Buzz
Wine and vinegar can both leave behind tough stains. picturegarden / Getty Images
It’s said that honey attracts more flies than vinegar. But what about cider and wine? Even though these liquids are light in color, they can still cause tough stains. Use these tips to clean up these stubborn marks from your household surfaces.
The first step in eliminating mild acid stains is to identify the material that has been stained.
Below is a list of common materials that can be affected by acid stains, along with instructions on how to remove mild acid from each:
- Non-washable fibers like Acetate, Burlap, Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Rayon, Silk, or Triacetate
- Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex
- Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Grout, Iron, Linoleum, Marble, Masonry Tile, Paint (flat or gloss), Pewter, Platinum, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, or Zinc
- Stone surfaces like Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Sandstone, Slate, or Terrazzo
- Other surfaces including Carpet (synthetic or wool), Felt, or Wool
- Leather or Suede
- Delicate surfaces like Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, or Silver
- Wood
Non-washable Fibers
Follow these steps to eliminate mild acid stains from Acetate, Burlap, Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Rayon, Silk, and Triacetate:
Note: Acetate resists mild acids like vinegar, but cotton and linen can be damaged or weakened.
- Immediate action is crucial.
- Rinse thoroughly with water or club soda (avoid spreading the stain), using a stain remover to loosen the stain and residue.
- Neutralize the acid to prevent further fabric damage and possibly restore any color changes by holding the stain above an open ammonia bottle (avoid this for silk), letting the fumes penetrate the fabric.
- Sponging with a baking soda solution also neutralizes the acid.
- Rinse the fabric with clean water to remove the ammonia or baking soda, then allow it to dry.
- Launder washable fabrics immediately.
Washable Fibers
Follow these steps to eliminate mild acid stains from Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Spandex:
- Apply a sponge soaked in water mixed with a few drops of ammonia to the stain.
- Rinse with cool water or club soda.
- If the stain persists, repeat the process with the water and ammonia solution.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove the ammonia and launder as soon as possible.
Hard Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove mild acid stains from Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Grout, Iron, Linoleum, Marble, Masonry Tile, Paint (flat or gloss), Pewter, Platinum, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, Zinc:
- Quickly wipe up any spill with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to avoid damage from the vinegar's acid on the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the area.
Stone Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove mild acid stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:
- Prepare a solution of washing soda or detergent (avoid using soap) mixed with warm water.
- Scrub the stained area using a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
- Rinse well with water and allow to dry.
Other Fibers
To remove mild acid stains from Carpet (synthetic or wool), Felt, Wool, follow these steps:
- Immediately blot any excess liquid with an absorbent pad.
- Sponge the stained area with club soda or a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water.
- Avoid soaking the carpet if possible.
- If the stain persists, add a few drops of ammonia to clear water.
- Carefully sponge the mixture into the stain, blotting gently, especially with wool, as it is delicate with ammonia.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Place an absorbent pad over the stain to blot up any remaining liquid.
- Allow the area to air dry completely.
Leather or Suede
To remove mild acid stains from leather or suede, follow these steps:
- Prepare a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Swish the mixture to create plenty of suds.
- Apply only the foam using a sponge.
- Dry the area with a clean cloth.
- If treating leather, use products like Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather afterward.
Delicate Surfaces
To remove mild acid stains from Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, or Silver, follow these steps:
- Wash the items with hot soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Never allow acidic substances like vinegar to stay on silver as it can damage and corrode the metal.
Wood
To remove mild acid stains from wood, follow these steps:
- Combine dishwashing detergent with hot water and stir to create a large amount of suds.
- Soak a cloth in the foam and gently rub the stain with it.
- Use a damp cloth with clean water to rinse the area.
- Dry the surface and then apply polish or wax for a shiny finish.
