soda in gear shift

I believe I spilt either pop or sweet tea in my gear shift. It sticks (just a little) when I try to move it (especially on colder mornings). How concerned do I need to be about this? Do I need to get it cleaned out, and if so, how much will it cost me? I do not remember how much I spilt, but I am thinking it wasn't a whole lot, but I know it was enough to seep down into the gear shifter. Any help would be truly appreciated. I am planning on trading this car in, in the Spring and so if I don't have to pay to get it fixed, I would rather not.

What kind of car do you have ? Is it an automatic or a manual shift ? More info is needed .