To get red wine out of carpet, blot it straight away with a clean white cloth, working from the outside in. Then dab with a mix of cold water and a little washing-up liquid, and keep blotting until no more colour transfers to the cloth. Never rub, as that pushes the wine deeper and damages the pile.
Step by step
- Blot. Remove as much as you can. Keep changing to a clean part of the cloth.
- Add a little cold water. Dab it on and blot again.
- Mix a cleaning solution. Use a teaspoon of clear washing-up liquid and a tablespoon of white vinegar in about 500ml of warm water.
- Dab and blot. Work from the edge towards the centre so it does not spread.
- Rinse. Blot with clean cold water to remove any residue, because soap left behind attracts dirt.
- Dry. Press with a dry towel and let the air do the rest.
Test the solution on a hidden area first, especially on wool carpets, and go carefully with vinegar on delicate fibres.
Does salt or baking soda work?
Salt or baking soda can help draw up a fresh spill while you get everything ready, but they will not remove the colour by themselves. Vacuum up any residue once it is dry.
If the stain has dried
Dampen it with warm water and a little of the solution above, leave it for a few minutes, then blot. Repeat if the colour keeps lifting. Old stains may not come out completely.
What to avoid
- Bleach, which can strip the colour from your carpet permanently.
- Hot water on a fresh stain, which can help it set.
- Scrubbing with a stiff brush.
When to call a professional
If the mark will not shift, or the carpet is wool or expensive, it is worth getting help before trying anything stronger. See our carpet stain removal service.