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Removing liquor stains
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Removing liquor stains
A spilled glass of whisky on the carpet, cognac on the sofa or a drink spilled on the floor – a stain from strong alcohol can appear faster than you think. Because spirits contain colourings, sugars or flavourings in addition to alcohol, they can leave noticeable stains or rings.
It is important to respond quickly. Although alcohol evaporates quickly, it often leaves traces, especially on fabrics or porous surfaces. The sooner you tackle the stain, the better the result. With a well-thought-out approach, there is no need to worry – even these stains can be treated effectively. Discover below how to achieve the best results for each surface.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: Spirits, Vodka, Whisky, Whiskey, Shot, Rum, Flügel, Cava, Campari, Alcohol, Berry Gin, Coebergh, Liqueur, Aperol
Characteristics (anatomy) of a liquor stain
Liquor contains alcohol, colourings (such as caramel colouring in whisky or cognac), flavourings and sometimes residual sugars. Although alcohol evaporates quickly on its own, the other ingredients leave visible traces. Dark circles or discolouration appear on textiles, and dull or shiny spots appear on floors. In addition, some types of drinks can leave sticky residues. If you do not treat the stain quickly, these substances will penetrate deeper into the surface and become more difficult to remove. Incorrect treatment may set the colour or spread the stain.
Removing liquor stains from carpet or rugs
On carpet, liquor is quickly absorbed into the fibres, especially if the carpet is loosely woven or has a high pile. The alcohol evaporates quickly, but the colourings remain. Dark drinks in particular leave noticeable rings that are difficult to remove. Residual sugars can also cause a sticky spot that attracts dirt.
If you wait too long, the stain will become more stubborn and darker. In some cases, the stain appears to have disappeared, but reappears later when the carpet becomes damp again – this is often the result of residue that has been left behind.
Pat the stain dry, treat only the affected area and use a suitable product that is safe for carpets, such as James Stainwonder. Do not wet the carpet too much and dry the area thoroughly so that no sticky residue or odour remains.
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.
Immediate treatment with water
This stain can be treated immediately with water. For this you need a white, cotton cloth and water. Follow the steps below:
- First remove, as far as possible, any loose substances using a spoon.
- Immediately hold a white cotton cloth under the cold tap, wring it out and place it flat on the stain.
- Leave the cotton cloth in place to dry completely, no peeking. Should the cloth become saturated, replace it with a fresh one as described above. Then leave the cloth until it is completely dry.
Note: Do not perform the above instructions if water causes aspect loss or discoloration on the material to be treated.
Removing liquor stains from hard floors
On hard floors such as PVC, vinyl, LVT, laminate or natural stone, a drop of liquor seems harmless – until the spot has dried and a haze, difference in shine or dull circle remains visible. Dark drinks can sometimes leave a slight discolouration, especially on light-coloured floors. And if there are sugars in the drink, the surface may feel sticky.
With natural stone, acids and colourants can penetrate the pores, causing permanent discolouration or loss of shine. Laminate and PVC can be susceptible to the top layer becoming brittle due to the alcohol.
Clean up spilled drinks as quickly as possible and treat only the stain, without using too much water or aggressive cleaning agents. Dry thoroughly so that no residue remains that could cause new stains.
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
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- 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 liquor stains from upholstery
Stains from liquor are treacherous on upholstery. Often you don’t see the stain immediately, but as soon as the spot dries, a circle or colour difference appears. Light fabrics in particular show this quickly. The smell can also linger as the alcohol and aromas soak into the filling.
Dark drinks such as rum or whisky are more likely to leave visible discolouration, and residual sugars can cause a sticky spot that attracts dust and dirt.
Blot away excess liquid immediately without rubbing. Use a cleaner that is suitable for textiles, work with little moisture and only treat the stained area. Ensure that you dry the fabric thoroughly afterwards to prevent odour nuisance and new stains.
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.
Immediate treatment with water
This stain can be treated immediately with water. For this you need a white, cotton cloth and water. Follow the steps below:
- First remove, as far as possible, any loose substances using a spoon.
- Immediately hold a white cotton cloth under the cold tap, wring it out and place it flat on the stain.
- Leave the cotton cloth in place to dry completely, no peeking. Should the cloth become saturated, replace it with a fresh one as described above. Then leave the cloth until it is completely dry.
Note: Do not perform the above instructions if water causes aspect loss or discoloration on the material to be treated.
James has been the leading specialist in maintenance and stain removal since 1927. With nearly 100 years of experience and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we are your reliable partner in keeping your interior clean. Our products are not only effective, but also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Try them today and experience the difference James can make for yourself!
Frequently asked questions and myths
There are all sorts of stories circulating about how to remove stains caused by this liquor. 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.
Why does liquor give stains, even though it is colourless?
Although many spirits appear colourless to the naked eye (such as vodka or gin), they often contain sugars, flavourings or alcohol residues that can become visible when dried. In addition, alcohol and flavourings react with certain materials, causing slight discolouration, shiny spots or stickiness – even without any noticeable colour.
Isn't liquor itself a cleaning agent?
Liquor contains alcohol, but in a much lower concentration than rubbing alcohol or cleaning alcohol. The sugars and flavourings in liquor actually cause dirt and odours to form rather than cleaning. Using strong liquor as a cleaning agent can worsen stains and leave behind a residue that is difficult to remove.
Why does the spot still smell of drink, even though the stain seems to have disappeared?
The fragrances in liquor easily absorb into fibres or pores and are volatile. They can be released again when exposed to moisture or heat, causing the area to continue to smell. This occurs mainly with carpets, fabric furniture or open floors such as natural stone. Only deep cleaning removes the odour components as well.
Is it safe to treat liquor stains with hot water?
Hot water evaporates the alcohol more quickly, but at the same time disperses the sugars and aromas that remain. This can actually cause stickiness or a wider stain. A lukewarm, controlled cleaning without friction is safer, especially for absorbent materials or sensitive surfaces.
Can liquor cause permanent shiny spots on floors?
Yes, especially on coated or shiny floors. The alcohol can damage the finish or cause a reaction with the surface, resulting in a stain that is more or less shiny than the rest of the floor. This optical effect can be distracting, even though the stain has been technically removed. Prevent this by cleaning quickly and carefully.
Deal with any stain using the right approach from James
Spills from strong drinks are treacherous: what starts as a glass of spilled liquid quickly ends up as a sticky or discoloured stain with a stubborn odour. By acting promptly and carefully, you can prevent the stain from setting or spreading. It is best not to use foaming or scented products, but to opt for an approach that really loosens colour, odour and sugars. This will keep your sofa, floor or rug in top condition – even after a party that got a little too lively.