How To Remove Cola Stains From Carpet Or Upholstery

Cola stains are among the more difficult to remove during carpet cleaning, without professional cleaning services. This is because of the chemical composition of the various cola drink formulations. While there are many secret formulas for cola drinks, it is widely known that the basic ingredients include caffeine, sweeteners, caramel colors, citrus oils, flavorings like vanilla and cinnamon, and phosphoric acid. Natural sugars like high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin may be used.

Most of these ingredients are soluble in water, but serious staining on the carpet or upholstery fabric may occur in the presence of phenols, tannins and some colloids in the drink formula. Nevertheless,although professional cleaning services may be needed, most of these stains may be removed by using some common household solvents, and a few simple steps. Here are some suggestions:

Materials

Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. A 5% dilute acetic acid solution may be used instead of vinegar.

Detergent Solution – Mix a quarter to a half teaspoon of a liquid dish washing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water.

Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water for rinsing.

Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water.

Baking Soda – Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts water in a plastic container. Shake well.

White Cotton Or Paper Towels

Trigger Sprayer

Spatula Or Spoon

Procedure:

Tackle any spill as soon as it is observed. Your best prospect for successfully removing a spill is to handle it immediately. Fresh spills are much easier to remove than stale ones. That is because the longer the chemicals in the spill remain in contact with other materials in or on the carpet fibers, the greater the chance of developing undesirable by-products from adverse chemical reactions.

First, use the spoon or spatula to scrape off any solid material from the carpet. Then, wet the area with cold tap water and blot with a clean white towel. Avoid rubbing the stain from side to side as this may cause it to spread. You may observe the color from the stain being transferred to the towel at this stage. This is good. Repeat the process, moving the towel to a new area each time until you can\’t see any more color transfer.

Now pour one of the solutions listed above, into the trigger spray bottle and apply liberally to the stained area. Begin with the dilute vinegar or acetic acid solution. Work it in with the spatula and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Flush with slightly warm tap water and rinse thoroughly by blotting with the towels. Watch for color transfer and repeat as necessary until no more color appears on the towels.

All cola stains should have disappeared by now, but if not, repeat this process using the other solutions in sequence.

Be careful not to use detergents containing brighteners or fluorescent dyes that could transfer new dyes to the fibers. Also do not use bleaches, like automatic dish washing fluids that could remove all the original dyes.

Remember to avoid using solutions stronger than what is recommended, and remember also to rinse out the solvents as thoroughly as possible. If some of these chemicals are left in the carpet, they could cause the carpet to be re-soiled rather quickly.

Finally, if this procedure doesn\’t work for you, or if you don\’t care to try it yourself, just call in a professional carpet cleaner.

Victor Nugent is Owner and President of AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. with over 11 years experience in the Carpet Cleaning business.

For more information call 801 368-0705 or visit our website at AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. or Utah County Carpet Cleaning

Victor Nugent is Owner and President of AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. with over 11 years experience in the Carpet Cleaning business.
For more information call 801 368-0705 or visit our website at http://www.ablejan.com/ or http://www.utahcountycarpetcleaning.com/

Author Bio: Victor Nugent is Owner and President of AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. with over 11 years experience in the Carpet Cleaning business.

For more information call 801 368-0705 or visit our website at AJS Carpet Cleaning, Inc. or Utah County Carpet Cleaning

Category: Home Management
Keywords: professional cleaning services,carpet cleaning