Wondering how to remove red wine stains from carpets in minutes? The good news is: with quick action and a few simple household ingredients like salt, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide, you can lift even stubborn wine spills. No need for panic or for replacing your carpet. Whether it was a knocked glass at a dinner party or a spill during a quiet night in, you’ve got options. Here’s exactly what to do.
Why Speed Matters
Red wine is notorious for setting into fabrics quickly, especially absorbent carpet fibres. The longer it sits, the deeper it seeps, and the harder it becomes to remove. That’s because wine contains tannins and natural dyes that bind to textiles like carpet. Acting within the first few minutes gives you the best chance of success. It can be the difference between a simple cleanup and a lasting reminder of your accident (NCCA).
Quick Start: Blot and Dilute
Before you reach for any cleaning products, begin with the basics: blot, blot, blot. Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the wine as possible. Press gently, never rub, as rubbing can push the wine deeper into the fibres and spread the stain. Once most of the liquid is gone, lightly pour or mist the area with cold water to dilute what’s left. Then blot again. This initial step buys you time and prevents the wine from settling further into the carpet (Homemade Simple).
Detailed Methods
1. Salt Method
This classic approach works best while the stain is still wet. Salt acts as a natural absorbent.
- Blot up as much wine as possible using a dry cloth or paper towel.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of table salt over the damp stain, enough to fully cover it.
- Leave it for 5–10 minutes, or longer if the spill is larger. The salt will gradually absorb the moisture and pigment.
- Vacuum up the salt and inspect the area. Repeat if necessary (Benchmark Cleaning).
2. Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap
This combo is great for dried or more stubborn stains. Hydrogen peroxide lifts stains, while dish soap breaks down residue.
- First, blot the stain to remove excess liquid if it’s still wet.
- Mix one part mild dish soap with three parts hydrogen peroxide.
- Always test this mixture on an inconspicuous part of the carpet first, as it can bleach some fibres.
- Apply to the stain with a clean cloth or sponge and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Blot gently to lift the stain, then rinse with cold water and blot dry.
3. Baking Soda Paste
Ideal for lifting pigment from thick or light-coloured carpets.
- Blot any remaining wine from the area.
- Combine baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste, thick but spreadable.
- Apply the paste over the stain, gently pressing it into the fibres.
- Let it dry completely. This can take several hours.
- Once dry, vacuum up the residue and check the results (NCCA).
4. Club Soda
Club soda works due to its carbonation and mineral content, which can lift stains without harsh chemicals.
- Blot the area to remove excess wine.
- Pour a generous amount of club soda over the stain.
- Let it fizz and soak for a few minutes.
- Blot with a clean cloth, then repeat if needed.
- Rinse with cold water and blot dry (Homemade Simple).
When to Call the Professionals
If you’ve tried these methods and the stain just won’t budge, or if the carpet is expensive, delicate, or antique, it’s worth calling in the pros. B & I Brothers offer expert carpet cleaning services, using safe, industry-approved techniques to tackle red wine stains without damaging your floors. They’re fast, reliable, and know exactly how to deal with both fresh and dried stains.
Top Tips for the Future
- Use doormats and rugs in dining areas to add a protective layer underfoot during meals or parties.
- Act fast – timing really is everything when it comes to red wine spills.
- Always blot, never scrub – scrubbing can distort fibres and make things worse.
- Keep an emergency kit – stock cloths, salt, baking soda, and club soda in a drawer or cupboard near your main living areas.
- Test first – always try any cleaning mixture on an unseen patch to avoid surprises.