A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Red Wine Out of Your Carpet

If you’ve ever spilled red wine on your white carpet, you know how frustrating it can be to remove the stain. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can save even the most delicate of carpets from permanent staining. In this article, we’ll provide you with some beginner-level stain removal tips to help you get rid of red wine stains on your carpet, as well as on your upholstery and pillows.

The key to successfully removing red wine stains is to act fast and use the right products and techniques. With the right approach, you can remove even the toughest of stains from your carpet and furniture without causing any damage. So, whether you’re dealing with a fresh spill or an old stain, read on to learn how to get rid of red wine stains like a pro.

Getting Fresh Red Wine Stains Out of Carpet

Accidents happen, and sometimes red wine spills on the carpet. Don’t panic, though, because there are ways to remove the stain. Here’s how to get fresh red wine stains out of carpet:

1. Blot
   • As soon as the wine hits the carpet, use white paper towels or napkins to absorb as much liquid as possible.
   • Keep moving to dry towels to prevent redepositing the stain and apply pressure to the towels to reach the bottom of the fibers.
   • Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and push the liquid deeper into the carpet fibers.
2. Choose a Stain Remover
   • There are several excellent commercial red wine stain removers on the market, including Wine Away, Carbona Stain Devil, and Chateau Spill Red Wine Remover. Follow the label directions when using one of these cleaners.
3. Or, Treat the Stain with a DIY Solution
   • Mix a DIY solution with 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water.Add the solution to a spray bottle.Starting at the outside edges of the stain, spritz on the cleaning solution until the stain is saturated.Let the solution work for at least five to 10 minutes.
   If the wine stain is on an area rug atop a hardwood floor, place an absorbent cloth or plastic trash bag under the stained area before you begin the stain removal process. This will help keep the floor underneath dry during the stain removal process and prevent dark watermarks on the hardwood.
4. Blot, Rinse, and Dry
   • Use paper towels or a microfiber cloth to blot away the cleaning solution and the stain.
   • Keep moving to dry towels as the stain transfers.
   • When the stain is gone, dip a clean microfiber towel in clean water and wring until it is just damp.
   • Rinse the freshly cleaned area of the carpet to remove any traces of soapy residue.
   • Don’t allow any walking on the damp carpet and allow it to air dry away from direct heat.
   • Vacuum the dried carpet to lift the fibers back in place.

With these steps, you can effectively remove fresh red wine stains from your carpet. Remember to act quickly, blot the stain, and choose the appropriate cleaning solution to ensure the best results.

Removing Dried or Reappearing Red Wine Stains

Red wine stains can be a nightmare to remove, especially if they have dried or reappeared. Here’s what you can do to get rid of them:

• Dried red wine stains: If you come across an old dried red wine stain, don’t worry. You can still remove it by spritzing the area with plain water. This will help to “reconstitute” the wine, making it easier to clean. Once you have done this, follow the same steps recommended for fresh wine spills. Blot the stain with a clean cloth, apply a cleaning solution, and then blot again until the stain is gone.
• Reappearing wine stains: If you have cleaned a red wine stain, but it has reappeared, don’t panic. This is a common occurrence, especially on shag or deep pile carpets. The reason for this is that the fibers were not fully cleaned down to the carpet backing. As the fibers dry, the wine stain wicks its way up the fibers to reappear on the surface. To remove the stain, repeat the cleaning process, making sure that the cleaning solution reaches the bottom of the fibers on the backing.
• Residual red wine discoloration: If you can still see a hint of pink on a white or light-colored carpet, mix a solution of oxygen-bleach powder and warm water following the dilution ratio on the product instructions. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and saturate the stained area. Wait at least 30 minutes before blotting the area with a dry cloth. If discoloration remains, mix a fresh solution of oxygen-bleach and water and repeat the steps.

It is important to note that oxygen-based bleach is safe to use on all colors of synthetic carpet. However, it should NOT be used on wool carpets because it can leave the fibers brittle and prone to breaking.

By following these simple steps, you can remove dried or reappearing red wine stains from your carpets and keep them looking clean and fresh.

Don’t Waste Your Time on These Red Wine Stain Myths

When it comes to removing red wine stains, there are many myths out there that simply don’t work. Here are some common myths that you should avoid:

• Sparkling water is not necessary to dilute a red wine stain. Plain water works just as well.
• Sprinkling salt on the stain and scrubbing it can damage the carpet fibers. It won’t remove the stain either.
• Milk, beer, and white wine may dilute the wine, but they leave behind a residue of sugars and fats that must be removed.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or hydrogen peroxide, as they can discolor most carpet fibers. Stick to gentler cleaning solutions.