We have all experienced the moment of horror, usually in slow motion, as a glass of red, never white, wine topples over onto your carpet. We know you are probably freaking out, but thank goodness you found our Blog, because we can help!

It is best to work with a stain while it is still wet, as it is with most stains, because it doesn’t allow the stain to soak in.

First you start by diluting the stain with water. If you don’t have that club soda or white wine will work. Apply using a spray bottle if possible, or by pouring on by hand. Try not to soak it though if you can help it. The next step would be to blot the fabric from the outside edges of the stain and slowly move towards the center. Try to blot up as much of the red wine stain as you can with a white cloth.

A foolproof way of removing red wine stains from your carpet is by using hydrogen peroxide. First apply hydrogen peroxide, giving it a few minutes to soak in the carpet and penetrate the stain. Next, use a spray bottle filled with one part water and one part carpet cleaner to mist the stain. Then you must blot the area with a clean cloth until the stain is removed. Blotting is key to getting the stain up along; with the right combination of stain lifting cleaner.

Another household remedy is the water, vinegar and soap method. This method involves combining one tablespoon of dish soap or detergent with one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of lukewarm water. Apply the mixture to the stain using a clean towel. Now you must blot the stain clean. The blotting may make wear you out, but it will be worth it in the end. Never rub the stain because it will make the stain deeper within the carpet. Just keep blotting… just keep blotting.

We have learned growing up that two wrongs don’t make a right. Well here’s one instance where that’s untrue. White wine can actually counteract the red wine which makes it easier to remove the red wine stain. You can try pouring a little white wine over the red stain and just remember, keep blotting to get the stain up. If you don’t have any of the above household ingredients, but want to prevent the stain from spreading or settling, try shaking a thick layer of salt over the red wine stain. When you are ready to treat the stain, just vacuum the salt up.

If you notice a dried stain on the carpet and have no choice but to treat the stain, we have some tips to get out that pesky stain. Try investing in some of the commercial cleaners which are much more efficient at getting older stains out. Oxiclean is a good one that is meant for non-wool carpeting. Mix the Oxiclean with water and apply to the stained carpet. Wait a few minutes and, you guessed it, blot with a clean dry towel. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. Allow the area to air dry and then vacuum the area to get any excess treatment up that may have dried. Other commercial cleaners on the market are Resolve, specifically Resolve Max Trigger for red wine stains, and Wine Away.

As you can see, there are many ways to remove that pesky red wine stain and not all is lost… if you happen to have an accident on your carpet just remember that blotting will get this stain out along with your pick of treatment. Just keep blotting, just keep blotting.