How to remove an alcohol stain (rum, plum brandy, liqueur...):
When the toast spills outside the glass

A story from life

"Someone spilled a shot of slivovitz in my lap at a party. At first I took it in stride - it's just a clear liquid, it dries out. But after washing it, there was a grey stain and the shirt smelled strange. Soda, lemon and our tried-and-true EcoHaus paper helped."

- Michal, EcoHaus customer

Why alcohol can stain, even if it's clear

Hard alcohol (rum, plum brandy, vodka, gin, etc.) can contain:

Dyes - especially in rum, cognac or liqueurs
sugars - in liqueurs or fruit spirits
natural flavourings and tannins - which oxidise
high alcohol content - disturbs the structure of the fibre and can grey or lighten the fabric

In addition: the smell of alcohol can linger in fibres - especially in cotton, linen or viscose.

How to treat an alcohol stain step by step

What helps:

Cold or lukewarm water
Baking soda
Citric acid or fresh lemon juice
White vinegar 10%
Sodium percarbonate - for light and white fabrics
EcoHaus Washing Papers

Procedure:

If the stain is fresh, dry lightly with a paper towel - do not rub.
Rinse the spot with cold water on the reverse side - let the residual sugar and aromas wash off.
Apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice or a citric acid solution.
Why it works: Soda draws out sugar and aromas, acid neutralizes alcohol and odor.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then gently wash off.
Wash with EcoHaus washing papers - ideally at 30-40°C.
For light-coloured laundry, add sodium percarbonate.
Why it works: Active oxygen clears grey shadows and helps remove odours.

What not to do

Don't wash without pre-treatment. The stain can be "fixed" by heat.
Do not use hot water immediately. Sugars and pigments will bake into the fabric.
Don't ignore the smell. Even if the stain is not visible, the smell may remain in the fibre.

➙ Tip from Grandma Petra

Lemon water and soda has always helped with alcohol stains - just be sure to act quickly before it dries. If a stain remains, percarbonate and a good drying in the sun will help.

➙ Tip from Vlaďka - the cleaning lady

For residual rum or slivovitz smell I recommend vinegar + baking soda, then brush gently over. Wash with EcoHaus paper, and if the laundry is white - add percarbonate. Works for liquor too.

Dealing with another stain?

At Spotters for beer, wine, tea, juice, coffee, ice cream and ketchup. Or write to Vlaďka - she'll give you advice in seconds in the bottom right corner.

Share your trick

Did you handle the alcohol stain differently? Email your tip to marketing@ecohaus.cz or add a comment. You'll help other celebrants and households where the occasional spill happens.

Summary

An alcohol stain doesn't have to be the end of fun or clothes. You just need to know how to deal with it - and use the right natural helpers. No chemicals, no stress, with joy.