Red Wine Stains Carpets Quickly! Here’s 5 Ways You Can Clean Red Wine Stains Fast!

What You’ll Need:

• Clean, white absorbent cloths or paper towels
• A vacuum cleaner
• A small bowl
• Your choice of cleaning agent (see methods below)

The 3 Essential First Steps (For Any Method)

No matter which cleaning solution you choose, performing these first three steps immediately is critical to success.

Step 1: Blot, Don’t Rub! Using a clean, white cloth, gently blot the stain to absorb as much wine as possible. Start from the outside edge of the stain and work your way in to prevent it from spreading. As the cloth becomes saturated, switch to a fresh one. Never rub the stain, as this will push the wine deeper into the carpet fibers.

Step 2: Apply Cold Water Lightly dampen a fresh cloth with cold water and continue to blot the stain. This helps dilute the remaining wine.

Step 3: Always Spot Test Your Solution Before applying any cleaning solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet (like inside a closet or under a sofa) to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Method 1: The Salt Trick (Great for Fresh Spills)

Salt is excellent for drawing a fresh spill out of carpet fibers. But, we also don’t necessarily recommend this one as salt can be tough to get out of your carpets, and it can rot your carpets if any is left behind. However, if you want to go with this method, here is how it works.

1. After blotting, cover the entire stain with a generous layer of table salt.
2. Let the salt sit for several hours, or until it has turned pink as it absorbs the wine.
3. Once the salt is dry, vacuum it up thoroughly.
4. Gently rinse the area with a cloth dampened with cold water and blot dry.

Method 2: Vinegar & Baking Soda

This method uses a one-two punch to lift the stain and neutralize odors.

1. After blotting, mix a paste of one part baking soda to three parts water. Apply it to the stain and let it dry completely.
2. Once dry, vacuum up the residue.
3. Next, mix a solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of dish soap, and two cups of warm water.
4. Sponge this solution onto the remaining stain, then blot with a dry cloth until the stain is gone.

Method 3: Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide

This is a powerful combination, so be sure to spot test first.

1. Start by mixing two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part blue dish soap.
2. Gently apply the solution to the stain.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. You should see the stain transferring from the carpet to the cloth.
4. Continue blotting until the stain is removed, then rinse the area with a water-dampened cloth.

How to Handle Old, Dried Red Wine Stains

If you discover a stain that has already set, it’s more difficult to remove but not impossible. You will need to rehydrate the stain first. Start by applying a small amount of warm water to the area. Then, proceed with one of the cleaning methods above, preferably Method 2 or 3, as they have more cleaning power. You may need to repeat the process multiple times.

When DIY Isn’t Enough, Call the Professionals

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a wine stain just won’t budge, especially on certain types of carpet. If the stain remains, don’t risk damaging your carpet with harsh store-bought chemicals.

The experts at Kleen Rite have professional-grade equipment and proven solutions to remove even the most stubborn stains safely.