Removing red wine stains from clothes is challenging. However, removing these stains from carpets can be even more difficult. You need to do more than toss your rug in the washer and get it over and done with. Thankfully, if you act quickly, you can prevent the stubborn red stain from becoming permanent.
Time is of the essence when you’re dealing with tough stains. You can wait hours but not the next day to remove the stains. What’s the reason for this?
Red wine is rich in anthocyanin, a pigment giving red wine its rich, exquisite colour. It’s also rich in tannins, a natural compound in grape stems, skin, and seeds. The latter is an astringent which explains why it can bind to fabrics, making the stain more stubborn. Both the anthocyanin and tannins can dry and set into the fabric, making the colour even harder to remove.
What happens when you don’t remove rug stains immediately?
When you don’t remove rug stains immediately, the colour can set in and become more difficult to remove. The pigment can penetrate the rug’s fibres deeply and bond with the material, making it harder to clean.
Additionally, as the stain sets, it can become more embedded in the fibres, which can cause discolouration or damage to the rug. All these can weaken the carpet and lead to permanent damage. Organic stains can also attract bacteria and insects, which can cause further damage to the rug.
If you want to avoid your precious carpet ending up dirty, clean the stain immediately. Here are clever ways to do this the right way.
Top Ways To Remove Wine Stains on Your Carpet
Imagine having guests over, and suddenly, red wine spills over your newly purchased carpet. If this happens, don’t panic. There are nine proven methods for getting rid of them.
1. Blot the stain
The first step is to grab a clean paper towel or soft cloth. After which, gently dab as much of the stain as possible. Whatever you do, avoid scrubbing. This process can spread or push the colour deeper into the carpet fibres. Scrubbing will eventually do more harm than good.
Also, avoid using hot water. The heat can disperse the stain, making it even more challenging to remove. After blotting, wait for the carpet to dry before storing it away.
2. Give the stained spot a rinse
Aside from blotting the entire stain, you can gently rinse the stained spot with cold water and a white cloth. Mix ¼ part vinegar with one part water for this method to work. After that, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture over the affected area and cover the same with kitchen paper or an absorbent towel. This solution is best for tough stains.
3. Remove stains with carpet shampoo
The first choice is a stain remover or carpet shampoo. However, if you don’t have these cleaning products, mix a cup of water with a few drops of laundry detergent or dish soap. If the stain has dried into the carpet fibres, remove it with a steel brush after adding the shampoo solution.
4. Use salt
This old trick never fails: Pour salt over a wet stain, completely covering it. Leave the salt on the stain until it dries, then vacuum it up. The salt will absorb a significant amount of the pigment.
5. Apply white wine
This fifth alternative is an unorthodox solution. For this to work, you must pour wine over the red stain. Afterward, you must get a white cloth and clean the affected area. This option is best when the stain is still fresh.
6. Soak the stain in club soda
Add club soda to the affected area to eliminate stubborn stains such as red wine, coffee, or blood. After which, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, use a sponge, moist cloth, or an old toothbrush to blot out the club soda and the stain. This technique, coupled with the vinegar tip, can effectively remove unsightly stains.
7. Soak in water and baking soda solution
Get rid of a stain by wiping the area with a clean, dry cloth. Do this to eliminate as much stain as possible. If the dried red wine stain remains, mix one part baking soda with three parts water. Apply the mixture to the affected area. Let the solution dry on the stained surface before vacuuming to remove residue.
8. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Spray hydrogen peroxide over the stained carpet area to effectively remove a stain. Next, cover the stain by sprinkling ample amounts of baking soda. Let the solution sit for at least four to five minutes. This process will give the cleaning substances time to do their magic. Finally, use a damp cloth to remove the baking soda and any leftover residue.
9. Mix liquid detergent with vinegar
Combine one tablespoon of white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of non-bleach and non-alkaline liquid detergent, and a cup of lukewarm water. Dip a sponge into the mixture to blot the stain. Use a wet cloth to rinse the area with water and a dry one to absorb any excess moisture. Leave the carpet to dry completely.
