Red wine stains are notoriously difficult to remove due to the tannins in wine.

Try the following six simple methods using household ingredients and natural cleaners to get red wine out of carpet.

After blotting up as much as possible, apply just enough cold water to dampen it.

How to Remove Red Wine Stains From Carpet illustration

The Spruce / Kyle Fewell

Blot it again with a new clean cloth before using one of the cleaning methods below.

Tip

Not all carbonated water is the same.

However, if you only have seltzer, tonic, or tap water, use it.

Red wine carpet stain

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Diluting the stain is imperative.

you could substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for vinegar.

However, test any solutions on your carpet in a hidden area to ensure they don’t cause discoloration.

Carpet wine stain cleaning supplies

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

This is true of carpets that have dye and white carpets.

Test it on an inconspicuous part of your carpet or rug to ensure it does not discolor the area.

The baking soda reacts with wine, neutralizing the pigments.

Blotting red wine carpet stain

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Remove Red Wine From Carpet With Salt

Salt works on a wet or dried red wine stain.

It’s always best to dilute the stain with water.

Remove Red Wine From Carpet With White Wine

Using white wine works similarly to water.

Adding water directly to red wine stain

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

It’s best to use this method on a fresh stain only if no water is available.

White wine dilutes the red pigments, making them easier to blot up.

White wine can also stainwhen not treated.

Applying carpet stain remover spray

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

It may not be as visible but can leave a ringed stain.

When to Call a Professional

The stain removal process takes persistence and patience.

Call for a carpet cleaning expert if homemade methods and store-bought stain removers do not work.

Cleaning solution using dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Older red wine stains that have dried completely might require a professional’s assistance.

They can use industrial products that might return your carpet to its pre-stain condition.

Red wine stains can be removed if treated quickly.

Applying baking soda paste to wine stain

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Rinse red wine stains with cold water since hot water tends to set in stains.

After either method, vacuum once it’s dry.

Use a sponge to apply cleaning solution

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein