How to Get Hawaiian Punch Out of Carpet

Hawaiian Punch on carpet distracts from home décor.

Hawaiian Punch's combination of tropical flavors appeals to both kids and adults. Spilled Hawaiian Punch on carpet, however, is less appealing. Hawaiian Punch contains artificial colorings that produce bright red, green, orange or blue stains on carpet, depending on the specific flavor of punch. The longer Hawaiian Punch lingers on carpet, the harder these brightly colored stains become to remove. Like any beverage, Hawaiian Punch is best removed when fresh.

Things You'll Need

• Clean plastic container
• Spoon
• 1 tbsp. clear, bleach-free dish detergent
• 1 tbsp. white vinegar
• White dishcloths
• Rubbing alcohol
• Absorbent towels

Instructions

1. Fill a clean plastic container with 2 cups of warm water. Stir in 1 tbsp. of clear, bleach-free dish detergent. Add 1 tbsp. of white vinegar to the detergent solution and thoroughly mix the ingredients.

2. Dip a white dishcloth in the solution. Dab the Hawaiian Punch stain for 10 seconds. Leave the solution in the carpet.

3. Continue dabbing the punch stain for 10 seconds every five minutes for 30 minutes. Dampen a fresh dishcloth in fresh solution each time you dab the carpet.

4. Dip a fresh dishcloth in clear, lukewarm water. Dab the punch stain to rinse out the solution.

5. Inspect the carpet for punch. If the carpet still contains punch, moisten another dishcloth with rubbing alcohol. Dab the carpet with the rubbing alcohol until the punch stain disappears.

6. Dampen a fresh dishcloth with clear, cold water. Dab the carpet until the rubbing alcohol is fully rinsed out.

7. Press absorbent towels onto the carpet until it dries.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute household ammonia for white vinegar if the punch stain is stubborn.

• Spot-test the solution and rubbing alcohol on a carpet segment to avoid damage.

References

• Hawaiian Punch: Product Info
• "Good Housekeeping": Stain Buster -- Fruit Punch
• "Real Simple": Carpet Stain Solutions