Club Soda Worth Its Salt in Stains Fight

One task that can’t wait is cleaning up spills on rugs and carpets.

Stains merit immediate first aid, according to Phillip Costikyan, owner of Restoration by Costikyan in New York, and the best remedy is club soda.

“While the liquid in the soda dilutes the blotch,” Costikyan says, “the salt gently neutralizes acids that are in some of the most common stains, such as pet urine and red wine and coffee.”

Be sure it’s club soda and not seltzer, because seltzer is salt-free.

Also, blot the stain rather than rub it, so the stain doesn’t spread and the fiber doesn’t suffer abrasion.

You may have to consult a professional cleaner later to remove residual marks, but the initial first aid will be invaluable.