3 Methods To Clean Red Wine Out Of A Carpet
Red wine spills can cause unsightly stains on carpets that can be very hard to get rid of or become permanent if left uncleaned. These 3 methods are the best way to remove red wine out of a carpet.
1. If The Stain Is Wet
It is highly recommended to attend to a red wine spill on a carpet as soon as possible (immediately in other words) while it is still wet. DO NOT rub, blot or attempt to wipe up the spill. This will only force the red wine deeper into the carpet fibers making it more difficult to remove.
Rather pour fine table salt on the spill and surrounding area. The salt will draw the wine out of the carpet. Leave the salt until it turns pink then gently brush it up or suck it up with a vacuum. Repeat the process until the salt no longer changes color.
Because red wine is made from organic materials, an enzyme detergent or spot remover is ideal. If you don’t have one readily available, mix up a solution of laundry detergent and water and pour onto the stain. Most laundry detergents contain bio-enzymes that break down organic materials.
Do not pour an excessive amount of the solution on the spill as this will cause it to spread. Allow the detergent to work for a few minutes and then place a dry towel or tissue paper over the spill and gently blot up the excess moisture. DO NOT rub. You may have to repeat this process a few times in order to remove the stain successfully.
If you cannot attend to the red wine spill immediately and follow the entire cleaning process, at least take the time to pour salt on the area to draw out most of the moisture.
2. If The Stain Is Dry
It is not ideal to allow red wine to dry on a carpet before cleaning. However, if this has happened, add moisture to the stain. Soda water is a good option. DO NOT pour to much liquid onto the stain as this will cause it to spread. Allow the soda water to penetrate the stain for a few minutes. You should see the stain turn a pinkish color.
If you do not have soda water, mix a solution of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar or lemon juice. This will cause a chemical reaction that will allow the solution to fizz and therefore work deep into the carpet fibers.
Pour salt liberally over the stain and leave to draw out the moisture as explained above for wet stains. You may need to repeat the process of soda water and then salt a few times in order for the stain to be drawn out of the carpet.
As above, use a bio-enzyme cleaner to gently blot away the stain. Remember to leave the detergent on the stain for a few minutes after each application to allow it to break down the organic material. It will be more difficult and take longer to remove a red wine stain that has dried than one that is wet.
In fact, it may be impossible to do so. If this is the case, there are 3 options available to you:
– Cover the stain with an area rug or mat.
– Replace the carpet.
– Call in the professionals to effectively clean away the stain.
It is important to note that the longer the stain has been present, the less likely it is that it will be successfully removed, even by professional cleaners. In this event, the only solution is to replace the carpet.
