If you’ve ever had to deal with beer stains on fabric or upholstery, you may have wondered what the best removal method was for these tricky spots. Discover the best methods for tackling stubborn beer stains on different materials and surfaces, as well as tips for keeping them away for good.

Can Beer Really Stain Surfaces?

Although they are usually light in color, beer stains can leave behind strong odors that can linger if they aren't correctly cleaned. It's easier to clean fresh beer spills, but even dried or older stains can be tackled with the right methods.

How to Remove Beer Stains

Discover different removal methods for specific materials and surfaces.

On Clothing

What You’ll Need:

• Laundry Detergent
• Dish Soap
• Sponge
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda

1. Rinse the stain

Turn the item inside out and use cold water to thoroughly rinse the back of the stain. Never use warm or hot water, as this can set the stain deeper into the fabric.

2. Pre-treat with detergent

Make a solution of liquid laundry detergent (or dish soap) and cold water. Pour it directly onto the affected area. Let it sit for up to 5 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse it with cold water.

3. Spot treat with vinegar

Make a solution of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Use a clean sponge to dab the mixture onto the affected area. Once saturated, use warm water to thoroughly rinse out the vinegar.

4. Wash

Wash the item according to its fabric care instructions.

5. Repeat as needed

Repeat the above steps if lingering odors or stains remain.

Pro tip: Always test detergent or vinegar on an inconspicuous part of the fabric first to ensure they don't lighten or damage the material.

On Upholstery

What You’ll Need:

• Laundry Detergent
• Dish Soap
• Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo
• Sponge
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda

1. Rinse the stain

Turn the item inside out and use cold water to thoroughly rinse the back of the stain.

2. Pre-treat with detergent

Make a solution of liquid laundry detergent (or dish soap) and cold water. Pour it directly onto the affected area. Let it sit for up to 5 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse it with cold water.

3. Spot treat with vinegar

Make a solution of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Use a clean sponge to dab the mixture onto the affected area. Once saturated, use warm water to thoroughly rinse out the vinegar.

4. Treat the stain with carpet shampoo

Mix warm water and cleaner in a bucket, and then soak a clean cloth. Gently agitate the affected area. Repeat steps using fresh warm water and a clean towel to remove any cleaner from the  surface.

5. Repeat as needed

Repeat the above steps if lingering odors or stains remain.

Pro tip: For tough beer stains, look for a natural carpet stain remover that is formulated with bacteria cultures that penetrate deep into the fabric and degrade residual organics that cause stains and odors.

On Carpet

What You’ll Need:

• White Vinegar
• Dish Soap
• Baking Soda
• Paper Towels or Clean Cloths
• Spray Bottle
• Vacuum

1. Spray on vinegar

Make a solution of 2/3 cups water and 1/3 cup vinegar and pour into a spray bottle for easy application. Spray it onto the affected area and then gently blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat this until the spray bottle is empty and the moisture is absorbed.

2. Dish soap

Make a solution using 1 cup of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Apply a small amount to the affected area, then use a clean cloth or paper towel to dab until dry. Repeat this until all the solution is used.

3. Rinse and dry

Use warm water to rinse away any remaining soap, and dab the spot with cloth or towels until it is completely dry. Vacuum the dry carpet.

On Car Seats

What You’ll Need:

• Vacuum
• Paper towels or clean cloths
• Enzyme-based stain remover

1. Vacuum the area

Vacuum loose dust and debris from around the affected area.

2. Blot the stain 

For fresh blemishes, use a clean paper towel or cloth to blot the stain. Continue blotting until your cloth stops picking up liquid. 

3. Apply stain remover 

Saturate the affected area with stain remover, massaging the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for up to 15 minutes or a few hours for best results.

4. Wring out the stain 

In a bowl filled with warm water, saturate a clean cloth or towel, wring it out, and press the damp cloth into the stain. Rock it back and forth with mild pressure to "pull" the stain remover from the surface. Rinse, wring, and repeat as many times as necessary until the blemish particles and stain remover are lifted out.

5. Dry  

Let the damp spots air dry, or if you're in a hurry, you can blot with an absorbent cloth or tissue.

Pro tip: If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you can rent a carpet cleaning machine from a hardware store. Be sure to check the car seat's manufacturer guide first to ensure it won't damage the seats.

On Teeth

What You’ll Need:

• Whitening Toothpaste
• Floss

1. Take special precautions

Many dark beers such as porters and stouts can stain teeth, but you should also avoid artificially colored brews, which can also cause discoloration.

2. Brush regularly

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a start when it comes to removing sugar and sticky residue leftover from beer, preventing tartar buildup and gum disease.

3. Don't forget to floss

Along with brushing, flossing helps target hard-to-reach spots and helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

4. Regular dental cleanings

Getting a professional cleaning from your dentist is another solid defense against tartar and stains.

Pro tip: Eating foods such as celery and cheese is also a good way to coat and clean your teeth while drinking beer. Rinsing your mouth afterward with water and chewing sugar-free gum also helps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are beer stains permanent?

Even older, dried beer stains can be removed if you use the correct method. Be sure to always use cold water to avoid setting stains and odors deeper into fabrics or surfaces. Also, always avoid putting an item in the dryer before the stain has been completely removed.

Do beer stains set in deeper if you don’t wash them immediately?

It’s always best to treat a beer stain as soon as possible for easiest removal. However, if a beer stain has dried over time, you can saturate the affected area with laundry detergent and cold water, and then sprinkle baking soda to absorb the stain and odor. You can also treat the stain with an enzyme-based stain remover for best results.

How do you remove odors left behind by beer stains?

Lingering odors can be deodorized using baking soda, which loosens the liquid particles or odor molecules. Allow it to sit overnight or a few hours for the best results, and then vacuum. 

How do I remove beer stains from delicate fabrics?

For delicate fabrics, you can follow the steps above to treat the stain, but be careful to handle the fabric with care and only hand-wash or dry clean the item according to its fabric care instructions.