Another solution involves mixing two cups of warm water with a cup of vinegar and one teaspoon of dish soap. Experiment with both solutions to determine which one works best for your carpet.
When should you hire a professional carpet cleaning service?
Carpeted floors are popular in many homes, providing a comfortable and cozy feel. Unfortunately, carpets also tend to collect dirt and dust quickly. The dirt sticks to your shoes whenever you come from outside and ends on the rug. While regular vacuuming can remove some dirt, only a professional cleaning service can rejuvenate your carpet.
Apart from the usual dust and dirt on the carpet, stains are another concern for carpet owners. Suppose you need more time to clean your carpets and remove red wine stains. In that case, the best course of action is to hire someone to clean it for you.
Although your budget may prevent you from hiring professionals, it’s still an effective way to achieve a deep and thorough clean. Some instances dictate it’s time to let the pros do what they do best. Here are a few of them.
When you don’t have the time to clean
Cleaning carpets can be tedious, and people often need help to make time for it amidst their busy schedules. Therefore, many opt for professional carpet cleaning services to save time and effort.
If you’re not used to this task, you may need more time to read the best practices for removing wine stains. In these instances, it’s best to hand the job over to professional carpet In these instances, it’s best to hand the job to professional carpet cleaners — they can do the work more efficiently. You can also free up ample time to relax and unwind.
In addition, professional carpet cleaners can access the right tools and equipment. They also know the techniques to clean carpets more efficiently and effectively than an average person. They can rapidly eliminate the stain on the carpet, leaving them revitalized. Hence, if free time is an issue, choosing professional carpet cleaning is best.
When you want to prevent mould build-up
Another advantage of hiring a professional carpet cleaner is preventing mould and mildew in your carpets. These fungi love damp and humid environments. Frequent exposure to moisture puts carpets at high risk for these organisms.
These harmful microorganisms can cause respiratory infections, dizziness, and headaches. They can also damage your carpets by causing discolouration and musty odours.
Professional carpet cleaners can target the moisture that mould and mildew need to survive. They can keep them from harming your carpets and ensuring your home smells fresh and clean.
When you’re dealing with stubborn stains
When you have kids at home, your carpets have likely endured numerous spills and stains. Regular cleaning can remove some colours, but others are more resistant and require specialised treatment. Professional carpet cleaners are advantageous in this aspect.
These pro cleaners possess the expertise and know-how to handle all stubborn stains, such as red wine, coffee, blood, and ink. In addition to eliminating the pigment, they can treat the area to prevent it from recurring. They also have access to concentrated cleaning solutions and industry-strength carpet stain removers that may not be available in stores.
Professional carpet cleaners can enhance the appearance and extend the lifespan of your carpets in multiple ways. With their experience and equipment, they can efficiently clean carpets, removing dirt, dust, and stains that regular vacuum cleaners cannot eliminate.
Moreover, they typically employ gentle cleaning solutions that won’t harm your carpets. Hence, if you desire comprehensive and dependable carpet cleaning, consider engaging the services of a professional carpet cleaner.
What should you look for when hiring a professional carpet cleaner?
When you’re ready to hire a carpet cleaning company, pick a trustworthy and reputable one. There are several factors to look into when choosing a carpet cleaner. These factors include the quality of their work, efficiency, speed, and customer service. Avoid incompetent and unethical cleaners — working with them can be incredibly frustrating. Trust us — you don’t want to risk that.
Pricing
The saying ‘less is more’ may not apply in this case. A low-priced company could provide high-quality work. In the same vein, an expensive one may not guarantee top-notch service.
Most people presume that expensive companies use high-quality materials and employ the most skilled workers. These practices justify their pricing. You must be smart enough to strike a balance between price and quality. Avoid suspiciously cheap companies. You may pay less at the onset but might have to spend more on repeat services.
A top-notch professional cleaning service is always worth the cost. Most people are okay with paying the price if they receive excellent results – a polished, sparkling clean rug. On average, cleaning a 2,000-square-foot room can cost between $370 to $470. Some companies charge per room at a rate of $50, while expensive ones may charge up to $80 per room.
