Spilling red wine on a carpet is every host’s nightmare. But don’t panic! With the right steps, you can save your beloved carpet from permanent stains.
1. Act Quickly
Time is of the essence! The longer the wine sits, the harder it becomes to remove. So, even if you’re exhausted after a party, don’t wait until morning to tackle the mess.
2. Blot, Don’t Rub
Grab a clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the spill. Rubbing can spread the stain or push it deeper into the fibres. Add a drop of cold water to dilute the wine and keep blotting until the cloth comes up dry. Avoid hot water, which can make the stain worse.
3. Vinegar and Baking Soda
One popular home remedy is to mix cleaning vinegar with baking soda or salt into a paste. Apply it to the stain, let it dry, and vacuum it up. Cleaning vinegar is more acidic than the regular kind, making it more effective at breaking down wine stains.
4. Salt to the Rescue
Sprinkle table salt over the wine stain after blotting. The salt will absorb the moisture and lift the red colour from the carpet. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. Vacuum the leftover salt once the stain lifts.
5. Fizzy Water or Club Soda
Many people swear by using fizzy water or club soda to help lift red wine stains from the carpet. After blotting the spill, pour a small amount of the fizzy liquid over the area and continue blotting. While there’s no definitive proof it works better than still water, it’s worth trying since the carbonation can help loosen the stain.
6. White Wine Neutraliser
Believe it or not, a splash of white wine can help neutralize red wine stains! Pour a small amount over the affected area to dilute the red wine, then blot. While it’s debatable whether white wine works better than water, it’s another option to consider before rushing to the store for cleaning supplies.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide (Use with Caution)
Hydrogen peroxide can be effective for tough red wine stains, but it comes with risks. It has a bleaching effect, so it’s best used only on light-coloured carpets.
Always dilute it with water and test it on a hidden area first.
8. Stain Removers
There are many store-bought stain removers specifically designed for carpets, including red wine. Always read the instructions carefully and do a small patch test before applying it to the stain. Be mindful of harsh chemicals that could discolour your carpet or leave residues behind.
9. Professional Carpet Cleaning
When in doubt, call the pros! A professional carpet cleaner can tackle even the toughest red wine stains with specialised equipment and expertise.
Magic Carpet Cleaning offers cleaning solutions that not only remove stains but protect your carpet for the future. Plus, we offer stain protection treatments to keep your carpet looking fresh for years to come!