If there were such a thing as the twelve terrible stains of Christmas, then red wine has got to take the top spot. Whether you’re hosting out-of-towners or sipping mulled wine to get into the Yuletide spirit, it only takes a nudge for a glass of claret to end up all over the cream carpet.
So if you’ve had a festive spillage, don’t panic. The faster you act, the better chance you’ll have at removing any stains entirely, so stay calm and follow our DIY cleaning tips.
Keep reading to find out how to get wine out of carpet this Holiday period.
How to Get Wine Out of Carpet This Christmas
1. Act Fast!
The trick to removing red wine from your rug or carpet is acting as quickly as possible. Leaving it a couple of hours is fine, but any longer and it’ll be more difficult to fully lift out the stain.
2. Blot, Blot and Blot Again
Now, time to get blotting! Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb any excess liquid—without spreading the stain any further. Keep going until you see the wine dissolving.
3. Pour Over Some Cold Water or Soda
Next, you’ll need to dilute the red wine. Pour about ¼ cup of cold water, chilled club soda or sparkling water over the stain—depending on the size. Don’t pour too much in one go, you want to be able to absorb it as you continue blotting.
Remember, the water needs to be cold—not warm. The heat will simply set the red wine further into the carpet fibers.
4. Prepare a DIY Stain Removal Solution
If you can leave someone to blot the stain, get ready to prepare a cleaning solution using simple, household ingredients such as baking soda, salt—even white wine removes the pigment from red wine!
We love the baking soda method, as it’s easy to use, and you’re bound to have some lying around your house. Create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda. It should be a thick, paste-like consistency.
Check out our other favorite cleaning hacks for removing even the toughest of stains, and exactly what you need in your utility room in case of future accidents.
5. Apply the Baking Soda Solution to the Stain
Apply the freshly made paste generously to the affected area, and leave it to sit for around 20 minutes. You can also apply salt on top for additional power if you’ve got some handy.
6. Clean Up the Residue
Once dry, you should be able to vacuum away the baking soda and/or salt mixture. This will remove any of the excess residue and ensure your carpet is looking as stain-free as possible.
7. Dab a Little More, Just for Good Measure
Finish up by blotting the area with a clean, damp cloth soaked in dish soap and water. If the stain persists, repeat the process again—this time working the solution into the stain with a little more vigor. If you’re worried about damaging the carpet, use an old soft-bristled toothbrush or a microfibre cloth to keep your fibers safe.
8. Dry the Carpet With a Clean Cloth
Once you’re ready to start drying, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth this time to soak up any excess liquid, and leave it to air dry. The smell should disappear over time, but the scents of the festive season are bound to mask it eventually.
Red wine spillages are part and parcel of the holiday period. But if you need an extra hand at removing stains from clothing or upholstery, consider a pick-up laundry and delivery service at your local Denver laundromat.
Unsure where to find the best laundromat in Denver, Thornton, Federal Heights, Northglenn, Westminster, or Broomfield? Instead of searching for ‘laundry near me’, come and see us at WaveMAX Thornton! Take a look at our website and see how we can help you.
