How to Remove Wine Stains From Carpet

We've all been there — you've tipped over or splashed a glass of vino on the carpet and are left with a scary-looking stain. With just a few common household items, the stain will be gone in no time.

September 10, 2019
How to Remove Tough Carpet Stains
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What You'll Need:

  • hydrogen peroxide
  • dish soap
  • small bowl
  • light-colored towel or rag
  • wet/dry vacuum

Step 1: Blot the Stain

If you just spilled red wine on your carpet, the first thing you need to do is blot as much of the liquid up as possible. Use a towel, rag or paper towel to get the stain as dry as you can. Do not rub the carpet — simply blot the liquid up.

Removing Wine Stain

Removing Wine Stain From Carpet

Blot the wine stain.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Solution

For a dry red wine stain, you'll need to make a cleaning solution. Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide with a 1/2 teaspoon dish soap in a small bowl (Images 1 and 2 below). Using a sponge or light-colored towel, dab the liquid cleaning solution onto the stain (Image 3 below). Allow the solution to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes. Once the solution has had time to sit and work its magic, use a clean towel or paper towel to absorb both the wine and cleaning solution. Note: Most carpets have a solution dye, so they won't discolor with hydrogen peroxide. If you aren't sure, test a small hidden area first before treating the stain.

Step 3: Use a Wet Vacuum

If the first soak in cleaning solution doesn’t get the entire stain, then you may need to step it up a notch. Pour cleaning solution onto the carpet stain, making sure to saturate the entire area. Leave it on the stain for 10 minutes, then use the wet setting of your wet/dry vacuum to remove all of the liquid. Repeat until the stain is gone.

Removing Wine Stain

Removing Wine Stain From Carpet

Use a vacuum to suck up the moisture from the cleaning solution.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

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