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How to remove a juice spill:
• Washable fabrics: Start out by blotting the juice spill with a clean white cloth moistened with warm water. Keep doing this until no more of the juice wicks up into the blotting cloth. Next, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the warm water and apply it to the fabric. Tap the cloth covering the spot with the back of a spoon. This helps press the detergent into the fabric weave where it can act on the spill; chafing the fabric isn't as effective and may abrade the fibers. Finally, wash the garment immediately by hand or in a washing machine. If this isn't practical, soak the item in water until you're ready to wash it.
• Dry-clean-only garments: Take the item to a professional dry cleaner right away, or use a clean white cloth to apply a solvent-based spot remover that's safe for the fabric. Labeling on widely available products such as Carbona or K2r will let you know this. All label instructions should be followed for both effectiveness and safety, particularly when working with any aerosol product.
• Carpeting may be spot-treated in the same way as washable garments. Clean the spot with clear hand-dishwashing liquid diluted in water. To rinse away the solution, add a few drops of clean water to the spot, and then use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to remove the solution. Blot remaining moisture with a clean, white cloth. If some of the spill remains, try applying a solution 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) white vinegar in a cup (240 ml) of water. Remove the solution by vacuuming and blotting. Rinse by dripping a small amount of clear water on the spot; repeat vacuuming and blotting to remove moisture.
Caution: Don't use laundry detergents and enzyme spot removers on carpeting. These products can degrade fibers or bleach colors permanently. Avoid over-wetting the pile to prevent damage to the carpet backing. You only need a drop or two at a time for small spots, and several drops for larger ones.
Hint: Be sure the vacuum nozzle is free of dust and dirt before using it on carpeting.
If you don't have a carpet spotter at home to rinse the treated area, you can accomplish the same objective by spraying on clear water and rapidly vacuuming it up with a wet-dry vacuum. Use any hand-held spray bottle and repeat the rinse-and- vacuum cycle until you are confident no detergent residue remains.
Reference:
Jeff Bredenberg, editor, in Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine.
