There are all sorts of stories circulating about how to remove these soft drink 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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Soft drink stain removal
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Soft drink stain removal
An overturned glass of cola or lemonade can leave a sticky, discolored stain on carpet, sofa or floor at lightning speed. Soft drink stains are notorious for their sugars, colourings and acids, which quickly adhere to all kinds of surfaces. Especially with light or porous materials, a soft drink stain can remain clearly visible if you do not act quickly. Fortunately, this stain can usually be removed easily – provided you do it the right way. Below you can read how best to approach this for each surface.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: Soft drink, Iced tea, Tonic, Sinas, Soft, Fanta, Cola, Cassis
Characteristics (anatomy) of a soft drink stain
Soft drinks contain sugars, colourings and often acids such as citric acid or phosphoric acid. These ingredients cause the stain to be sticky, discolour surfaces and, in some cases, even corrode sensitive materials. On absorbent surfaces, the moisture is quickly absorbed, while the sugar residue remains on the surface. If you do not react quickly, the stain will dry and leave a dull or sticky spot.
Removing soft drinks from carpet or rugs
Carpets and rugs quickly absorb liquids such as soft drinks, especially those with open fibre structures or deep pile. The sugars stick to the top layer, while the moisture and colourings penetrate deeper into the fibres. This makes the stain difficult to remove, especially if it has already dried or if it is from dark soft drinks such as cola or cassis.
If a soft drink stain is left untreated, the sticky residue will dry and attract dirt. This makes the spot darker and more noticeable. In addition, fragrances from the soft drink can linger in the carpet, which over time can give off a musty or sweet smell – especially in warm or humid conditions.
When cleaning soft drinks from carpet, it is important not to scrub or use hot water. That spreads the stain or fixes the dyes. It is preferable to choose a product that safely dissolves sugars and colourings. Work in a stepwise manner, with patience and without pressure, so that the carpet is not damaged and the fibres remain intact.
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 soft drinks from hard floors
On hard floors, a soft drink stain may seem easy to remove, but this is not always the case. The sugars leave a sticky layer on the surface and attract dirt. Colourants from dark soft drinks can penetrate joints or pores, especially in untreated or matt floors such as wood, natural stone or textured PVC.
If you leave the stain, the sugar residue will dry and form a dull spot or shiny edge that is difficult to remove. Discolouration may occur in joints that remains visible even after superficial cleaning. Acidic soft drinks in particular can also cause damage to calcareous materials over time.
Do not use all-purpose cleaner, scouring pads or hot water for cleaning. These products do not dissolve the sugar properly and can damage the protective layer of the floor. A pH-neutral, material-safe cleaner that dissolves colour and sugar is the safest solution. Always work without friction and with as little moisture as possible.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover.
Always test in an inconspicuous area for color and material resistance: apply, allow to soak for 5 minutes, rinse the tested area with water, allow to dry and evaluate.
- 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 soft drinks from furniture fabric
Soft drink stains on upholstery fabric can be noticeable and stubborn, especially on lighter fabrics or fabrics with an open structure. The liquid is quickly absorbed into the fibres, leaving behind sugar, colouring and fragrances. This creates a sticky spot that is visible and noticeable, and which attracts dirt or forms a ring after drying.
If the stain is not dealt with immediately, the sugar residue can harden and cause a stiff, dull spot. Soft drinks containing colourings also cause rapid discolouration, especially on cotton or linen.Soft drinks containing colourings also cause rapid discolouration, especially on cotton or linen. Fragrances can linger in the fabric, causing a sweet or chemical smell.
A gentle approach is required when cleaning upholstery fabric. Avoid rubbing or using foaming cleaners; these often leave behind residue or cause rings. Choose a fibre-friendly product that tackles both sugar and colouring, and allow the furniture to dry thoroughly to prevent residual odours or discolouration.
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.
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 does a soft drink stain stick, even when it has dried?
Soft drinks contain sugars and syrups that leave a sticky layer when they dry. It adheres to fibres, joints or microstructures on floors and quickly attracts dust or dirt.It adheres to fibres, joints or microstructures on floors and quickly attracts dust or dirt. This creates a sticky spot, even if the stain itself is no longer clearly visible. This effect is further enhanced in warm temperatures or high humidity. Without proper cleaning, this residue remains and causes dirt accumulation and even odour development.
Is fizzy soft drink less harmful than regular soft drink?
Not necessarily. The bubbles disappear quickly, but the sugar and colourings remain. Carbonated soft drinks also often contain citric acid or phosphoric acid, which can cause slight damage to sensitive surfaces such as natural stone or lacquered floors upon repeated contact. These acids can also cause discolouration or accelerated wear of fibres in textiles if the stain remains for too long.
Can I remove soft drink stains with just water?
Water can loosen sugars somewhat, but does not remove the entire stain. Especially in soft drinks with colourings (such as cola, orange or blackcurrant), pigments remain that penetrate the fibres or adhere to the surface. In addition, water does not dissolve stickiness.In addition, water does not dissolve stickiness. A product that both cleans and degreases is more effective, especially in places where soft drink residues have dried unnoticed.
Why does a ring appear when cleaning soft drink stains on fabric?
If soft drinks with too much water are used for cleaning, the colourants often spread beyond the original area of the stain. When it dries, a visible edge or circle remains. This occurs mainly with textiles or deep-pile carpets, where the moisture spreads horizontally. A controlled, step-by-step approach prevents this effect.
Are diet soft drink less harmful to surfaces than regular soft drink?
Although light and zero variants contain less sugar, they often still contain colourings and acids that can cause similar problems. The absence of sticky sugars does not mean that the stain is less stubborn: discolouration, odour or damage to coatings can still occur. These variants also require a careful approach.
Say goodbye to soft drink stains with James!
Soft drink stains may seem harmless, but they can cause unpleasant, sticky or discoloured patches if you don’t deal with them straight away. Fortunately, with the right approach and a safe, effective product, they can be easily removed. Whether it’s a sofa, floor or carpet – careful treatment prevents damage and ensures a spotless result. Responding quickly is the key to success here.