There are all sorts of stories going around about how to remove these lemonade stains. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.
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Removing lemonade stains
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Removing lemonade stains
A spilled glass of lemonade can cause more damage than you might think at first glance. The colourful drink quickly soaks into fabrics and floors, leaving sticky spots and discolouration. Especially on carpet or upholstery, a lemonade stain often remains visible for longer due to the combination of sugar, colourings and acids. Fortunately, you can remove these stains easily if you know what to do. Below you will find the correct approach for each surface to effectively and safely remove lemonade stains.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: Lemonade, Roosvicee, Lemonade syrup, Mixer, Cordial, Soft drinks
Characteristics (anatomy) of a lemonade stain
Lemonade often contains sugars, colourings, acids and flavourings. These ingredients may stick, discolour or affect sensitive materials. The sugar attracts dirt and leaves a sticky layer. The dyes adhere to fibres or pores and can form a sheen or ring after drying. Incorrect treatment – such as hot water or scrubbing – can worsen or set the stain.
Removing lemonade stains from carpet or rugs
Carpet is susceptible to lemonade stains due to its fibre structure, which quickly absorbs liquids. The sugars in the lemonade penetrate deep into the fibres and leave behind a sticky layer after drying. Particularly in the case of coloured lemonades, the added colourings cause visible discolouration, especially on light-coloured or natural carpets.
If you leave a lemonade stain, it will dry and form a dull or shiny spot that attracts dirt. A ring often forms because the dyes adhere to the edges of the stain. The longer you wait, the deeper the pigment will set into the carpet.
A good approach starts with patting dry and removing as much moisture as possible. Scrubbing or cleaning with foam causes ring formation and often makes the problem worse. Therefore, choose a pH-neutral, fibre-friendly cleaner that tackles sugars and dyes at the same time, without damaging the structure of the carpet.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. All you need is a bottle of James Stainwonder!
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be visible immediately.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases, James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If a (slight) discolouration did occur, you should neutralise James Stainwonder as soon as the stain has disappeared. In this case, immediately place a damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
James Interior Cleaner
This stain can be treated with James Interior Cleaner. For this you need a white cotton cloth and James Interior Cleaner. Then follow the next steps:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Interior Cleaner on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the purpose area using wide sweeping strokes. If the cloth attracts dirt or grease, you know the treatment is effective.
- Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth, until you see the cloth no longer attracts dirt.
Removing lemonade stains from hard floors
On hard floors, lemonade seems easy to remove, but appearances can be deceiving. The sugars leave behind a sticky layer that attracts dirt, and the colourings can penetrate pores, joints or structures. Discolouration or dull spots are particularly visible on PVC, wood and natural stone, especially if you do not remove the stain immediately.
If you let your lemonade dry, it will leave behind a sticky or even shiny film. On sensitive floors, acids from the drink (such as citric acid) can damage the finish or cause slight discolouration. Dirt accumulates in joints, which emphasises the stain.
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or scouring pads, as these will damage the floor. First remove dry, then work with a pH-neutral floor cleaner that is suitable for food stains. Use a soft cloth or mop, and avoid using too much water to prevent damage to your floor finish.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- Persistent stains may be treated carefully with a soft brush or plastic spatula. After use, always clean the area with water!
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Treat using a moist cotton cloth
This stain can be treated immediately with water. Use clean water and preferably a white, cotton cloth.
Removing lemonade stains from upholstery
Lemonade stains on upholstery are notorious for their stickiness and discolouration. The sugars penetrate deep into the fibres and leave behind a stiff, sticky spot. At the same time, dyes adhere to the surface, which causes noticeable stains, especially on light-coloured or natural fabrics. Fabrics such as cotton and linen are particularly susceptible to this type of soiling.
When the stain dries, it often leaves behind a dull spot or a coloured ring. The smell of lemonade does not always disappear on its own, especially with sugar-rich varieties or if the stain has not been thoroughly removed. An incorrect cleaning attempt – such as scrubbing or foaming cleaning – can quickly cause rings.
Clean the stain in stages: first dab dry, then use a fibre-friendly cleaner that dissolves dyes and sugars. Avoid foaming products, all-purpose cleaners or perfumed sprays. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly and check for any residue or ring marks.
If necessary, you can repeat the treatment.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. Always test for colour fastness and material perpetuation in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain. Spread a little James Stainwonder on a clean, dry cotton cloth towel and use it to cover the stain. This is to prevent circles from appearing after drying.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be immediate. Do not remove the cotton cloth until it is dry to see the result.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If there is a (slight) discolouration, neutralise James Stainwonder with water as soon as the stain has disappeared (to do this, however, lift the cotton cloth in between to be able to assess whether the stain has already disappeared). In this case, immediately place another damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
James Interior Cleaner
This stain can be treated with James Interior Cleaner. For this you need a white cotton cloth and James Interior Cleaner. Then follow the next steps:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Interior Cleaner on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the purpose area using wide sweeping strokes. If the cloth attracts dirt or grease, you know the treatment is effective.
- Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth, until you see the cloth no longer attracts dirt.
Would you also like to benefit from James’ effective stain removal? Discover our full range and order your James products easily online. You’ll soon be enjoying a clean and stain-free interior again!
Frequently asked questions and myths
Why do lemonade stains remain sticky even when you can no longer see the stain?
Lemonade contains sugars, colourings and acids that leave a sticky film after drying. This attracts dirt and dust and is difficult to remove without proper cleaning. Often, the sticky layer remains in fibres, joints or small irregularities, even if the surface looks clean. This causes an “invisible stain” that sticks again or starts to smell when touched or exposed to heat.
Is water enough to remove a lemonade stain?
Water alone removes only some of the sugars, but often leaves behind colourings and sticky residues. Especially on textiles or porous floors, water is not enough to tackle the whole problem. In addition, water easily spreads the dye, causing a stain to become larger or leave a ring. A combination of moisture regulation and a suitable cleaner is necessary for a complete result.
Why does lemonade leave rings on carpet or upholstery?
Lemonade spreads easily as soon as you try to clean it up with lots of water. The sugars and colourings migrate to the edges of the treated area. When it dries, a rim remains — visible as a circle. This occurs particularly when dabbing incorrectly or cleaning with too much water. A precise, step-by-step approach prevents this problem.
Is light lemonade less harmful than regular lemonade?
Light lemonade contains less sugar, but still contains acids and colourings that can cause stains. In many cases, they cause the same problems as regular lemonade: discolouration, odour or stickiness. The absence of sugar does not mean that you should underestimate the stain. These variants also require a careful approach, especially on vulnerable surfaces.
Why does it still smell like lemonade even though the spot appears to be clean?
Aromas in lemonade, often derived from fruit aromas or artificial flavourings, linger for a long time in fibres or porous floors. Even when the visible remains have been removed, these odorous substances remain active. In warm weather or humidity, they are released again, causing the odour to return. Only thorough cleaning that also neutralises odours will ensure that the smell really disappears.
Deal with any stain using the right approach from James
Limonade vlekken zijn verraderlijker dan ze lijken: plakkerig, gekleurd en vaak hardnekkig als je te lang wacht. Nevertheless, they are easy to remove – provided you act quickly, carefully and in a manner appropriate to your surface.
This will prevent rings, residue or odours and leave no trace of your soft drink mistake.