Today’s homework? Find out how to remove red wine stains from carpets! We were surprised to learn that there are several ways to do this.
However, there are two important things to bear in mind when removing that red stain from your beautiful carpet:
- Time is of the essence – don’t think, “I’ll get to it later.” In fact, right now is the best time, because letting the red wine settle into the fabric will make it tougher to remove.
- Blot, don’t rub – most experts caution against rubbing too vigorously. People often believe that rubbing hard on the stain will speed up the process, but that’s not the case. Rubbing can actually cause more damage. The better approach is to blot gently!
So, time and blotting should be your top priorities when removing red wine stains from your carpet. And here’s a third rule: stay calm, don’t get upset with the person who accidentally knocked over that glass! Red wine stains don’t justify replacing the carpet, as there are effective ways to remove them.
We’ve divided our tips into (a) home remedies and (b) commercial products. If these tips don’t work, there’s always a third option: call in the pros!
Let’s start with home remedies for removing wine from carpet, followed by commercial cleaning products.
Home Solutions
- Spilled red wine? Bring out the white! That’s right! As soon as red wine stains your carpet, reach for that white bottle of wine. While there are no guarantees it will make the stain disappear, white wine can neutralize the chemicals in red wine, making it easier to lift off. Pour some white wine on the spot and gently blot with a thick towel. If you don’t have white wine handy, try vodka.
- After applying the white wine and allowing most of the liquid to be absorbed by blotting, now is the best time to apply some carpet shampoo to the red wine stain.
- Do you have any club soda on hand? This can also help lift the stain due to carbonation. The salt in the club soda will prevent the liquid from settling deep into the carpet fibers.
- Speaking of salt, it is considered an effective remedy, but it won’t remove the stain. It will simply keep the wine from settling into the fibers until you decide how to tackle the stain.
- Take a teaspoon of your carpet shampoo (you may need more depending on the size of the stain) and mix it with one cup of hydrogen peroxide. Soak a sponge in the mixture and gently blot the stain until the color fades. When you’re satisfied, apply warm water to the spot and blot with a clean linen towel or paper towel. If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, a 50/50 water and glycerin mixture is a good substitute. Always use lukewarm water.
Commercial Wine Cleaning Products
If you have cleaning solutions specifically for carpet stains, use them. People have shared their experiences and some solutions work quite well. Among them:
Scotchgard’s Oxy Carpet Cleaner – This inexpensive product is usually sold at retail outlets like Walmart and Target. Some supermarkets also sell it. Manufactured by 3M, a reputable company, it not only removes stains but also protects carpets, giving them that fresh, brand-new look. Scotchgard Oxy Carpet Cleaner also leaves a pleasant scent and eliminates odors from food and drink.
Wine Away – An appropriately named product, Wine Away is a popular brand among homeowners. In one discussion forum, a homeowner mentioned that this product works well, even on stains that have already set. The company claims that Wine Away has been reviewed in publications such as Food and Wine, Gourmet Cooking, Good Housekeeping, and others. It has a citrus scent and is safe to use around children and pets because it contains no bleaching agents or phosphates.
Here’s what the Wine Away company recommends: spray Wine Away on the stain, wait, and blot! Let the treated area dry, then follow with a damp rag to remove any excess.
Tip: The best way to blot a stain is to press your thumb into a rag or paper towel, place it on the stain, and turn your finger clockwise. Try not to rub the stain, as you may cause fraying of the fibers.
Important tip: If you used substances like salt or ammonia before trying Wine Away, you may have set the stain. If so, saturate the stain with Wine Away and let it penetrate the fibers for 20-30 minutes. Then blot the stain as mentioned above and let the treated area dry. If the stain remains, repeat the process.
Other commercial products include Shout, Quick and Brite, and Dri-Clean. When using these products, always use warm water, blot, and let the solution sit.
Let the Pros Remove Red Wine Stains from Carpet
The advantage of leaving this task to professionals is that they have access to industrial-strength cleaners and steamers. Stubborn stains can be eliminated with stronger chemicals and more sophisticated equipment. Honest professional carpet cleaners will not only remove stains and deep steam your carpet, but they will also advise you on how to maintain your carpets for the long term.
Clean carpets are an indispensable component of health and safety in the home. Experts can guide you on how to maintain your family’s health with clean, non-toxic carpets.
A final note: If you have an expensive carpet purchased overseas and you’re unsure how to remove stains from it, it’s best to call the experts. You wouldn’t want to ruin an expensive Oriental or Persian rug by using cleaning agents in haste.
