Pop quiz, hotshot: what’s more annoying to clean than a red wine stain on your clothes? Simple: a red wine stain on carpet!
See, if red wine sinks into the carpet fibers, it will leave a permanent mark. Unfortunately, scrubbing the stain will only make it bigger. And to top it all off, you can’t put your carpet into the washing machine.
So how do you get rid of red wine stains on your carpet? We’re glad you asked! Read on for a three-step guide to making your carpet look as good as new.
Take Quick Action
When dealing with a wine stain on a rug, it’s essential to respond quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of the stain.
As soon as the wine gets onto your carpet, start blotting it out. Paper towels and dry, clean cloth both work well for this task. Blot—don’t rub—the stain for a minute or two, using a fresh part of the towel each time.
Next, pour some cold water on the stain to saturate it a bit. Continue blotting until you can’t remove any more of the stain via this method.
Choose a Removal Method
Once you’ve slowed the seepage, you may be able to remove the stain entirely. Step number one: choose your removal method.
The classic DIY option for carpet cleaning is baking soda. Make a paste by mixing three parts paste with one part of water, then apply it to the stained area. Let the paste sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum the residue.
Club soda and salt also make for a potent wine stain remover. Pour the (cold) soda onto the stain, and then dump some salt onto it and let it sit for 20 minutes. The carbonation of the soda should dissolve the red pigments of the wine.
Finally, you can try the vinegar option. First, mix a tablespoon of white vinegar and a tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of water. Pour a small amount of the mixture on the stain, and then blot it out with a white cloth.
Consider Drastic Measures
Can’t get rid of the stain completely by using the above methods? If so, you may need to turn to drastic measures, such as hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent, so it could cause carpet discoloration. To ensure it won’t make the issue worse, use a 3% hydrogen peroxide product and test it out on a discreet part of the carpet first.
If the fabric holds up, apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Follow it up with a spoonful of baking soda and let the mixture sit for five minutes. Then, blot the stained spot with a damp and clean rag.
More on Treating a Red Wine Stain on Carpet
As you can see, there’s no reason to panic over a red wine stain on carpet. If you act fast, you should be able to remove it just fine. Read the above guide for more information on treating these stains!
Is the stain proving to be too stubborn for DIY methods? Take advantage of our professional carpet and area rug cleaning services! Contact us here to learn more about how we’ll deal with the problem.
