A sudden hand brush against a soda can, and before you know it, fizzy drinks like Pepsi or Coke have splashed all over your papers and textbooks. But don’t despair! While soda stains can be more challenging to clean due to their sticky nature, these steps can help you recover your documents or books and make them readable again.
1. Immediate Cleaning for Fresh Stains
What You’ll Need:
- A clean, soft towel
- Cold water or club soda
- A flat, clean surface
- An iron
How to Clean Pepsi/Soda Stains from a Book or Paper
- Lift and Drain: Immediately lift the book or document, allowing the liquid to drain downward. Avoid pressing or rubbing to prevent further damage.
- Rinse Gently: If the paper is sturdy enough, gently flow cold water or club soda over the affected area to help drain the remaining soda, taking care not to rub or scrub.
- Absorb Moisture: Place a clean, soft towel over the wet area and gently press to absorb the moisture. Let it sit for a few minutes if necessary.
- Dry: Allow the document or book to air dry. If needed, use a medium-heated iron, placing a cloth between the iron and the paper to prevent direct contact.
Quick Tip:
Paper is delicate, so be careful not to tear the pages when you are blotting the stain. Don’t use harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach, can damage the paper.
Related:
How to Clean Tea or Coffee Stains from Books
2. Cleaning Hard Covers or Sturdy Papers
What You’ll Need:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Small bowl
- Sponge or brush
- Lukewarm water
- Soft cloth
- Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- Hair dryer
How to Remove Stains from Sturdy Papers or Hard Covers
- Blot Excess Liquid: Use a dry, folded paper towel to blot the excess liquid. Avoid rubbing or wiping.
- Prepare Sudsy Solution: Mix dishwashing liquid and water in a small bowl.
- Apply Solution: Dip a sponge or brush into the mixture, then rub it on the stained paper.
- Rinse: Rinse with lukewarm water, blot dry with a clean, soft cloth, and let air-dry overnight.
- Repeat if Necessary: Repeat until all stains are gone. If needed, use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and dab gently. Dry with a hair dryer on low heat.
Spilling soda on books or documents is an unfortunate mishap that many of us encounter. Following these steps can help you make the most of a bad situation. With careful cleaning and patience, you can get your documents to look respectable and legible once again.