How to Get a Red Wine Stain Out of Your Carpet

You are partying with your friends and suddenly a glass of red wine topples over the table and spills onto your favorite carpet – the scary moment that draws you into anger!

Well, this is a common scenario - drinking, getting high and then spilling (both literally and metaphorically). Do not fret if this happens to you.

Although red wine stains are definitely stubborn, especially if you happen to own a white carpet, there are techniques with which you can remove the stain completely.

As with all other household stains, the key to the formula is the sooner, the better. If you begin working on the it the very moment after it happens, or at least before it sets into the carpet, you’ll have a better chance of getting rid of the stain.

There are multiple ways you can remove even the worst of red wine spills. While there is always the choice of conventional methods like calling a professional, the expensive charges may leave you on the hunt for something that is cost-effective and quick.

Here are some quick, out-of-the-box methods to help you get a red wine spill out of your carpet.

Method 1: Using Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide

Things you’ll need:

• Dish soap – 1 tablespoon
• Hydrogen peroxide – 2 tablespoons
• Cleaning sponge
• Towel
• Paper towel
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Funnel

Step 1. Blot the wet stain

Soak up as much liquid as possible using paper towels.

Step 2. Pour hydrogen peroxide and dish soap into a spray bottle

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that helps lessen the deep color of a red wine stain.

Using a funnel, pour 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle.

Step 3. Spray and rub the solution over the stain

• Spray the soap solution over the stain and gently rub it with a sponge.
• Soak the sponge in plain water and rub it over the stain again to clean up any traces of the soap solution.

Step 4. Pat dry

Pat the carpet dry using a cotton cloth and then a paper towel. This will allow the leftover stain and the solution to be absorbed into the cloth.

Method 2: Using White Vinegar and Dish Soap

Things you’ll need:

• White vinegar – 2 tablespoons
• Dish soap – 1 tablespoon
• Cleaning sponge
• Paper towel
• Spray bottle

Step 1. Blot the wet spill

Use a paper towel to blot the stain.

It will absorb all the excess wine and help prevent the stain from seeping further into the fabric.

Step 2. Make a solution of white vinegar and dish soap

• Pour 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle.
• Shake well until bubbles appear in the solution.

Step 3. Spray the solution over the stain

Spray the soap solution evenly over the wine stain.

Step 4. Clean up using water

Soak a sponge in water and wipe away the stain.

This also helps remove any traces of soap that may be leftover in the carpet.

Method 3: Using Baking Soda and Water

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda – 2 tablespoons
• Water
• Vacuum cleaner
• Paper towel

Step 1. Blot the wet stain

Using a paper towel, soak up as much of the wine as possible.

This helps prevent further penetration of the liquid deeper into the fabric.

Step 2. Make a paste with baking soda and water

Baking soda is a leavening agent and also contains salts that restrict the stain from setting in, thus allowing easy removal.

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a paste.

Step 3. Spread the paste over the spill

• Apply this paste all over the stain, leaving no corner uncovered.
• Allow the baking soda paste to sit for 3 to 4 hours, so that it dries completely.

Step 4. Vacuum the area clean

After the paste has dried, run a vacuum cleaner over the stain to absorb all the baking soda along with the red wine.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid using warm water on wine stains, as this can speed up the setting process and make the stain more difficult to remove.
• In a pinch of time or if you are traveling, rub white toothpaste on the stain to remove it.
• The best option for cleaning up freshly spilled stain is using salt. Sprinkle some salt over the stain, as this helps absorb the wine.
• Do not use white wine to clean up a red wine mess. Both wines are fruit juices and will have some color of the fruit.
• Do not try rubbing a cloth over the stain to remove it. This only worsens the stain by pushing the liquid further into the fabric.
• Always use a clean cloth to blot and soak up the wine as much as possible.