How to Get Soda Punch out of a Down Jacket

Acidic, water-based stains can usually be removed from fabric with detergent and vinegar.

Fruit sodas and punches have several ingredients that can stain clothing. First, they contain natural tannins and pigments from fruit or berries. Second, they often contain natural or artificial food colorants and dyes. Last, they contain sugar, which can produce a brown stain when dried or ironed. You must remove all three components to prevent permanent staining. This might require multiple spot treatments.

Things You'll Need

• White cleaning cloths or towels
• Distilled white vinegar
• Mild laundry detergent
• Old toothbrush or other soft brush
• Enzyme-based stain remover (optional)

Instructions

1. Blot up any excess liquid with a clean cloth. Place the jacket on a flat surface with the stain facing up.

2. Mix one-third of a cup of tepid water with one-third of a cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of mild laundry detergent.

3. Dip a brush into the cleaning solution and apply it directly to the stain, taking care not to soak the interior of the jacket. Tamp the solution into the fabric with the brush. Let it sit five to 10 minutes.

4. Blot the treated area first with a wet cleaning cloth and then with a dry cloth. Examine the stained area. If the stain is gone, wash the jacket immediately according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, proceed to Step 5.

5. Apply distilled white vinegar directly to the stain with the brush, again taking care not to soak the jacket’s interior. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Blot the treated area first with a wet cloth and then with a dry cloth. Examine the stained area again. If the stain is gone, wash the jacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, proceed to Step 6.

6. Apply an enzyme-based stain remover and let it sit on the stain for one to two hours. Apply additional stain remover as needed during this time to prevent the treated area from drying out. Blot with wet and dry towels as above, and repeat the enzyme treatment if necessary. If this removes the stain, wash the jacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, bring it to a professional cleaner.

Tips & Warnings

• Test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous part of the fabric before applying them to a stain.

• If your down jacket's care label states that it requires professional cleaning, do not attempt to remove the stain at home. Doing so might damage the fabric or the down filling.

References

• Oregon State University Extension: Stain Removal Guide for Washable Fabrics
• Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute: Stain Removal