Did you know that the average American drinks 3.18 gallons of wine a year? People enjoy a glass of wine for many different reasons. Whether it’s a special bottle shared with friends or family or a simple vino enjoyed on a weeknight, wine has a way of bringing people together.
Although a glass of wine can be an incredible thing, it’s less wonderful when it spills. Wine stains on a carpet can seem impossible to get out of.
If you are dealing with wine stains on your carpet, you’ve come to the right place. We cover all the best ways to get rid of this stubborn stain in our guide below.
All About Wine
People make wine from grapes in a process called vinification. There are many different ways to make wine, but the basic process is the same. People or machines crush grapes, which then ferment and get aged in barrels.
A Brief History of Wine
Wine has been around for centuries, and its history is as rich and varied as the beverage itself. The earliest evidence of winemaking dates back to 6000 BC in Georgia.
Fast-forward a few thousand years, and the ancient Greeks and Romans were expert vintners. They perfected the art of winemaking and turned it into a booming industry.
During the Middle Ages, wine continued to be a popular drink. It wasn’t until the 18th century that wine became the sophisticated beverage we know today. We can thank advances in transportation and production for this change.
Now, people of all legal ages and backgrounds enjoy wine. It is still an important part of many social and cultural events.
How to Make Wine
The methods of making wine have changed quite a bit over the years. In the past, people made wine using wild yeast and primitive tools. Nowadays, the process has switched to commercial yeast and machinery
People make wine in many regions of the world, and each place has its own methods. The climate, soil, and grape varieties all play a role in the final flavor of the wine.
Why Wine Stains Carpets
Red wine stains can be very hard to remove from fabrics. They can be even more stubborn to get out if you spill on a light-colored carpet. There are a few different reasons why red wine stains are so tough to remove.
One reason is that red wine is an acidic substance. When it comes into contact with carpet fibers, it can damage the fibers and cause them to break down. This makes it especially hard to remove the stain.
Another reason is that red wine contains tannins. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in many plant-based foods and drinks.
When you consume foods or drinks with tannin, it can cause stains to show on your teeth. This is because tannin binds to proteins in the teeth, which leads to the formation of stains.
This same idea happens if you spill food or drink with tannins on your carpet. The proteins in the tannin bind to the carpet fibers. This means tannin stains are dark and very noticeable.
Tannin staining is often a bigger challenge to remove than other types of stains. It’s important to be extra careful to avoid getting tannin-rich food or drink on your carpet. If you do spill something with tannins on your carpet, there are still steps you can take to clean it up before the stain has a chance to set.
How to Remove Red Wine on a Carpet
Blotting is the name of the red wine removal game. Never rub the stain or you can make it set further into the carpet. You’ll want to have some clean, white rags nearby for all the blotting you’re about to do.
Another important note is to only use cold water on red wine stains. Warm water can make the wine set into the carpet and make the stain harder to remove.
Finally, don’t let your red wine sit on your carpet. Time is of the essence as the longer the stain sits, the harder it can be to get out.
Baking Soda Method
One of the most well-known methods for getting rid of wine stains is by using baking soda. Make sure to blot the stain with a clean rag first to get as much of the wine liquid up as you can.
Next, add some cold water to the wine stain. This helps to dilute the remaining red wine on the carpet.
Continue to blot the stain until most of the moisture is gone. Once you’ve gotten most of the liquid out, grab your baking soda.
Take a small bowl and make a one-part water and three-part baking soda paste. Put this thick paste on the stain and let it sit for 20 minutes. Once the baking soda has dried, vacuum the rest of the baking soda up and watch your wine stain vanish!
Club Soda and Salt Method
First, blot up as much of the wine stain as possible with a clean cloth. Grab a bottle of cold club soda from your fridge. Pour a generous amount on the red wine stain.
The carbonation from the club soda helps release the stain in the carpet fibers. For extra stain removal, add some salt to the top of the cold club soda. The salt will keep the wine from setting into the carpet.
Let this solution dry for twenty minutes and then vacuum the salt up. If you can still see the stain after this process, repeat it until the stain is gone.
Vinegar Method
Head to your pantry and grab white vinegar. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar with two cups of lukewarm water.
Find a clean cloth and dip it into the mixture. Blot the stain working from the outside and making your way in. Keep dipping the cloth into the solution and blotting until the stain lifts.
When the stain is gone, mix a little clear dish soap with water. Use another cloth to dab the spot to get rid of any lingering vinegar odors. Dry the area with a clean, dry towel.
White Wine Method
Although you’ve been sipping on red wine, white wine can help get rid of a red wine stain. If you have a red wine spill, grab a bottle of white wine.
Take a small amount of white wine and pour it into the red stain. You only need to use enough white wine to cover the red stain. Take your handy clean cloth and dab the wine until the red is gone.
If you have a very stubborn stain, mix some of the above methods. Grab some salt and sprinkle it on the stain. Let it sit for about ten minutes and then vacuum the salt up.
You’ll want to blot this area with the dish soap solution after or it will smell like wine. Make sure to blot the area dry once you’re done removing the stain.
Hydrogen Peroxide Method
You’ll need to be very careful if you choose this stain-removal method. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach some carpets. You definitely need to do a spot test on a hidden area to make sure you don’t make the problem worse.
Mix one part of clear dish soap with two parts of hydrogen peroxide. Use the solution on a small, hidden area of a rug to make sure it won’t bleach the carpet. If no discoloring happens, add a small amount of the solution to the wine stain.
Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Continue this process until the wine stain is gone from the carpet.
Commercial Cleaning Method
If you’ve tried the methods above and are having no luck, it’s time to call in the professionals. Professionals can help with set-in and stubborn stains. They have the tools and carpet cleaning knowledge to get your carpet looking great again.
Removing Old Wine Stains
If you’ve let your wine stain dry, there are still things you can do to lift it. Although tackling your stains early is helpful to get the stain out, you can still remove a set in stain.
Before cleaning a dry red wine stain, spray some cold water on it. This will help loosen some of the stained fibers. Try using vinegar or club water solution on the stain.
If it still isn’t coming up, professionals can get the job done. Their solutions, equipment, and rug cleaning knowledge can get that old stain out of your carpet fast.
Don’t Let Wine Stains on Your Carpet Ruin Your Evening
Spills are an inevitable part of being human. When you accidentally spill red wine on your carpet, all hope isn’t lost. With a little elbow grease and patience, you can get your rug looking as good as new.
If you do get wine stains on your carpet and need a professional to help, Hammondknoll has you covered. Our professional team has been keeping rugs, carpets, and floors clean since 1939. Contact us to set up an appointment today.