Cleaning method
There are two basic methods of carpet cleaning: dry cleaning and steam cleaning. Each of them comes with cost implications.
Dry cleaning, also called low-moisture cleaning, involves using chemicals and minimal water. This specific method is ideal because it is faster. It allows quick carpet cleaning and drying.
On the other hand, more popular steam cleaning is the preferred method for thoroughly cleaning your carpet. This method uses hot water and chemicals to eliminate dirt and other contaminants from your carpet. It is an excellent option if you’re not hurrying and want to prepare your home for new occupancy. However, complete drying after cleaning can take up to 24 hours.
Carpet knowledge
Professional carpet cleaners will ask questions before cleaning to ensure the best results. Customers need to provide accurate answers to these questions.
The cleaners will want to know the following:
- Type of carpet
- Specific service required
- Cause of any stains
- Whether there are pets in the home
- How long has the carpet been in use
The correct information will help the cleaners determine the appropriate chemicals and materials, making the cleaning process more efficient and effective.
Did you know?
Salt can cause colour fixation, a severe risk, especially for red-coloured rugs, carpets, or upholstery. It would be impossible to remove the stain if this happens. Using salt can often lead to an even more saturated red pigment.
Take Care of Your Precious Carpets With Vacuumit
Removing stubborn red wine stains from carpets and upholstery may seem impossible. However, with a few common household ingredients and techniques, getting rid of even the toughest stains is possible.
Remove red wine stains effectively from carpets by acting quickly and using ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and club soda. With these simple tips from Vacuumit, you can say goodbye to stubborn red wine stains and keep your carpets looking clean and fresh.
Check Vacuumit for tips and reviews of the best vacuum cleaners.
If you’re looking for tips on taking better care of your rugs, carpets, and upholstery, Vacuumit is the best place to start. We offer best practices and helpful product reviews to help care for your home.
FAQs for Ways To Remove Red Wine Stains From a Carpet
What causes mysterious carpet stains?
Here are a few of the common causes of mysterious carpet stains.
- Orange or yellow spots: These stains are from a potent bleaching chemical in pet shampoos, foot care products, and acne medications.
- Green spots: This stain type comes from oxygen bleaches. If you’re not using your bleach according to manufacturer suggestions, there’s a high chance it will affect your carpets. This discoloration also happens if you use bleach-based mildew inhibitors.
- Orange or pink spots: These stains usually come from solutions with hydrochloric acid. If someone accidentally puked on your carpet, you can expect a pink tint on it later since the human stomach contains 10% acid.
- Blue spots: This stain can come from furniture polish.
What kind of carpet can resist staining?
Here are a few of the most stain-resistant carpets:
- Wool: Wool carpets don't need additional chemical treatment to prevent staining. This carpet fibre can handle spillage – from red wine to mustard and oils. While wool is a reliable, hard-wearing, and stain-resistant material, it can be costly. To save, choose wool carpets only for high-traffic public areas prone to spills. Choose a different carpet fibre for bedrooms.
- Nylon: The coating applied to its fibres dictates the stain-resistant capacity of nylon carpets. Therefore, you must ensure that your chosen carpet has an excellent layer. Such rugs are best at repelling liquid spills and also protect from oil stains.
- Polyester: This carpet may repel stains but can absorb and attract oil. Most of these oils come from your skin, pets, and shoe. Use this kind of carpet in low-traffic areas of your home.
Why do carpet spots reappear after cleaning?
Here are some common reasons a spot recurs after cleaning.
- There's a residue left that caused new dirt to accumulate. This happens in carpets positioned in high-traffic areas of your home.
- Carpets are excellent at hiding soil. Its layered installation can cause stains to penetrate deeply. The spillage can seep into the subfloor and carpet padding if it's voluminous.
- The stain can recur if its wicking effect isn't eradicated.
Andrew Creswell is the senior editor at Vacuumit and a product review expert.
Based in Melbourne, his experience as a content writer for major international publications has given him great knowledge over the consumer appliances industry and the expertise needed to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Over the past decade, Andy has done reviews on thousands of home appliances and cleaning equipment and has established himself as a consumer technology expert.