How to remove a Coke and soda stain:
A sweet accident with a surprisingly lasting impact

A story from life

"My son knocked over a glass of Coke on the light-colored tablecloth. We dried it, the stain looked invisible. But after washing - a big, yellowish stain. And a smell that wouldn't go away. Only a mixture of soda, lemon and EcoHaus paper helped. The tablecloth is saved."

- Renata, EcoHaus customer

Why Coke and soda stains are tricky

Sweet drinks (Coke, Fanta, Kofola, Sprite...) contain:

• sugars - they stick, caramelize, promote oxidation
• colouring agents - e.g. caramel (E150), natural and synthetic
• acids - phosphoric, citric... fix pigments into the substance
• aroma and carbon dioxide - can leave an unpleasant odour

The biggest problem is that the stain is not immediately visible, but after drying and washing it appears as a grey or yellow-brown map, often with an odorous residue.

How to treat a lemonade stain step by step

What helps:

• lukewarm water (not hot!)
• Baking soda
• Citric acid or lemon juice
• White vinegar 10%
• Sodium percarbonate - ideal for white/light coloured linen
• EcoHaus Washing Papers

Procedure:

1. Dry the stain gently with a napkin, do not rub, do not press.
2. Rinse with lukewarm water on the reverse side - the sugar is easier to release.
3. Apply a paste of baking soda and lemon or citric acid solution.
   Why it works: Baking soda absorbs sugar, lemon breaks down dyes and neutralizes odor.
4. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, gently wash off.
5. Wash with EcoHaus washing papers at 30-40°C.
6. For light-coloured laundry, add sodium percarbonate.
   Why it works: Active oxygen removes oxidised sugar residues and brightens the fabric.

What not to do

• Don't wait. Sweetened beverages oxidize and the odor eats into the fibers.
• Don't use hot water. You'll burn the sugar and the dye.
• Don't wash without pre-treatment. The stain may "set" and darken.

➙ Tip from Grandma Petra

For sweet sticky spots, a combination of lemon, soda and then wash with percarbonate helps. If that's not possible right away, I recommend at least pre-soaking the stain in water and lemon.

➙ Tip from Vlaďka - the cleaning lady

A mixture of soda and vinegar works well for Coke or Fanta, leave for a while, then gently wash. Shake with paper and add percarbonate. It always cleans even the most stubborn spot - and most importantly, it removes the smell.

Recommended products:

• Baking soda
• Citric acid
• White vinegar 10%
• Sodium percarbonate
• EcoHaus Washing Papers

Looking for another stain?

Look in the Spotter - for wine, beer, chocolate, sauces, tea and coffee. Or email Vlaďka - our handy assistant in the bottom right corner.

Send your trick

Did you manage Coke differently? Send us a tip at marketing@ecohaus.cz or add a comment. We'll be happy to publish and help another household save their t-shirt after the party.

Summary

Coke belongs in a glass, not on a t-shirt. But when an accident happens, you know what to do - soda, lemon, EcoHaus paper and it's over. No chemicals, no stains, no stress.