How to Remove a Red Wine Stain from Carpet

This author (like most people) loves a glass of red and knows first-hand just how hard a big red wine stain is to treat if it's not attended to quickly and effectively.

Fortunately, red wine stains can usually be removed without having to call the professionals, especially if the stain is relatively fresh (day or weeks old, not months old).

 

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Red Wine Stains from Your Carpet

Our Spotless Secret video demonstrates how to remove red wine from a wool carpet with a handful of items you'll generally find in the kitchen.

 

What you'll need:

• Multiple thick towels
• White vinegar
• Non-scented dishwashing detergent
• Lukewarm water
• Spray bottle
• Carpet stain remover (required if the stain is still visible after treatment)

 

Step 1: Get onto the red wine carpet stain early

If the stain is still wet, blot the stain with a large absorbent towel.

Place the towel over the affected area and apply even downward pressure. Do not scrub or wipe from side to side, as this will only spread the stain.

Continue to use dry sections of the towel, folding it double and then standing on the towel to draw up as much of the wine as possible.

When there's no further transfer of colour from the stain to the towel, then you can move to the next step.

 

 

Step 2: Apply white vinegar solution

One of the most effective ways to get red wine out of carpet is to mix white vinegar and water in a misting spray bottle (use a 1:1 ratio).

Liberally apply the vinegar and water solution to the stain, and blot with a clean cloth.

Continue to repeat this process as long as the stain continues to transfer to the cloth (this is also the first step for an old red-wine stain).

 

 

Step 3: Rinse, dry, and blot

The next step in the red wine removal process is to combine a few drops of non-scented dish soap or washing detergent with 1 cup of lukewarm water. Apply the rinsing solution onto the stain with a sponge.

Repeat the blotting process with an absorbent cloth or paper towel until there is no further colour transfer. Personally, I find it easiest to use a towel and stand on the stain for greater absorbency.

 

 

Step 4: Remove excess water and cleaning solution

Sponge an even, heavy amount of fresh water onto the stain to rinse out the remaining vinegar solution.

Once that is done, apply heavy pressure through a thick towel to dry the area. Repeat until the smell of vinegar is no longer present on the carpet.

 

 

Carpet Stain Remover

If a stain is still visible, try a carpet stain remover. We recommend Electrodry's Electro 3 stain remover as it's safe and effective.

If you are using an alternative stain remover, ensure you flush with cold water after treatment, as some stain removers may unset carpet dyes, causing bleach spots.

Please keep in mind that factors such as the age of the stain, exposure to UV light, and the types of cleaning products already used on the stain will impact the chance of the stain being totally removed.

 

 

What to Do With a Red Wine Stain You Can't Budge?

If you were unsuccessful in removing the red wine stain, or you're tackling an older red wine stain, we suggest this quick and easy 3-step method using salt.

The great thing about salt is that it not only helps remove moisture from your carpet but also draws out the pigment from the wine, removing the stain and other discolourations in the process.

 

Step 1: Apply water and salt

Firstly, apply some water to the stain and make sure that the area is moist but not too wet, as the moisture could seep too far into the underlay. Then, all you need to do is spread a generous amount of salt over the wet area.

 

Step 2: Leave overnight

We recommend that you leave the salt to sit overnight and let it work its magic. As the salt absorbs the water from the carpet, it will make the salt turn pinkish as the residue of the wine is absorbed by the salt.

 

Step 3: Scoop and vacuum

The next day, all you need to do is scoop up the remaining salt and then vacuum any remaining residue. You should notice a considerable difference in the intensity and size of the stain.

As mentioned earlier in the article, when cleaning up the remaining salt and residue, it is important not to scrub the area, as this may affect the fibres of your carpet.

 

 

Wine Stain Removal for Solution-Dyed Nylon Carpets

Here's the great news: if you have a solution-dyed nylon carpet, which has only been available for 5 or 6 years, you can probably remove a dry red wine stain yourself.

We recommend using a bottle of Electro 3 stain remover or a mild solution of liquid soap in water to treat the stain. If the stain doesn't lift, you'll need to call the professionals.

 

 

How Does a Professional Treat Red Wine Stains?

If you have had no success with either of those two approaches, then it is best to seek professional carpet stain treatment to try to restore your carpet back to its former glory.

A high quality professional carpet cleaning service such as Electrodry, will carry a range of products designed to treat difficult stains without causing any further damage to the fibres of your carpet.

 

 

Professional Help for Tough Stains

If you've tried these methods and the stain still won't budge, it's time to call in the professionals.

A professional carpet cleaner has the equipment and products to remove tough stains without damaging your carpet.

Acting quickly is crucial, but even dried red wine stains can often be treated with a professional clean. Electrodry's expert technicians have the tools and expertise to tackle stubborn stains like red wine and restore your carpet to its original condition.

 

Need Professional Help?

Call Electrodry on 13 27 13 or book online today.