Dealing with Coke Stains in the Car: A Parent’s Guide
As if cleaning vomit from the car seats wasn’t enough of a challenge, my older son, Jason, managed to spill a can of Coke all over the car—on the seats, on his clothes, and even on our poor dog! My car now resembles a dumpster, complete with a mix of everything from breadcrumbs to remnants of a snack gone wrong, topped off with a layer of dog hair. Ah, the joys of parenting! Who ever claimed it was easy?
Taking the car to a professional car wash is not a viable option for me at the moment, especially since I’m trying to save some money. So, I strapped in with a burst of energy and began the meticulous task of cleaning my car, inch by inch. I managed to tackle the mess, but let me share the precise process I followed to remove that pesky Coke stain, because it requires more than just a few cleaning products.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies:
- Paper towels
- Spray bottle
- Cool water
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of warm water
- Toothbrush
- Clean cloth
This method will help you tackle the stain!
- First and foremost, it’s crucial to dilute the stain with water. Start by spraying cool water directly onto the stain and blotting it with paper towels. Even if the Coke stain has been there for a while, adding water will help loosen it up, making it easier to treat with the subsequent methods. Remember: spray cool water and blot gently!
- Next, prepare a paste using baking soda and warm water, then apply this paste over the stained area. Utilizing the toothbrush, gently work the paste into the stain using soft brushing motions. Allow the paste to sit for about half an hour, which gives it time to absorb the residue. In the meantime, feel free to clean other areas of your car.
- After waiting, return to the stain and use the clean cloth to blot the area, effectively removing the baking soda paste from the seat.
- Let the spot dry naturally, and check back later. If you still see the stain, it’s time to bring in the vinegar!
- Mix 1 cup of vinegar with a few squirts of dish detergent and 3 cups of warm water in your spray bottle. Spray this solution generously over the stain and rub gently with a cloth. For better results, you may use a textile brush to work the cleaning solution deeper into the fibers. Allow it to sit for an additional 15 minutes before dabbing the stain with paper towels. Finally, let the area air dry. This time, that stubborn Coke stain should be long gone!