Spilling red wine on a carpet is a disaster that happens way faster than you'd expect. One small misstep and that glass topples, soaking deep into the fibres before you can even grab a towel. Red wine stains on the carpet can surely look dramatic. The good thing is that if you act fast and follow the right steps, there’s a good chance you’ll get that mess out without too much hassle.
Here’s our straightforward guide to help you clean it up, whether the stain is fresh or dried.
Do not rub or scrub the Stain
Scrubbing the stain directly after spilling is probably the worst thing you can do to your carpet. This will only spread the wine and push it deeper into the fibres. Gently blot the stain instead.
Use a clean towel or paper towel to soak up as much wine as you can first. Then press down firmly without wiping to soak up any remaining liquid. Keep at it till the cloth stops picking up colour. Then proceed to the next step.
Use Cold Water with More Blotting
Now pour a small amount of cold water on the stain. This helps dilute the wine and makes it easier to lift. Blot again with a fresh towel. You’ll probably see more of the stain coming up. Repeat this a couple of times, but don’t overdo the water, or you’ll risk spreading the wine further.
Try the Baking Soda Method
Once you’ve soaked up most of the liquid, it’s time for a deeper clean. Make a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. Spread this paste over the stained area and gently press it in. Let it sit till dry, then vacuum it up. Baking soda helps lift stains and absorb leftover moisture and odour.
This method is often more effective than basic soap or detergent, especially when you're unsure about using a store-bought carpet cleaner for red wine stains that might be too strong for your rug.
Use White Vinegar and Dish Soap Combo
If the stain’s being stubborn, mix a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with a tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Dip a cloth in the mix and blot the stain, bit by bit. This method breaks down the wine compounds better than plain soap.
Use another clean, damp cloth after that to remove any leftover soap from the carpet. Too much residue can attract more dirt later on, which beats the point of cleaning in the first place.
How to Get Rid of Red Wine Stains from Carpet That’s Dried?
Didn’t catch the spill in time? Cleaning dried red wine stains from carpet is a bit harder, but not impossible.
First, re-wet the spot with cold water. Don’t soak it, just enough to dampen the area. Then, apply hydrogen peroxide mixed with a little dish soap. This mix helps break down darker pigments and loosen the stain. Test this solution on a hidden patch first, though, just to be safe.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Blot it gently, then rinse with a damp cloth. You may have to repeat it once or twice if the stain’s older or larger.
Try Using The Club Soda and Salt Trick
Club soda can work wonders if used right after the spill. Pour it onto the stain and let the fizz lift the pigment. Blot it as usual, then sprinkle salt on top. Let it sit for an hour or so. The salt absorbs the leftover wine and can be vacuumed up once dry. This is an old-school hack that still works surprisingly well.
When It’s Time to Call in Professionals
Sometimes, nothing you do seems to fix it. If the wine has seeped in for too long or the carpet’s delicate (like wool or silk), it’s probably best to bring in someone who knows what they’re doing.
If your carpet is all worn out or you feel like it’s time to get a fresh look on your floor, we at Direct Carpet Centre have a fantastic range of carpets for you to choose from. Check out our products here.
Final Tips
Here are our final tips for you to remember if you come across a stubborn wine stain, both fresh or an old one:
- Always clean by blotting and not rubbing. Rubbing sets the stain deeper
- Always test any cleaning solution on a small spot first
- Avoid using hot water as it can set the stain
- Work your way from the outside of the stain inwards
- Vacuum the carpet only after everything is dry
Getting wine on the carpet surely isn’t the end of the world. With a bit of patience and using the correct technique, most stains come out without leaving a mark.
FAQs
What’s the best way to get fresh wine stains out of carpet?
You should blot it quickly with a clean towel. After that, use some cold water and a bit more blotting. Use some baking soda paste or club soda with salt next, as it can help lift the rest of the stain.
Can I use a carpet cleaner for red wine stains?
You can, but we suggest you test it on a small area first. Some strong cleaners can bleach or damage certain carpet fibres. If you're not sure, then use natural solutions like vinegar and dish soap.
Can red wine permanently stain carpets if left overnight?
It may, but not always. Soaking with cold water and using hydrogen peroxide with dish soap gives you a good shot at removing even the dried stains. You can always call a professional cleaner if it still doesn’t come out.