How to Get Red Wine Out of Carpet

A quick response to a red wine spill on a carpet is key. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain. 

• As soon as the wine hits the carpet, act fast. Blot – do not rub – the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Blot as much of the red wine residue as possible.
• Add a small amount of cold water to the stained area, then blot again.
• Once you've cleaned up most of the spilled wine and slowed the seepage, it's time to remove the stain entirely.

Regular club soda is an effective option for removing a red wine stain from your carpet. The carbonation of the club soda acts to dissolve the red pigments of the wine.

• After you’ve blotted the stain, pour a small amount of club soda onto the stain. Blot again and leave it overnight.
• If the stain remains, repeat the process of adding club soda and blotting until the stain is gone.

White vinegar is a staple of most household cleaning jobs. The vinegar neutralizes the red pigment left behind by a red wine stain. Follow these steps in how to get red wine out of carpet using vinegar and dish soap:

• Again, blot the stain with a rag, cloth or paper towel.
• Mix a tablespoon of dishwashing soap and a tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of water. Stir the mixture together.
• Pour a small amount of the solution on the stain. Blot frequently with a cloth until the stain is gone.

Tip: A small amount of lemon juice and dish soap poured directly on the carpet stain is also effective.

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent so you might want to test it on a small section of your carpet first to make sure it doesn’t leave behind lasting damage. Follow these steps in how to get red wine out of carpet with hydrogen peroxide and dish soap:

• Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth.
• Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part dishwashing soap.
• Apply the solution to your carpet stain. Blot and repeat until the stain is gone.
• Let it sit for about 20 minutes to hour, then blot again if necessary.
• You can also try hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
• Pour hydrogen peroxide on the stain and sprinkle in a hefty amount of baking soda. Make sure the stain is fully covered.
• Let the solution sit for two
  to three
  minutes before rinsing with water.

Baking soda is another household product with cleaning and stain removal qualities. Baking soda is slightly alkaline and abrasive, making it effective for lifting stains.

• Blot the stain first with a clean, dry cloth.
• Pour cold water on stained area, and blot again.
• Mix one part water and three parts baking soda to create a paste. Apply this mixture to the stain.
• Wait for the mixture to dry on the stain and then vacuum.

If the stain has already dried, no need to panic! This method works for dried stains as well.  Salt absorbs the wine that blotting fails to pick up.

• Apply a small amount of water to get the dry stain wet. Add a liberal amount of salt to the stain. Do not scrub or blot the salt.
• Leave overnight and return in the morning. The salt should be crystalized and have a pinkish hue.
• Vacuum the crystalized salt.

If DIY solutions don't do the trick, there are stain removal and cleaning products to pick up tough red wine stains from your carpet. When using these products, test them first on a small part of the carpet to make sure the carpet’s color does not run or fade. Determine what one is best for your situation and follow the directions on the product. 

If the red wine stain on your carpet resists all your efforts to blot it clean, turn to something more heavy duty for the task. Rent or buy a carpet cleaner built for deep cleaning. Follow the directions of use on the products.