How to Remove Red Wine Stain from Carpet

Keep red wine in the glass where it belongs.

The most important factor in removing a red wine stain from a carpet is to tackle the job immediately. If the stain is allowed to remain on the carpet for longer than a few moments, it can become a permanent one that only an expensive professional carpet cleaning service can undo -- and even then there is no guarantee of complete success. Protect your investment in your home by cleaning red wine spills out of a carpet as soon as they happen.

Things You'll Need

• Small container or spray bottle
• Clear laundry detergent
• White rag or towel
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Mix warm water with three or four drops of clear laundry detergent. Never use hot water on a wine spill to clean it up because it will make the stain permanent by heat-setting it. Pour the soapy mixture onto the stain until it is completely covered.

2. Blot the spot, using a dry white towel or rag, until it fades.

3. Let the water sink into the stain for a minute or two. Then, rinse the red wine spot carefully with more warm water from the sink and blot the stain again.

4. Repeat Steps 1, 2, and 3. Repeat the washing, blotting, and rinsing processes until the stain has been removed successfully. Let the affected area of the rug dry overnight.

5. Vacuum the rug to remove any dirt and dust that accumulated there.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use hot water on a stain.

References

• Fort Valley State University Extension: Stain Removal from Carpets and Upholstery