How to Clean Diet Soda From a Carpet

Diet sodas have become something of an addiction. While a can or bottle of the stuff may be your companion wherever you go, it's a given that frequent consumption of diet soda can be hazardous to your carpeting. Should you, your cat or a family member accidentally knock it to the ground, a large, brown stain will be the result. Waiting to tend to the problem will make stain removal more difficult. On your next trip to the kitchen, bypass the fridge and gather your cleaning materials.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloths
• Vinegar
• Dish soap
• Lukewarm water
• Spray bottles

Instructions

1. Blot as much of the soda as possible from the carpet with a clean cloth.

2. Fill a spray bottle with 1 tbsp. of vinegar, 1 tbsp. of dish soap and 2 cups of lukewarm water. Fill a second spray bottle with lukewarm water. While you may blot or sponge these onto the stain, using a spray bottle will prevent you from over-saturating the stained area, which can cause more extensive damage to your carpet.

3. Spray the vinegar and dish soap solution directly onto the stain. Blot the area immediately with a clean cloth, working from the outside in. Repeat until you are confident that you have completely removed the stain.

4. Spray lukewarm water onto the stain and blot. Repeat until you have removed the vinegar and dish soap solution.

5. Lay a clean cloth over the area. Weigh it down with a heavy object. Allow the area to dry thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you were unable to remove the stain, try blotting the stained area with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or 1 tbsp. of ammonia diluted in 1 cup of water. Rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to dry. Test these cleaning agents on a hidden part of your carpet for colorfastness before using.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster - Soft Drinks
• University of Illinois Extension: Cola