No more whining about red wine stains. No more crying over spilled Merlot. Learn how you can begin defeating red wine stains today! Trust us — your carpet will love you for reading this article.
In this article, you will learn the best ways to remove stubborn red wine stains from your carpet. We will look at ways to use everyday household items to remove those stains and some very capable commercial stain removers on the market.
Why Are Red Wine Stains So Tough?
Red wine stains are so tough to get out because of a substance called tannin. Tannin is found in dark chocolate, coffee, tea, mustard, and fine red wine! Tannin is a natural substance but is very effective in manufactured stains and dyes. The tannin particles can attach to the surface of materials with moisture, and as it dries, the bond will strengthen to nearly a permanent state.
But have no fear. There is still hope for defeating red wine stains on your carpet!
The Key Is To Work Fast!
It is very important to attack a red wine stain immediately! The longer the stain sits unattended, the longer the stain has to dry up and set in. If nothing else, pour cold water on the stain and blot up the excess. This will keep it from drying up and setting in while you prepare for your attack on the stain!
Strategy Number: 1 – Club Soda
This strategy has been around almost as long as there have been carpets or rugs! Originating in the late 1700s, club soda has been found to be a worthy opponent for the red wine stain. Follow these steps:
• Thoroughly blot the stain with a dry cloth to get as much of the wine out as you can.
• Next, pour club soda liberally over the stain.
• Then, again, blot the liquid from the carpet.
• Keep repeating this process until the stain is gone.
If you catch the stain quickly enough, this usually defeats the stain!
Strategy Number 2 – Dish Soap and White Vinegar
If you can’t lay your hands on club soda in a timely manner, this strategy works just about as well. Run to the kitchen and grab a dry white towel, warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar. Run back to the stain and follow these steps:
• Thoroughly blot the stain immediately with the dry white towel.
• Prepare a solution of one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Add two cups of warm water.
• Using the white towel only, apply a small pour onto the stain, blotting frequently until the stain vanishes.
• Continue this process until the stain has disappeared.
Strategy 3 – Hydrogen Peroxide
If there is no club soda, liquid dish soap, or white vinegar to be found in your house, all is not yet lost. You can pull out the BIG GUN of the house cleaning or carpet cleaning arsenal. Yes, that’s right! Hydrogen Peroxide. As with any weapon of mass destruction, you must consider collateral damage. It’s important that you quickly test your cleaning solution on an out-of-the-way piece of carper territory. It won’t take long for you to know whether or not it’s safe to use the BIG GUN. If it is, follow these steps:
• Thoroughly blot the stain immediately with the dry white towel.
• Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one-part liquid dishwashing soap.
• Test it by applying it to a small, out-of-the-way part of the carpet.
• If the color of the carpet doesn’t change, it should be safe to carry on.
• Apply the solution to the red wine carpet stain.
• Blot and repeat this process until the stain is no more!
Strategy 4 – Manufactured Carpet Stain Removers
If you want to make it easy on yourself, you might want to take a look at any of the manufactured red wine stain removers. These products do a great job of removing red wine stains for most carpets and rugs and are reasonably priced. We urge you to check out any reviews for these products on the internet and choose one for yourself.
Call Cox Cleaning Today!
Cox Cleaning in Flower Mound, TX, has been making lasting “clean” impressions for 23 years. We are a top-rated residential and commercial cleaning service, and we continue to thrive because we live here, love to serve our community, and genuinely care about cleaning homes and businesses in Denton County for an attractive price.
Working with Cox Cleaning gives you more time, energy, and freedom to do what you do best. Request your free cleaning estimate online or call us at 972-355-5100.
