How to Remove Glow Stick Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

Before You Begin

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, immediately blot away the stain with a dry white paper towel. Then blot the stain with a white cloth dipped in plain cool water. Work from the outside edges of the stain toward the center to keep the stain from getting larger. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the dye is transferred. As soon as possible, head to the dry cleaner and point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner.

If the stain is small and you decide to use a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

How to Remove Glow Stick Stains From Clothes

1. Flush the Stain With Water

   To flush the stain, hold the fabric under a cold water faucet running at full force. Flush from the wrong side of the fabric to force the glow stick stain out the face of the fibers, especially if the fabric is plush like a fake fur. Be aware that the inner capsule of the glow stick may leave small glass shards in the fabric.

2. Soak the Stain in Oxygen-Based Bleach

   The stain should be allowed to soak overnight in a solution of cool water and oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean, Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener or OXO Brite). Fill a deep sink or plastic tub with cool water and add the amount of oxygen bleach suggested on the package. Completely submerge the stained fabric in the solution. This cleaning solution is safe to use on all washable fabrics, white and colored except for silk, wool, and anything trimmed with leather.

   If the dye is still visible, mix a fresh solution and repeat the soaking process.

3. Wash as Usual

   Wash the fabric as recommended on the care label using a heavy-duty laundry detergent.

How to Remove Glow Stick Stains From Carpet or Upholstery

If a glow stick breaks above a carpet, be careful of the tiny shards of glass that might have been caught up in the fibers.  

The same cleaning solutions and steps recommended for carpet should be used to clean glow stick stains from upholstery. Take care not to over-wet the fabric with the cleaning solutions because that can cause moisture problems in the cushion filling.

1. Blot Away the Glow Stick Liquid

   Immediately blot up as much of the moisture as possible with a paper towel. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to keep it from spreading and getting larger.

2. Vacuum Away Glass Shards

   After carefully blotting away the liquid dye, vacuum the stained area to remove any glass shards before treating the stain.

3. Mix Cleaning Solution

   Mix a solution of one teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent, one-fourth cup distilled white vinegar, and one cup of cool water. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and work it into the stained area.

4. Blot the Area

   Blot away the cleaning solution with a dry white paper towel. Next, dip a clean white cloth into plain cool water and wipe, rinse, and blot the area. It is important to rinse the cloth as you go, leaving the soapy solution in the carpet will attract soil.

5. Air-Dry

   Allow the area to air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat. Vacuum well to lift the carpet fibers.