Does sparkling water really stain more? What does science say?

It is recommended to use sparkling water to remove wine and other beverage stains from clothes, tablecloths and carpets in different locations. Do you really work?

On many websites and social platforms, there are many suggestions on how to remove dirt stains through natural remedies or “on the go”, when you don’t have the time and how to treat clothes. — or perhaps a tablecloth or rug — with a special product ad or take it to the laundromat. Although there is a solid scientific basis for many of these indications, in other cases, so-called “grandmother’s remedies” are not entirely effective (or at least not in all circumstances). One of the most telling cases is that of the stain removal efficacy of sparkling water, which is said to be better than regular water. But is it really so? Let’s see what the science says.

siptrend.com is specified that to remove the stain with sparkling water, it is necessary to follow a procedure based on four stages: pour sparkling water over the stain; Rub the stain (vigorously on the carpet, gently on the clothing); rinse the stained area with clean water; Pat the area with a dry cloth (repeat until the problem is resolved). Among the stains that can be removed by the procedure — the results of which are not guaranteed, the site explains — include those from red wine, sugary drinks, and those caused by pets. The sooner the intervention after the “damage”, the higher the chances of success. In practice, it is necessary to intervene immediately before the stain dries. However, sparkling water is not a miracle for removing stains. Small residue from the stain may remain, which may require additional cleaning methods or even the help of a professional dry cleaner or carpet cleaning company. But sparkling water is a great place to start when you find yourself in “panic mode” after pouring a drink or an animal urinating in the house. If you have it on hand, it’s definitely worth a try,” concludes Gateway.

But is this really the case? Not exactly, explains Professor Pete Wishnock, a chemist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (known by the acronym MIT). In an article published in the American journal Scientifica, the scientist pointed out that “there is no particularly valid chemical reason for the need to remove stains from a soft drink: it is basically water with dissolved carbon dioxide with some salts. The expert adds that sparkling water – also known as carbonated water or Carbonated Water or Carbonated Water (Highly Carbonated) – Weakly acidic, “so can discolor stains that can act as acid-base indicators.” Carbon dioxide is added to create classic bubbles, a carbonation process that generates a small amount of carbonic acid in water. This will be compounded with whatever salts are present to help remove stains.After all, other weak acids—such as white vinegar—are used as stain removers due to their low pH.

Professor Wishnock points out that sparkling water worked several times to remove wine stains from carpeting in the home but was not removed from the tablecloth; According to the expert, the success of the entire operation lies in the speed of the intervention (also specified in the portal) and the type of tissue involved. The above rug is actually made of synthetic material, which takes longer to absorb liquids. But according to the expert, even plain water would have made the same contribution with tissue. In the case of the tablecloth, the sparkling water will simply dilute the surrounding wine and slow down the “setting” of the compounds, leaving the washer to do the rest of the work. Professor Wishnock commented, “My conclusion is that if sparkling water works, then stagnant water will probably work as well.”