This author enjoys a glass of red wine and knows from experience how hard it is to get rid of big red wine stains if it isn’t taken care of quickly and effectively. When red wine gets spilled, act soon. The wine’s tannins will get into the carpet’s fibers and may leave a permanent stain. Here are some first-aid tips for dealing with a red wine stain on the mat.
You’ll need:
- White vinegar 75 ml
- paper towel
- Dishwashing soap with no scent
- Lukewarm water
- Heavy towel
What you’ll need to know
Before you even consider obtaining the sponge, there are a few things you need to remember so you don’t ruin your carpet.
It would help if you moved fast
As soon as the red wine hits the carpet, blot it with a paper towel or rag. Get as much of the liquid out of the rug as you can before it sets.
Don’t scrub the wine stain
Instead, use soft blotting moves. If you rub the spot, you’ll push the red wine deeper into the carpet fibers, making it harder to get out later.
Begin at the edge and proceed toward the center
If you start in the middle, the red wine could spread over a larger area. So, work from the outside in to keep the stain in check.
Learn how to clean your carpet correctly
Not every rug is made the same. Some can stand up to rougher treatment, while others are very fragile. If you know how to clean your wool, polyester, or sheepskin carpet correctly, you’re more likely to remove the stain without damaging the rug.
Step 1: Get there early
If the stain is new, use a white paper towel or clean cloth to blot the area. Most of the time, a full glass of wine means a big spill. In this case, we suggest using a large towel and putting even pressure down on the area.
Wiping from side to side will make the stain spread. Keep using the dry parts of the towel by folding it in half and standing on it to soak up as much wine as possible. When the stain is no longer transferring color to the towel, move on to the next step.
Step 2: A White Vinegar Solution
In a misting spray bottle, combine 75 ml white vinegar and 150 ml water. Spray the solution on the stain, then wipe it with a clean cloth. Repeat this process as long as the paint keeps getting onto the fabric (this is also the first step for an old red-wine stain).
Step 3: Rinse, pat dry and do it again
Mix 1 cup of lukewarm water with a few drops of unscented dishwashing detergent. Use a sponge or a spray bottle to put the cleaning solution on the stain. Repeat the blotting process with a cloth or paper towel until the color doesn’t transfer anymore. For me, it’s easiest to use a towel and stand on the stain to make it soak up faster.
Step 4: Take away any extra water or solutions
Sponge a lot of fresh water on the stain to get rid of the vinegar solution that is still there. Use a thick towel and a lot of force to dry the area. Keep doing this until the carpet no longer smells like vinegar. The best way to think of these steps is as first aid for a red wine stain.
They will work best on wine stains that are still fresh. Most importantly, this process won’t set the color or make it harder to get off with a professional cleaning in the future. If you couldn’t get the stain out completely, call your Electrodry carpet cleaner. Electrodry can get almost all red-wine stains out because they have unique products for all colors.
Read Also: Fastest Ways to Get Kerosene Out of Carpet
Tips to Remove Red Wine Stains from Carpets
Because every carpet is different, there is no guarantee that these methods will work on yours. If you want to remove a red wine stain from the rug, it’s best to test each solution in an area that won’t be seen, like under the sofa, before trying it in a more prominent spot.
If your carpet is fragile or you aren’t sure if your rug will keep its color, it’s best to call a professional carpet cleaner instead of trying to remove the stain yourself. Some more important tips are:
- Clean up the mess right away.
- Start with the least cruel method and work up to more potent chemicals.
- Try a massive carpet cleaner for stains that won’t go away.
Conclusion
Depending on the stain and the carpet, you can use salt, club soda, baking soda, dish soap, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. Do not use heat on the stain. It won’t help because the wine will get into the carpet fibers and stay there. No matter your chosen method, you should always do a spot test on a hidden part of your rug or carpet.
Don’t rub red wine stains that are still fresh; pat them gently. Know when you’ve established an excellent person and hire a pro. Some wine stains are impossible to get out of, especially if they have been there for a while. When this happens, the best thing to do is call a professional carpet cleaning company.