Is the glass half empty or half full? When red wine is spilled, philosophical questions are put aside-the answer to only one question is important: How do I fix this? Removing red wine stains from carpet is achievable if you act quickly.
Don't Waste Time Crying Over Spilt Wine
Your first response to a red wine spill should be lightning fast. The quicker you clean up the spill the easier that clean up will be.
Blot up as much of the spill as you can, resisting the urge to rub the stained area. Rubbing a red wine stain will only force the wine deeper into the carpet.
After blotting, wet (don't saturate!) the area with club soda. The bubbles in club soda help to keep the red wine from setting in the carpet fibers. If you don't have club soda handy, try blotting the area with white wine. White wine will neutralize the red wine before it has a chance to set.
If you're entertaining guests and can't finish cleaning the stain, pour a generous amount of table salt over the stained area and cover with a damp cloth. The salt will absorb the red wine residue and keep it from setting. This will allow you to get to the carpet stain the next day, hopefully after a nice brunch.
The Magic Elixir
There are many commercial carpet stain removers on the market, including some designed just for red wine. This simple formula, however, may be all you'll ever need to remove red wine stains from your carpet:
1 teaspoon of mild dish detergent (lanolin and bleach free)
1 cup of hydrogen peroxide
Mix this solution, and then blot it on to the red wine stain with a damp sponge. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes.
Blot the stained area with a clean cloth and rinse with cool water. Allow the cleaned area to dry.
Brush the carpet, and then vacuum thoroughly. Plan your next wine tasting.
 | Carpet isn't cheap, so learning carpet cleaning tips is essential. If your carpet is dirty and worn-looking, it makes the rest of your house look uncared for. Cleaning your carpet isn't particularly difficult or expensive to maintain and keep clean, so protect your investment. |
 | It's not hard to tell if your cat has left a stain where she shouldn't. Cat urine odor is one of the strongest smells in nature, second only to an angry skunk. |
 | Nothing creates a sense of panic like a spill on a carpet. Expensive, difficult to replace and right out there where all your guests can see, your carpet may seem more like a crystal vase. |
Carpet cleaning extends the life of your carpet and creates a healthy home environment. The dry method of carpet cleaning is a fast, effective way to clean your carpets that involves a minimal use of water. |
Have your carpet professionally cleaned periodically, every third or fourth time. Or you may find it more convenient to have it done professionally each time special cleaning is needed, rather than doing it yourself. |
