How to Remove Kool-Aid Stains From Clothes and Carpet

How to Remove Kool-Aid Stains From Clothes

1. Blot and Rinse

   • Blot away as much moisture as possible with a white paper towel.
   • Hold the fabric under a faucet with a running stream of cold water. Flush the stained area from the back side of the stain so that the dye is forced out of the surface of the fabric.

   If you have quick access to club soda or seltzer instead of water, use it to flush the stain. There's no proof that these carbonated beverages do a better job than water, but they can still help dilute and carry the stain away from the fabric.

2. Treat the Dye Stain

   • Sponge the stain with paper towels and a bit of plain rubbing alcohol or non-sudsing household ammonia.
   • Rinse well.
   • If the stain is gone, wash as recommended on the care label.

   Tip

   Only use non-sudsing household ammonia on light-colored clothing because it can potentially fade fabric colors.

3. Use a Stain Remover

   • If dye stains remain, treat the stained area with a solvent-based stain remover spray or gel, like Zout or Shout.
   • If you don't have a stain remover, use a bit of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent (Tide or Persil are highly-rated brands) to treat the stain. These detergents contain enough enzymes to break down the stain.
   • Work the stain remover into the fabric with your fingers.
   • Allow the stain remover to sit on the fabric for at least 15 minutes.
   • Wash the garment as usual. 

4. Remove Older Stains

   • Mix a solution of oxygen bleach and tepid water to treat older stains that have set.
   • Submerge the garment in the solution and allow it to soak for at least four hours, or overnight,
   • Wash as usual—but only dry if the stain is gone.
   • If the stain is still visible, try repeating this step. When no stain remains, launder as usual.

Steps to Remove Kool-Aid Stains From Carpet

Remove stains using the same cleaning solutions and techniques for most (avoid silk and vintage) furniture and car upholstery as is recommended for carpet. Do not wet the fabric too much because excess moisture can cause mold and mildew to form in cushions. Allow the upholstery to air-dry away from sunlight and direct heat.

• Mix the cleaning solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water in a small bowl. Use a clean white cloth to blot this solution into the stain. Work from the outside edges toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading. 
• Blot and rinse: Blot away the cleaning solution with a clean, dry white cloth until no more color is transferred. Dip a clean white cloth into the plain water to rinse the area. It is important to remove all the soapy residue because it can attract soil.
• Treat lingering stains: Mix a solution of oxygen bleach and cool water in a small bowl to treat a persistent stain. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the oxygen bleach solution into the carpet. Allow it to sit for at least one hour before blotting away and rinsing it with cold water on a cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.
• Air-dry and vacuum: Allow the carpet to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight, and then vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.

Additional Tips for Handling Kool-Aid Stains

If the stain proves tougher to remove than expected, consider buying a product made specifically to lift red stains from fabrics, carpets, and upholstery. Red stain buster brand names to have on hand include Red Erase, Wine Away, or Juice Out.

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, blot the drink stain with a white paper towel, immediately head to a professional dry cleaner, and point out the stain. The same applies to a stain that damages silk upholstery or vintage clothing and upholstery because you are likely to do more damage if you try to remove the stain yourself. If you are using a home dry cleaning kit for a small stain, treat the area with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.