How to Remove Red Wine from Carpet

One of the perks of having a beautiful home is using it to entertain guests. Unfortunately, wine spills often go hand in hand with parties. Luckily, though, there is nothing that a few select common household products and a bit of determination can’t solve.

Learn how to get red wine out of your carpet with tips from the cleaning experts at Molly Maid®.

Understanding Red Wine Stains

Understanding how to get red wine out of a carpet starts with learning about red wine's composition. Red wine stains are challenging because the pigments in the wine, called anthocyanins, deeply penetrate carpet fibers.

The effectiveness of stain removal depends on factors such as the carpet's fabric type and the age of the stain. Older stains set deeper and are harder to remove, whereas immediate action can significantly reduce the stain's impact. Different carpet materials react differently to cleaning agents, making some stains easier to remove than others are.

Preparation for Stain Removal

When preparing to get red wine out of the carpet, gathering the right supplies is the first step. Decide on your preferred cleaning solution and get it ready for use. Gather clean cloths as well. Before applying the solution, test it on a small, unnoticeable piece of the carpet. This precaution ensures the chosen method is safe for your specific carpet type and helps achieve the best stain removal results.

Step-by-Step Removal Process

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to remove red wine from carpet:

1. Blot the Stain: Immediately blot the spot with a clean cloth, absorbing as much wine as possible. Remember to blot gently and not rub, as rubbing can spread the stain.
2. Apply Water: After blotting, lightly apply cold water to the stained area. This helps dilute the wine. Continue blotting to absorb the wine and water.
3. Apply Cleaning Solution: Use a clean cloth to apply the solution to the stain. Work from the outside toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading.
4. Blot Again: Continue blotting the area to lift the stain.
5. Rinse: Once the stain lifts, rinse the area with cold water and blot with a dry cloth to remove any residue.
6. Dry the Area: Allow the carpet to dry completely. You can use a fan or dry cloth to help speed up the process.

This process is effective for fresh stains. For older or more stubborn stains, professional cleaning or additional treatments such as hydrogen peroxide (for light-colored carpets) might be necessary.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

You can find many cleaning solutions at your local grocery store and online, but you may prefer to take a DIY approach and use household products you already have. One effective recipe involves mixing two cups of warm water, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and one tablespoon of dish soap.

Another helpful tip is to always keep club soda on hand. It’s great for getting red wine out of the carpet. Hydrogen peroxide is another good option, but only for light-colored carpet.

Club Soda

One of the go-to cleaning solutions for red wine spills on carpet has been around since 1767 — club soda! Fortunately, club soda works just as well today to remove any red wine spill on carpet.

Follow these steps to learn how to get red wine out of carpet with club soda:

1. Blot the stain as well as you can with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Pour club soda on it.
3. Blot again.
4. Pour more club soda.
5. Blot again, and so on, until the stain is gone.

Dish Soap & White Vinegar

If you are looking to remove a red wine stain from the carpet but don’t have any club soda, you can use dish soap and white vinegar to do the job.

Follow these steps to remove a red wine spill on carpet:

1. Blot the stain as well as possible.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution: Add a tablespoon of hand dishwashing soap and a tablespoon of white vinegar to two cups of warm water.
3. Using white cloth, only — so pigment from the cloth doesn’t bleed into your carpet — apply a small pour onto the stain, blotting frequently until the stain vanishes.

Hydrogen Peroxide

If you don’t have access to club soda, detergent or vinegar there is one last option to help remove a red wine spill on carpet — hydrogen peroxide. Unfortunately, this option could cause some carpet discoloration, so be sure to test your carpet in a discreet area with hydrogen peroxide before using it to remove a red wine stain from the carpet.

Once you have tested your carpet, follow these steps to remove any red wine stains:

1. Blot the stain as best you can with clean, dry cloth.
2. Mix two-parts hydrogen peroxide to one-part dishwashing soap and test it by applying it to a small, out-of-sight part of your carpet or rug.
3. If it does not discolor the fabric, continue.
4. Apply the solution to the red wine carpet stain.
5. Blot and repeat until the stain is no more.

Preventive Measures

Simple measures can be taken to prevent red wine spills, especially during parties. Placing coasters under glasses helps catch any drips. Setting up a designated area for drinks, preferably away from areas with a lot of movement, can reduce the likelihood of spills. Purchasing carpets made from stain-resistant materials can make cleaning up accidental spills much easier. Opting for stemless wine glasses can also be a wise choice, as they are less likely to tip over. It's helpful to have a spill kit ready, complete with a clean cloth and water, for an immediate response to any spills.

Get Cleaning Help For Your Next Special Event

Need help cleaning before and after your next big party? Our special event cleaning services are customized to your needs. Additionally, all our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which guarantees that our work is done right the first time. Contact us today for a free consultation.