How to Get Red Wine Out of a Carpet: Step-by-Step Stain Removal Guide

Beautifying your home with rugs is a great aesthetic decision. But most carpets are made of absorbent materials, and accidents like a wine spill can stain them. Still, before you panic, know that with the right tools and techniques, you can tackle the spill in time. Our detailed guide will help you master how to get a fresh, dried, or old red wine stain out of a carpet.

Why are Red Wine Stains so Stubborn?

The pigmentation in red wine and its production materials make wine stains stubborn.

What Makes Red Wine Pigment Hard to Remove

Did you know that the color of red wine is completely natural? Here’s how!

• Chromogens: This is the main substance in many colorful plants used for making dyes.

• Tannins: It is a naturally occurring element in red wine, also used for ink production.

Basically, a bottle of red wine is like a giant bottle filled with red color. So, handle with care around your carpets.

How does the Type of Carpet Fiber Affect Stain Removal

Carpet fibers are made from delicate and tough materials. Hence, the cleaning process will differ based on the type of material. 

For instance;

To clean wine out of natural fibers like wool and cotton, use a solution of white vinegar and cold water to blot the stain. Whereas, for synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene, gently scrub the stain with a hydrogen peroxide and dish soap solution. Then steam clean.

What to do Immediately After a Spill?

The first thing to do is act fast. If you wait longer, the stain will be harder to remove.

Gently Blot the Spill

To start removing the spill,

• Take a clean cloth. Using the blotting method, gently dab the stain to prevent it from spreading.
• Avoid aggressive rubbing as it can damage the carpet fibers.

 Apply Cold Water

After you’ve blotted the wine from the carpet,

• Pour cold water (below 60°F) on the stained area for the initial rinse.
  
• This helps to dilute fresh red wine stains.
  
• Blot the spot until the stain is out.

Also Read: How to remove stains from Area Rugs?

Home Remedies on How to Get Red Wine Out of a Carpet

After most of the spill is out, it’s time to use a combination of home remedies to completely remove the stain.

Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizer with a 3% concentration, helps to lift stains. The mild bleaching agent is used to remove dark wine pigments.

Remember: Test the solution on an area of the carpet that’s less exposed. If all goes well,

• Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the stain.
• Mix hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing soap (2:1).
  
• Apply the solution to the stain, then blot.
  
• Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes to an hour.
  
• Blot the stain out.
• Repeat the process until it’s gone.
  

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is alkaline, abrasive, and effective for lifting stains. You must,

• Use a clean cloth to blot the stain.
• Pour cold water on the stain, then blot again.
• Mix water and baking soda (1:3) to create a paste.
• Apply the mixture to the stain.
  

After the baking soda paste dries, use an upright vacuum cleaner to remove the residue.

 White Vinegar and Dish Soap

White vinegar, a household cleaner, is about 5% acidic. It neutralizes deep carpet stains, including red wine stains. Additionally, liquid dish soap degreases the stain. It breaks down alcohol-based stains consisting of tannins, sugars, and ethanol.

• Blot the stain with a cloth.
• Mix dishwashing soap and white vinegar (1:1) with two cups of water.
• Stir the ingredients and pour the solution on the stain.
• Blot frequently with a clean cloth until the stain disappears.
  

Pro Tip: Pouring a small amount of lemon juice and dish soap directly on the carpet stain is also an effective stain remover.

Club Soda Hack

The carbonation of club soda can dissolve red wine pigments. After blotting the stain with a clean cloth,

• Pour a small amount of club soda on the stain.
• Blot again and let it sit overnight.
• If the stain doesn’t go, repeat the process.
• Blot until the stain is gone.
  

Use Salt to Lift Stains

If a stain has already dried,

• Dab some water to moisten the dry stain.
• Add salt liberally to the stain. Don’t scrub or blot.
• Leave it overnight.
• If the salt has crystallized and has a pinkish hue, it means the wine has been absorbed.
• Vacuum the crystallized salt to remove the wine stain.
  

How to Get Old or Dried Red Wine Out of a Carpet?

You may need something stronger to remove an old, dried wine stain.

Rehydrate the Stain with Cold Water

Another way to get red wine out of a carpet is with cold water.

• First, apply some water to rehydrate the stain.
• Next, gently dampen it with cold water.
• Then, with a clean cloth or paper towel, dab the stain.
• Repeat the process until no more wine pigment comes out.
  

Also Read: How to Dry Wet Carpets?

Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum

Here’s how;

• Soak the stain in a heavy-duty, oxygen-based, deep-cleaning solution. Leave it for about 10 minutes so that it lifts the old wine stain from the carpet's fibers.
• Then, use the vacuum’s “Wet Mode” to remove the liquid.
• Do this until the stain comes off.
  

Try Professional-Grade Stain Removers

Professional-grade stain removers available in-store help remove tougher wine stains. While you should refer to the manufacturer's label for the removal process, here’s a quick guide.

• Apply the remover to the stain and let it soak for about five minutes.
• Blot gently with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up excess liquid.
• Repeat the process until the stain comes off.
  

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Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Wine Stains

Avoid Using Hot Water First

Hot water, above 120°F, will cause a red wine stain to set permanently. Instead, use cold water, and gradually blot the stain out. Avoid using too much water, as it can cause the stain to reappear later.

Don’t Scrub Aggressively

Vigorous over-scrubbing will damage the carpet fibers, whether it’s synthetic or natural. In addition, the wine may spread to a wider area. Treat the stain by blotting it with a damp cloth until it disappears.

Don’t Let the Stain Sit Overnight

Red wine is a tannin-based drink with a deep red color. If you keep it overnight, it’ll penetrate the carpet’s natural or synthetic fibers. This will make the stain harder to remove. So, it’s best to blot the stain immediately.

When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner

Call a professional carpet cleaning service if,

The Stain Covers a Large Area 

A professional cleaner has special machinery to remove stubborn carpet stains caused by red wine. They use a steam extraction method to target dried or old stains, thus restoring your carpet’s former glory.

The DIY Methods Fail After Multiple Tries

If you can’t get the stain out after trying all the home remedies, call the experts. They use advanced techniques and equipment to target set-in stains. Professional treatment can also extend your carpet’s life.

FAQs

How to Get Red Wine Out of a White Carpet?

Acting quickly is how you can get red wine out of a white carpet.

• lot the stain with a clean, dry cloth.
• Dab it out with a tried and tested cleaning solution.
• Blot again until it’s all out.

Learn more about how you can keep your white carpet shining for a long time.

How to Get Dried or Old Red Wine Stains Out of a Carpet? 

• Rehydrate the area with a mix of vinegar and cold water.
• Blot gently.
• Apply hydrogen peroxide and dish soap to break down the pigment.
• Blot out the stain.
  

 What is the Best Stain Remover for Red Wine?

A popular red wine stain remover in the US is Wine Away. The remover is effective on fresh and set-in stains. Furthermore, Wine Away is non-toxic, safe for kids and pets, and works brilliantly on most carpet types.

Related Blogs:

How to remove stains from Area Rugs? Your Extensive Rug Care Guide
How to Clean a Wool Rug? Deep Cleaning, Stain Removal, and Care