Number Four Most Common Rug Stain -- Kool Aid

Kool Aid.  My sister and I drank gallons of it when we were kids, especially in the summer months.  Our favorite flavors – grape and cherry.  Our least favorite flavor – orange.  The big Kool Aid rule in our house was that we were always required to stay in the kitchen when we drank it.  If you’ve ever had the stuff spilled on your carpet or rugs, then you understand why my mom insisted we follow that rule.

So what if your youngster spills Kool Aid on your rug?  Move fast!  Kool Aid is a synthetic acidic dye stain.  Translation: this spill is going to be difficult to remove, even for a professional rug cleaner.  Should this type of spill occur in your home, we would recommend that you call a trusted professional.  If you want to tackle it on your own, then you could try the list of suggestions below.  Please keep in mind that the final outcome may not be what you are looking for.  As always, before you use any suggested products or solutions, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area to make sure there is no dye bleeding.  Let’s get started.

1. Blot the area with a dry, white cloth or paper towel.  Never use anything with color or print.  The dye could transfer to your rug.
2. Try cleaning the area with cold soapy water.  We suggest using a mild detergent, such as Woolite, and gently blot the solution (don’t scrub) onto the stain using a clean, white cloth.  Continue this method as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth.
3. If the stain remains, you could then try using a store-bought spray cleaner.
4. If the spill is completely removed, be sure to rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a clean, white cloth until all the moisture is removed.
5. If the area is large, then set up a fan to circulate the air so that the area will dry quickly.

If the stain remains after the store-bought spray cleaner, then we recommend that you stop.  There comes a point, as you work on a stain, when you could end up permanently damaging the fibers. 

 

Kids are going to spill.  It’s important to have a plan of action and the supplies on hand when it does happen.  If Kool Aid ends up on your rug and you feel unprepared, simply call Greg, Manager of A Cleaner World Carpet Cleaning, at 336-804-0045 or email him at acwcarpet@earthlink.net.