Whenever possible, treat the punch spill right away, before the carpet has a chance to absorb the liquid and its striking red color -- the sooner you act, the less likely the stain will set.
Paper for Punch Removal
If you're lucky enough to spot the punch spill soon after it happens, you can remove or dilute it well enough that its staining properties will be minimal. Layer paper towels over the red punch and press down -- don't rub -- to transfer most of the liquid into the paper. Continue with fresh paper towels each time the paper absorbs as much liquid as it can hold. Once no more comes up, press a damp paper towel over the area if you still notice red punch dye in the carpet. Remove the damp paper, and blot the area again with dry paper towels.
Club Soda Stain Lifter
Pour a small amount of club soda directly atop the red stains on the carpet to help remove the color. Use enough to wet the red areas, but not enough to soak through the carpet. Wait a minute or so, and then blot the stain with a white absorbent cloth such as a tea towel. Apply more club soda, if necessary, and blot the area again. Avoid using colorful cloths to prevent dye from transferring onto the carpet. Club soda helps lift the punch color out of the carpet while diluting the punch in the process.
Dish Soap Stain Treatment
Add 1/2 teaspoon of a gentle liquid dish soap to 2 cups of warm water, stirring to blend the ingredients. Dip a white tea towel or cloth into the soapy water, and then blot the stain to help moisten it. Dip the towel into the soap again, and wipe the stain from the outside edges toward the center, otherwise the stain may spread. After 10 minutes, blot the area with dry paper towels or a dry white cloth to absorb the punch and soapy water. Once no more color transfers over to the paper or cloth, blot the area again with a damp white cloth to remove any remaining sugary or soapy residue.
Sour Treatment for Sweet-Drink Stains
Remove any remaining soap or punch from the carpet with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dip a white cloth into the solution, and then dab it over the problem area. Press down to squeeze some of the vinegar out and onto the carpet if a light stain is still visible. Blot the moisture out of the carpet afterward with a fresh, dry white cloth or paper towels.
The Drip Cap
- Where carpets and drinks coexist, spills happen.
- Whenever possible, treat the punch spill right away, before the carpet has a chance to absorb the liquid and its striking red color -- the sooner you act, the less likely the stain will set.
- Continue with fresh paper towels each time the paper absorbs as much liquid as it can hold.
- Dip a white tea towel or cloth into the soapy water, and then blot the stain to help moisten it.