How to Get Soda Out of Carpet in 5 Steps

Before You Begin

Test any detergents or cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area to ensure they do not discolor the carpet.

Older stains will be harder to remove. You might need to repeat the cleaning process a couple of times before the stain disappears.

1. Blot the Stain

   Using a clean cloth, blot the area to remove as much liquid as possible from the carpet. If the stain has occurred on a flattened or matted carpet, use a carpet rake to widen the spaces between the carpet fibers. Much like a leaf rake, its wide-spaced tines work like a wide-bristled brush to open the spaces between the carpet fibers.

   Tip

   Make sure you work from the outside toward the center to avoid spreading the stain. Do not press too hard because you do not want to work the soda deeper into the fabric. Avoid scrubbing the stain, as this will only set it further.

2. Put Detergent Solution on Stain

   Pour a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent and 1/2 cup cold water onto the soft drink stain and blot up the stained area again using another clean, dry cloth. Allow the area to dry thoroughly.

   The enzymes found in heavy-duty laundry detergent are the main components that clean the mess. These enzymes allow you to use lower water temperatures and less detergent to get items clean.

3. Vacuum the Area

   After the stain has dried, vacuum it thoroughly. You will suck any dry bits of residue away. Vacuuming also helps fluff the carpet fibers back to a normal appearance.

4. Use a Carpet Stain Remover

   If the soda stain remains, try a carpet stain remover. Carpet stain removers have surfactants that make cleaners work better. Surfactants are compounds that are used in an array of cleaning products for their ability to lower the surface tension of water. This additive increases the molecules' ability to spread over and through a material (such as carpet fibers) and thus makes them more likely to interact with and remove stains, including oil and grease.

   Follow the stain remover instructions, and be wary of using too much cleaner. An excess of cleaner is difficult to remove and can attract dirt in the future.

5. Remove Soda Coloring

   Some stains from sodas like grape soda or red-colored soda may be more challenging to remove. Try diluting some white vinegar with water (about a one-to-two part ratio) and repeat steps two and three. The acid in the vinegar solution may be necessary to get rid of the colored stains. Instead of vinegar, you can also try a lemon juice solution, an ammonia/water solution, or an oxygen bleach solution.

   For bright red artificial dye, like Kool Aid and Crush Soda, if the red stain still persists after treating it with all your other listed products, you may need to invest in a professional specialty stain remover specially formulated to lift red dye from carpets.

If a lingering sugary stain has led to an ant trail in your home, the best thing you can do is disrupt the trail of ants. Borax or boric acid powder is an excellent low-risk pesticide (in homes without small children or pets) that kills ants or roaches that have found their way into your home. If your home includes small children or animals, consider calling a professional for pest control help.