Tools and Materials
Tools
Spoon or blunt knife
- Dry cloth
- Paper towels
- Vacuum cleaner
Materials
Cold water
Salt (optional for fresh stains)
Baking soda (optional for older stains)
- Dish soap
White vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
How to Get Red Wine Out of Carpet
When red wine hits the carpet, speed is your best friend. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stained area. The goal here is to soak up as much wine as possible, ideally before it seeps deep into the carpet fibers. Make sure you're patting gently. Rubbing might spread the stain wider.
In this scenario, the faster you start cleaning up a spill, the easier it will be to remove the stain.
Salt is a readily available and highly effective tool for absorbing red wine. After blotting, generously sprinkle salt over the damp stain. The salt will draw the wine out of the carpet fibres as it absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then vacuum the area to remove the salt.
After blotting, gently pour cold water over the stained section. This action helps dilute the remaining wine, making it easier to blot out. With fresh cloths or towels, continue dabbing gently. This step is about decreasing the wine's concentration and not spreading it.
Alternative Stain Removal Methods
- Try Baking Soda Paste
For stubborn stains, create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. Apply the paste directly to the stain, gently pressing it into the fibers. Let it dry completely, then vacuum the residue.
- Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
If the stain persists, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Test this solution on a hidden area of your carpet first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration. Once tested, apply the mixture to the stain using a cloth. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then blot with a clean, damp cloth.
Ensure proper ventilation while using hydrogen peroxide and wear gloves to protect your skin.
Now, it's time to prepare a DIY carpet-friendly cleaning solution. Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with a tablespoon of white vinegar in two cups of warm water. This concoction is gentle on carpets but hard on stains. Vinegar breaks down the wine molecules, while the soap lifts the residue from the fibers.
Dip a fresh cloth into your homemade solution, wring it out slightly and pat over the stain again. You want to moisten the area without soaking it. Let the solution sit over the stain for a few minutes to work its magic, then use a dry cloth to gently blot it. As you do this, you should start seeing the stain fading away.
After you've used the cleaning mix on the stain, put a little cold water on it to rinse it off. Next, get a dry cloth and pat the area to soak up the water and any wine that is left behind. Rinsing like this helps remove any soap that's still there, as this could make more dirt stick if you don't clean it up properly.
To dry the stained area, layer some paper towels over the treated spot and place a heavy book or object on top of it. This method helps absorb any remaining moisture. Leave it for a few hours or even overnight to make sure that the carpet dries completely.
Make sure that the carpet is fully dry to prevent any mold growth later.
Once the carpet is dry, use a vacuum cleaner on the spot. This helps to lift the carpet fibers, making your carpet look as good as new. Vacuuming not only restores the texture but also removes any remaining particles that could be clinging to the carpet fibers.
Regular vacuuming after cleaning helps maintain the carpet’s appearance and prevents dirt build-up.
Following these steps will help you tackle a red wine spill efficiently, preserving the beauty and longevity of your carpet.