Red wine is one of life’s best-kept pleasures. 

With a smooth taste, an upscale vibe, and the ability to relax someone within minutes, red wine appeals to practically everyone. 

Unfortunately, it’s easy to spill a glass of red wine, and in the worst-case scenario, it lands on a light-colored carpet.

While it may seem dire, removing red wine stains is easier than you think. Here’s how to get red wine out of carpets.

1. How to remove red wine with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent method for removing dried stains from a carpet, but it comes with a warning. Because it’s a mild bleach, the chemical reaction may cause discoloration in the carpet. 

With this in mind, you should only use hydrogen peroxide to treat pale or white carpets. Complete a spot test before applying it to the stained area to ensure it doesn’t damage the carpet fibers.

To make a DIY red wine stain remover, you’ll need:

• Hydrogen peroxide.

• Dishwashing liquid. 

• A soft clean cloth. 

• A measuring cup.

• A bowl.

Next:

1. Blot out the excess liquid with your paper towel or cleaning cloth if the stain is fresh. 

2. Mix one-half cup hydrogen peroxide and one-quarter cup dish soap in your measuring cup. Spot test on the carpet.

3. If the spot doesn’t ruin the color, apply your hydrogen peroxide mix to the stain.

4. Blot at the stain with the solution. 

5. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.

Housekeeper’s tip: the type of red wine you spill can sometimes alter the effectiveness of your cleaning method.

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2. How to use vinegar to get red wine out of carpets

White vinegar is a popular alternative to hydrogen peroxide. It can quickly help you with red wine spills and may already be part of your household cleaning supplies collection. This is one of the best carpet cleaners for stubborn stains.

For this method, you’ll need:

• White vinegar.

• Dish soap.

• Water.

• A measuring cup.

• A dry cloth, preferably white (to avoid transferring some of the cloth dye onto the carpet).

Next: 

1. Grab a dry cloth and blot at the excess wine.

2. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water. 

3. Pour some of this mixture onto the stain. Blot repeatedly at it with your white cloth until the area is clean.

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3. How to remove red wine stains from carpets with salt

Salt is another all-natural carpet stain remover. The secret of its success comes down to its drying abilities. When you place salt on a damp surface, it’ll absorb the moisture nearby — including the liquid that made the stain.

For this straightforward carpet cleaning method, grab:

• Salt.

• Cold water.

• A little shovel or dustpan.

This method differs from other cleaning solutions because it works best when the red wine is wet. (If you’re trying to learn how to get dried red wine out of a carpet, look elsewhere.)

To put this cleaning product into action:

1. Dab at the excess red wine so it doesn’t sink further into the carpet.

2. Cover the stained area with salt until you can no longer see it.

3. Let the salt sit there for a decent amount of time so it can suck up the remaining moisture. Don’t blot at the mixture while it’s sitting on the stain.

4. When it’s complete, the salt will be pinkish. Throw away the used salt, and vacuum the area to eliminate any additional residue. 

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4. How to get red wine out of the carpet with white wine

On the surface, this seems like a strange and wasteful option, but it works well because white wine contains an enzyme that breaks down the bonds in the red making it easier to lift.

This method is great if you’re running low on time, too. If you’re running a book and wine pairing party and someone spills their drink, white wine is a handy alternative to finding a cleaning solution. 

The supplies you’ll need:

• White wine.

• A light-colored dry towel.

For the steps:

1. Pour some white wine over the stained carpet.

2. Gently blot at the stain with your dry cloth. Reapply white wine if it refuses to disappear. 

3. Grab a new, clean cloth damp with water. Blot at the carpet again to make sure that everything’s been removed.

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5. The best carpet cleaner for red wine stains

Of course, you may not want to make your own carpet cleaner; perhaps you’re short on time, or you’re worried you’ll ruin the carpet through the improper mixing of carpet stain removers. 

While we personally have confidence in your abilities to complete this task, store-bought cleaning products are always a good option. 

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Turn your stained carpet into the best carpet

A few more tips and tricks to prevent deep-set stains:

• Don’t let the stain dry on the rug or it’ll be harder to clean. Move quickly, grab a cloth, and gently dab at the excess liquid before applying your cleaning solution.

• When applying your cleaning solution, never scrub the affected area. It can spread the stain, grind it deeper, and — in the worst-case scenario — bond it to the carpet fibers.

• Although these solutions work well, sometimes it’s best to try a simple water wash first. 

Looking for more carpet cleaning supplies but don’t have any on hand? Gopuff  can have anything you need for stain removal — including some red wine to make the stain — delivered straight to your door.