Juice stains can be stubborn — especially red juices like fruit punch, cherry, cranberry, and sports drinks. Whether the spill hit your carpet, area rug, or couch, the key is acting fast and using the right cleaning method so the sugars and dyes don’t set.

This guide will show you step-by-step methods to remove fresh juice stains and older, dried-in stains from carpet or upholstery — plus what to avoid so you don’t accidentally spread or worsen the stain.

You’ll also find helpful links to services like
Carpet Cleaning, Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning, Area Rug Cleaning, and Air Duct Cleaning throughout this guide.

Why Juice Stains Are So Difficult to Remove

Juices contain dyes, sugars, and sometimes acids, all of which bond quickly to carpet fibers and upholstery fabric. The longer the stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove — especially brightly colored drinks.

Professional cleaning is always the best long-term solution, but these DIY tips will help minimize or eliminate the stain before your cleaning appointment.

How to Remove Fresh Juice Stains from Carpet

1. Blot — Don’t Rub

Use a clean towel or paper towels to blot up as much liquid as possible.
Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.

2. Mix a Simple Cleaning Solution

Combine:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Vinegar helps break down dyes while dish soap loosens sticky sugars.

3. Apply the Solution to the Stain

Use a cloth or spray bottle.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

4. Blot Again Until No Color Transfers

Repeat as needed.

5. Rinse with Warm Water

This prevents soap residue from attracting dirt later.

If the stain is still visible, a professional Carpet Cleaning service will fully extract residue trapped beneath the carpet surface.

How to Remove Juice Stains from a Couch or Upholstery

Juice soaks deeper into furniture fabrics and often spreads wider than you think.

1. Absorb Excess Liquid Immediately

Use a dry towel and gently press.

2. Spot-Test Your Cleaning Solution

Test on an inconspicuous area first — some fabrics react differently.

3. Use the Same Vinegar/Dish Soap Solution

Lightly dab it onto the stain.
Do not over-soak your couch — moisture can cause rings or odors.

4. Blot Until the Stain Lifts

Always blot upward to avoid spreading.

If the stain is older or deep within the cushions, Furniture & Upholstery Cleaning will extract the juice and leave the fabric refreshed.

How to Remove Old or Dried Juice Stains

Once juice dries, it can leave behind a sticky, dyed residue that attracts more dirt.

Here’s how to treat it:

1. Loosen the Stain with Warm Water

Dampen the area lightly to soften the dried sugars.

2. Apply a Stronger DIY Solution

Mix:

• 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
• ½ teaspoon dish soap

Note: Hydrogen peroxide is safe for most light carpets but may lighten dark fabrics — test first.

3. Lightly Agitate with a Soft Brush

This helps lift deeper pigments.

4. Blot Until the Carpet Stops Releasing Color

If the stain persists, professional cleaning is recommended — especially if the spill reached the carpet pad, which home cleaning cannot reach.

Natural Options for Juice Stain Removal

If you prefer chemical-free cleaning:

Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water and spread onto the stain.
Let dry, then vacuum.

Club Soda

Helps lift fresh stains from both carpet and upholstery.

Lemon Juice

Natural bleaching effect — works best on light carpets (spot-test first).

Avoid These Common Juice-Stain Mistakes

❌ Using hot water on a fresh stain — can “cook” the sugar and dye into the fibers.
❌ Scrubbing hard — spreads the stain.
❌ Using too much cleaner — creates residue that attracts dirt later.
❌ Skipping the rinse step — leftover soap causes re-soiling.
❌ Ignoring the stain for hours — juice dries fast.

When to Call a Professional

DIY methods work well for fresh stains, but you should schedule Carpet Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning, or Area Rug Cleaning if:

• the stain keeps reappearing
• the spill soaked deep into the carpet pad
• your couch absorbed juice into the cushions
• you’re dealing with red dye (the hardest to remove)
• you want the fibers sanitized and deodorized

A professional team can fully flush out the juices, sugars, dyes, and odors that DIY methods leave behind.

How to Prevent Future Juice Stains

Use these tips to reduce spills and make cleaning easier:

• Apply a carpet or upholstery protector
• Use spill-proof cups for kids
• Clean spills immediately — every second matters
• Keep a stain-removal kit at home
• Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly

And for long-term indoor air cleanliness, pair these habits with regular Air Duct Cleaning as well.

Final Takeaway

Juice stains can be frustrating — especially red or sugary ones — but with the right steps you can remove most stains at home. For deep stains on carpet, couches, or area rugs, professional cleaning is the best way to restore the fibers without causing damage.

If you’re dealing with a tough spill or want deeper cleaning, you can easily Request a Quote and get help removing even the most stubborn juice stains.