How to Remove Liquor Stains

Gerda, “How to get zambuca stains out of a lace dress?”

Table of Contents:

Removing the Stain
Additional Tips and Advice
Sources

Regardless of the type of liquor, the stains can be removed the same way. If the liquor is not removed quickly, the sugar in it can cause a dark brown stain that is difficult to remove, if not impossible. Follow the steps below to remove the stains.¹

Removing the Stain

You Will Need:

Water or seltzer
Dish liquid
White vinegar
Borax

Steps to Remove the Stain:

For a fresh spill, blot up as much liquid as possible.
Rinse the area with cold water or seltzer.²
Mix a small amount of dish liquid with water to make suds. Blot the stain with the soapy water, wait a few minutes for the soap to loosen the stain, then rinse the area.²
For stubborn stains, combine 1 part vinegar to 1 part water³ and blot the stain with the solution. This solution is also the best choice if your liquor was mixed with cola or juice.²
Another option is borax. Mix a teaspoon in a cup of water, then blot the stain with the solution.⁴
When the stain is removed, launder the garment as usual.²

Additional Tips and Advice

Do not use heat on the garment until you are sure the stain is removed as heat can cause an alcohol stain to become permanent.¹
Alcohol can react with your clothing dye and the resulting stains from that that are usually permanent.²