Buzz
Soup makes for a fantastic side dish or can stand as a satisfying meal on its own.
Steve WoodsKey Points to Remember
- When tackling soup stains, respond swiftly by blotting the spot with cold water or a dry-cleaning solvent, depending on the fabric type, utilizing methods such as blotting, sponging, and applying a wet or dry spotter as needed.
- For washable fabrics, soaking in a blend of warm water, liquid detergent, and ammonia can effectively lift the stain, followed by rinsing and laundering.
- On hard surfaces and non-washable materials, wipe the stain with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water or a specialized cleaning solution, rinse, and dry to remove the mark.
Soup is a tasty treat. Whether you enjoy it by slurping or sipping, it’s always a satisfying meal. But with its liquid nature, it's also prone to spills. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to clean up meat-based soup stains from various household surfaces.
How to Clean Soup Stains From:
Acetate, Synthetic or Wool Carpet, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool
Address the stain immediately. Once meat stains set, they can be tough to remove. Sponge the affected area with cold water by gently blotting from the center outward. If the stain is fresh, this should work. If some stain persists, apply a wet spotter with a few drops of ammonia (avoid ammonia on silk and wool). Place an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter on the stain, letting it sit as long as it’s lifting the stain, replacing the pad as needed. Keep the stain and pad moist. Rinse the area with cool water to remove all traces of ammonia.
How to Clean Soup Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
Fresh meat stains are typically removable with a thorough wash in cold water. If any stain remains, soak the fabric in a solution of 1 quart of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon of ammonia for 15 minutes. Tamp (gently brushing down with light strokes on durable fabrics) or scrape (using a dull tool to lift off excess solid stains), blotting occasionally with an absorbent pad. Continue until the stain is gone. Rinse thoroughly with water to ensure no ammonia remains.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Asphalt, Copper, Cork, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (Flat or Gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering
Clean the stain by wiping it with a sponge soaked in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
How to Clean Soup Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
Blot the stain with a sponge soaked in cool water. If any stain remains, wash or brush (using a stiff brush to sweep the stain onto a piece of paper) the affected area with a mixture of washing soda or detergent (not soap) in warm water. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
How to Clean Soup Stains From:
Carpet (synthetic or wool)
Blot up as much liquid as possible and immediately sponge the area with cool water. This should remove most stains, but if any remains, apply Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover, Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover, or Up & Out (avoid using this on wool) following the package instructions. If the stain lingers, mix 1 teaspoon of mild detergent in 1/2 cup of warm water. Apply a small amount to the carpet and blot gently. Be careful not to push the stain deeper into the fibers. Continue blotting until no more stain is lifted. Rinse thoroughly with water. Place an absorbent pad on the area and weight it down. Once no more liquid is absorbed, remove the pad and allow the area to air dry completely.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Leather, Suede
Blot as much as possible and then treat the area with a leather cleaner, such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner, following the instructions on the label. Alternatively, mix dishwashing detergent in hot water to create a large amount of suds. Use only the foam, applying it with a cloth to clean the area. Wipe the area dry with a clean, dry cloth. For leather, finish with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Wood
Gently wipe the stain with a clean cloth soaked in warm soapy water. Follow up by rinsing with a damp cloth and drying the area. Be sure to polish or wax the surface as soon as possible.
Now that we've covered how to remove meat-based soup stains from materials like wool and wood, let's continue on to learn how to tackle stains from vegetable-based soups.
Dry Spotter:
To make 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 solvent evaporation. Mineral oil can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, though it’s not as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are harmful and may be flammable.
Wet Spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, combine 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before use. Store the wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.
How to Remove Soup Stains (Vegetable Base)
While vegetable-based soups aren't as potent in terms of staining as their meat-based counterparts, they can still leave a lasting mark on surfaces like polyester and porcelain. Use these stain removal tips to ensure your lunch doesn’t stick around longer than it should.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Acetate, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool
Immediately remove any excess. Sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent, such as Afta Cleaning Fluid. Apply a dry spotter to the stain and cover it with an absorbent pad moistened with the dry spotter. Let the pad sit as long as the stain continues to lift, replacing it as it absorbs the stain. Keep both the stain and pad moist with the dry spotter. Rinse the area with the dry-cleaning solvent to flush out any remaining residue.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
Immediately blot up any excess. Use a dry-cleaning solvent such as K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid to sponge the stain. Apply a dry spotter and cover the area with an absorbent pad moistened with the dry spotter. Let it sit as long as the stain continues to be lifted. Rinse with one of the liquid dry-cleaning solvents. If any stain remains, apply a few drops of dishwashing detergent and ammonia, then tamp or scrape to help loosen the stain. Keep the stain moist with the detergent and ammonia, blotting occasionally with an absorbent pad. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all traces of ammonia, and either launder or allow to air dry.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Copper, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering
Quickly wipe up any excess spill. Clean the surface with a cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate,
Terrazzo
First, remove any excess spill. Clean the area with a solution of washing soda or detergent (never soap) mixed with water. Use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain. Rinse the surface thoroughly and let it air dry.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Leather, Suede
Carefully blot away any excess from the surface. Create a solution by mixing mild soap with lukewarm water, swishing it to produce a generous amount of suds. Use a sponge to apply only the foam, and wipe the area dry with a clean cloth. If a greasy stain remains, sprinkle some absorbent substance like cornmeal. Let it sit for a while to work. Gently brush off or shake the cornmeal away. If needed, repeat the process. For leather, finish with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the material.
How to Remove Soup Stains From:
Wood
Immediately remove any excess spill. Wipe the area with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water. Follow by rinsing with a clean cloth dampened with plain water. Polish or wax the wood as soon as possible.
Soup, whether served hot or cold, as a side dish or the main course, is always a delightful choice. These stain removal tips will ensure that your liquid meal stays where it belongs — on the table.
Publications International, Ltd.
