How to Remove Vinegar Stains From Clothes and Carpet

How to Remove Vinegar Stains From Clothing

Test any detergent or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not discolor the fabric.

1. Blot the Stain

   For all types of vinegar stains, immediately blot the spill with a white paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

2. Saturate the Stain With Water

   • Flood the area with plain cool water to weaken the acetic acid. You can do this by holding the stain under a running cold water faucet or by dipping a white cloth in cold water and blotting the stain.
   • Wash the stained item following the care label guidelines as usual. 

3. Use Oxygen Bleach to Remove Tough Tannin Stains

   If any color remains on the fabric after washing, use oxygen bleach.

   • Mix a solution of oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and tepid water.
   • Submerge the entire garment.
   • Allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight, and then launder as usual with your laundry detergent.

   Warning

   This step is safe to use for all washable fabrics—white and colored—except for silk, wool, and anything trimmed with leather.

How to Remove Vinegar Stains From Carpet or Upholstery

The same techniques recommended to clean carpet can be used for upholstery. Take care not to over-wet the fabric because excess moisture can cause problems in the cushions.

Before cleaning any furniture, always follow the manufacturer's care label on cleaning upholstery. This tag can be found under the sofa cushions or fabric skirt with letter codes that indicate how to clean the furniture. Always test a hidden area of carpet or upholstery first to see if the method damages the fibers. If not, take these steps:

• Blot and air-dry: It is important to neutralize the acid, especially on a dark carpet. Dip a white paper towel in cold water and blot the stained area. Use a dry paper towel to absorb the moisture. If there is no trace of the stain remaining, allow the carpet or upholstery to air-dry.
• Use dishwashing detergent if the stain remains: If there is discoloration from a dark vinegar, mix a solution of 1 teaspoon of hand dishwashing liquid with 1 cup of cool water. Dip a sponge or soft-bristled brush in the solution and work it into the vinegar stain.
• Blot and rinse: Use a dry paper towel to blot away the stain as it is lifted. Use plain water to "rinse" the area and remove all soapy residue.
• Air-dry and vacuum: Allow the area to air dry away from all direct heat and sunlight. Vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.

Additional Tips for Handling Vinegar Stains

If the fabric is not washable or the clothes are labeled as dry clean only, blot the vinegar stain with a paper towel until all of the vinegar is absorbed. Then, wet a white cloth with plain cool water and blot the area for several minutes. Finish by blotting with a clean, dry cloth. If any sign of the stain remains, when you take the garment to the dry cleaner, point out, and identify the stain.

Large stains on carpets and upholstery might be handled best with a steam cleaner or contact a professional cleaner to remove the stain. You will still need to do some prep work, and not let the vinegar stain set. If a vinegar stain appears on silk or vintage fabric or upholstery, contact a professional. Do not try to fix it at home; you can make the stain worse if you attempt it on your own.