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Whether it was due to a slip, an accident, or just a long party night, a liquor stain on your cherished item is never welcome. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to salvage that favorite shirt, piece of furniture, or keepsake from the trash bin.
Ways to Remove Liquor Stains From:
Acetate, Burlap, Felt, Fiberglass, Rayon
Rope, Silk, Triacetate, Wool
Blot any excess liquid immediately. Rinse the stained area with cool water, using a stain remover to loosen the stain and residue. Add a few drops of white vinegar and cover with an absorbent pad soaked in the stain remover. Let it sit until the stain begins to lift, ensuring the pad stays moist and changing it as it absorbs the stain. Continue flushing with cool water and blotting with a clean absorbent pad. Once the stain is gone, dry the area thoroughly.
How to Remove Liquor Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Nylon,
Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
Gently sponge the stain with cool water, starting from the center and working outward. If possible, presoak the fabric in cool water for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Apply undiluted dishwashing or laundry detergent directly to the stain. Rinse well, then launder as soon as possible. Be aware that older or ironed-in stains may be difficult or impossible to remove.
How to Remove Liquor Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Chromium,
Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Iron, Ivory, Jade,
Linoleum, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Pearls, Platinum, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, Zinc
Immediately wipe the spill with a cloth or sponge dampened with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
How to Remove Liquor Stains From:
Alabaster, Marble
Quickly wipe the area with a damp cloth. If a stain persists, create a poultice by mixing water, chlorine bleach, and a mild powdered laundry detergent. Apply this mixture to the stain and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it sit until the stain is removed. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
How to Remove Liquor Stains From:
Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Gold
Immediately wipe up the spill. Clean the area with a cloth soaked in a solution of warm water, mild pure soap, and a few drops of ammonia. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone,
Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
Quickly wipe up the spill. Remove any residue using a solution of washing soda or all-purpose laundry detergent (avoid using soap) mixed with water. Rinse well and allow to dry completely.
In the next section, we will explore how to remove liquor stains from various surfaces like carpet, wood, wallpaper, and more.
Dry Spotter:
For a dry spotter, mix 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) with 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This mixture can be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent evaporation of the solvent. While mineral oil can substitute for coconut oil, it’s not as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are toxic and may
be flammable.
Wet Spotter:
To make a wet spotter, combine 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before use. Store in a plastic squeeze bottle.
Additional Tips on Removing Liquor Stains
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Brass, Bronze
Quickly wipe up the spill. Clean the area with a cloth soaked in a solution of hot water and mild soap. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Foam Rubber
After blotting up the excess liquid, apply Afta Carpet Stain Remover, Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover, or Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover. Alternatively, blot the excess moisture, working from the outside of the spill inward. Then, spray with rug shampoo or mix 1 teaspoon of a mild, non-alkali detergent in 1/2 pint lukewarm water. Apply a small amount to the stain and blot until no more liquid is absorbed. To neutralize any remaining stain, mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts lukewarm water, apply it sparingly, and blot. Place an absorbent pad over the stain and weight it down for several hours. Allow it to dry completely.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Fur/Natural, Fur/Synthetic
For quick spot treatment, use Afta Spot Remover Wipes or disposable cleaning cloths. Alternatively, blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth, ensuring the hide or backing stays dry. Create a lather by mixing dishwashing detergent with hot water, then dip a cloth into the foam and gently rub along the nap. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water, ensuring it is almost dry. Let the fur air dry, away from direct heat sources.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Grout
Immediately wipe the spill away. This should usually suffice, but if the grout sealer is worn out or old, dip a damp toothbrush into a small amount of powdered cleanser and gently scrub. Rinse thoroughly and let the area dry completely.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Leather, Suede
Blot the spill immediately. For leather, apply Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner, or mix a mild soap solution with lukewarm water. Swirl to create a generous amount of suds. Use only the foam to gently rub the suede or leather with a slightly damp cloth. Rub with care but vigor, then dry off with a clean cloth. For leather, finish by conditioning with Tannery or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Silver
Immediately blot away any excess. Clean silver in hot soapy water using a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly in hot, clean water. Dry it quickly to prevent tarnishing.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Wallpaper
Blot excess liquid right away. Gently wipe the stained area with warm water, ensuring not to over-saturate the paper (avoid using soap or detergent). Overlapping strokes are crucial to prevent streaks. Carefully pat dry afterward.
Remove Liquor Stains From:
Wood
Immediately blot the spill. Treat the stained area with liquid or paste wax, boiled linseed oil, or a cloth moistened with water and a few drops of ammonia. Reapply wax to the affected area.
Next time you're hosting a party, keep these stain removal tips nearby so you won't be left regretting any accidents after the fun is over.
Publications International, Ltd.
