and blot with a clean towel to remove the soap solution.
  • Repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.

How To Remove Coke Stains Using Soda Water and Dishwashing Liquid

Soda water and dish soap can be used to remove coke stains that are hard to remove using plain water and dish soap.

As the soda water enters the carpet, it creates bubbles of Carbon-Dioxide (CO2), which helps remove dirt off the carpet fibers.

The procedure is as follows:

  • Blot the stain with a clean white cloth to remove as much excess liquid as possible. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can make it worse.
  • Pour soda water directly onto the stain. Make sure to saturate the stain thoroughly.
  • Blot the stain with a clean white cloth. You should see some of the stain start to lift.
  • Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of water in a bowl or as recommended by the dish soap manufacturer.
  • Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and blot the stain. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can make it worse.
  • Rinse the cloth with clean water and blot the stain again. Keep repeating this process until the stain is gone.
  • Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry with a clean white cloth.

Removing Coke Stains Tips and Tricks

  • The key to removing Coca-Cola stains is to act quickly. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
  • Always use a clean white cloth when blotting the stain. Colored cloths can transfer dye onto the stain, making it worse.
  • Don't be afraid (or lazy) to repeat the process several times if necessary.
  • If stronger detergents are required, go for bleach-free detergents.
  • Never mix bleach (3-8% hypochlorite (NaClO) solution) and vinegar (diluted acetic acid CH3COOH) - such mixture generates dangerous chlorine gas that can cause skin, eyes, throat, lungs, etc. irritation and, in high-enough concentration, can even kill a human being.
  • Never mix bleach (3-8% hypochlorite (NaClO) solution) and ammonia (ammonia NH4OH water solution) - such mixture generates dangerous chloramine gas, which is less hazardous than chlorine, but nonetheless, very unhealthy gas.
  • Never mix hydroxide peroxide (H2O2) and vinegar (diluted acetic acid CH3COOH) - such a mixture creates peracetic acid, which is a very corrosive liquid.

Note: when two excellent cleaning aids are mixed, their combination doesn't have to be super effective. As one can see, many such combinations are actually very dangerous. Thus, always use cleaning aids as instructed.

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Carpet Spot Cleaners

Carpet spot cleaners are small carpet cleaners/washers/shampooers intended for deep and thorough cleaning of various types of dirt, messes, and stains, coke stains included, from carpets, rugs, stairs, pet beds, and similar surfaces.

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Carpet spot cleaners feature a two-tank design, with the first tank being used to store clean water combined with the carpet detergent and the second tank being used for storing collected dirty liquids.

After applying a cleaning solution, the stain is cleaned using a brush or similar cleaning tool. Thanks to relatively strong suction, the cleaned surface dries relatively quickly.

And for cleaning really stubborn stains, many brands offer pretreat solutions in the form of spray bottles or similar.

Carpet spot cleaners can be used to remove coke stains, but also other stains which are difficult to remove, like wine stains, coffee stains, vomit stains, etc.


Few Final Words

Removing Coke stains from the carpet can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right techniques and a little patience, you can get your carpet looking as good as new.

Remember always to blot, not rub, and to rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid leaving any residue behind. And next time you enjoy a refreshing Coca-Cola, be sure to enjoy it over a spill-proof surface!