The Spotlight: Knocking Out Holiday Punch Stains!
When I was little, the Christmas bowl of punch was always a treat at the family get-together. The punch was bright red, bubbly, and had rainbow sorbet floating in it – the perfect fuel for the twenty or so of us cousins running around (we’re a big family).
While I don’t remember spilling a cup myself, I imagine one of us must have dropped a cup and left a frustrated aunt or uncle to clean it up. So here’s a gift (about 20 years to late) to my family: a way to save your carpet from punch stains!
Tools of the Trade
Towels
Dish Soap (Mild, Non-Bleaching)
Club Soda
White Vinegar
Rubbing Alcohol
Let’s Get Started!
– Step 1 –
As with all stains, start by blotting the spot from the outside edge toward the center with a clean towel. If there are any bits in the punch (orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cherries, etc.), be sure to pick them out of the carpet.
– Step 2 –
Wet a towel with club soda and blot the stain until no more of it comes up.
– Step 3 –
In a bowl, mix 1 tbs. of dish soap, 1 tbs. of white vinegar, and 2 cups of cold water. Wet a towel with this solution and blot the spot. Let the product sit for 30 minutes, reapplying it every five minutes or so.
IMPORTANT: Always test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous part of the floor to make sure they won’t cause color loss or transfer. Be especially careful on carpets made of natural fibers.
Step 4 –
At this point the stain should be gone. If it’s a stubborn one, you can dampen a towel with rubbing alcohol and blot the spot.*
IMPORTANT: Alcohol is not a carpet-friendly product. Test it on an inconspicuous part of the floor to make sure it won’t cause color loss or transfer. Do not use it on carpets made of natural fibers.
– Step 5 –
Blot the spot with a towel dampened with water.
– Step 6 –
Blot the spot dry.
———————
And there you go! The spot should be gone and your carpets should be looking great once more. Thanks to the team at Howtocleanstuff.net for the great tip!
