Removing Kool-Aid Stains from Carpet
We’ve all been there – the kids are running around with their juice boxes and cups of Kool-Aid, having a grand old time.
Then suddenly someone trips, a cup goes flying, and you’ve got bright red Kool-Aid splattered all over your nice white carpet. It’s enough to make any parent want to tear their hair out!
But don’t stress. If you follow these tips, you can get that carpet looking good as new in no time.
Step #1 – Blot It Up
Your first move is to blot up as much of the spilled Kool-Aid as possible before it has a chance to set in. Grab a handful of paper towels or a dry cloth and gently dab at the stain – don’t scrub or smear it around, as that’ll just push the sugary liquid deeper into the carpet fibers. The goal is to soak up all that you can from the surface.
Step #2 – Vinegar to the Rescue
Next up, it’s time to break out one of the most reliable, inexpensive carpet stain removers around – good ol’ white vinegar. Make a solution of one part vinegar to one part water and put it in a spray bottle. Liberally spray the stained area, wait 5-10 minutes to let it soak in, then blot again with a dry cloth. The acidic vinegar will help break down the sugary stains.
You can also add a squirt of dish soap like Dawn to your vinegar solution for extra cleaning power. The soap helps lift the stains from the carpet fibers. Spray, let sit, and blot – repeat as needed until you see progress.
Step #3 – Bust Out the Big Guns
If that vinegar solution just isn’t cutting through the stubborn Kool-Aid stain, bring in the specialist cleaners. Products like Bissell Carpet Stain Remover, Resolve Carpet Cleaner, and OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover are designed to tackle tough stains like this.
Start by pre-treating the stained area with one of these cleaners according to the directions on the bottle. Let it soak in for a few minutes to work its magic, then go back over it with your trusty vinegar spray. The combination of store-bought cleaner and DIY vinegar solution is often the one-two punch you need to eradicate those pesky Kool-Aid stains.
Things to Do Next If Kool-Aid Stains Cannot Be Removed
If you’ve tried it all and those stains still won’t budge, it may be time to call in the pros. Companies like Albuquerque carpet cleaning company ThoroClean specialize in deep carpet cleaning and stain removal. They have industrial-strength tools, cleaning solutions, and techniques that can often remove stains that regular DIY methods can’t touch.