If you have turned up here today you are looking for ways to get your wine spillage out of your precious carpet. So, welcome to our latest ways to help you and I hope I cover everything you need to know!
Don't forget to grab your free eBook at the end on how to care for your carpet too!!
Ah, the dreaded wine stain! We’ve all been there – a careless slip of the hand, a clumsy friend, and suddenly, you’re googling “how to remove red wine from your carpet?” Don’t worry; spills happen to the best of us! Join us as we set off on an epic journey of stain-busting wisdom guided by Pierre, an expert with many years of experience.
Now if you don’t have time to read, you may find the video below very handy… the interview with Pierre about this problem so I could write my blog:
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why wine stains are so stubborn on carpets. Wine stains, along with similar spills like coffee and soda, fall into a category known as tannin stains. Tannin stains occur due to the presence of dyes in these products.
For example, coffee beans contain brown dyes that leave behind coffee stains, while the fermenting process of wine creates colouring that leads to wine stains. Other drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi can also cause similar tannin stains. This knowledge is crucial as it helps us determine the appropriate cleaning approach.
It’s essential to approach stain removal with care and avoid common mistakes. Many people try to remove the stain themselves, which can sometimes worsen the situation. The best practice is to follow the right steps to increase the chances of successful stain removal.
Remember that you may be unable to eliminate all stains, especially if you have made many DIY attempts before seeking professional help. We aim to guide you on improving the situation and, if needed, when to call a professional cleaning service.
Pierre has seen it all – the do-it-yourselves who dive in headfirst with salt and vinegar and the wine-wasters who pour white wine in a misguided attempt to counteract the red. But fear not, for we’re here to guide you away from these traps!
Now, let’s walk through the correct process to remove wine stains from your carpet effectively:
When a spill happens, act quickly by using a white cotton towel or a piece of kitchen roll to gently press down and absorb as much of the wine as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as it may cause damage to the carpet fibres.
Contrary to popular belief, using salt on wine stains isn’t a good idea. It might absorb some wine, but it can also act like a dye and permanently stain your carpet. Similarly, using white wine or vinegar may help, but it’s better to use white vinegar diluted with water to avoid introducing more dyes.
Prepare a mixture of white vinegar and water in equal parts. Dab a clean towel into this solution and gently blot the stain to dilute the remaining colour. Remember, do not rub; just blot gently.
Apply a small amount of carpet spot remover designed for wine or tannin stains onto the affected area. Always follow the product’s instructions and test it on a hidden area of the carpet first.
When you leave the stain, it’s very common for the stain to wick back as it dries… To help the stain continue to dissipate, place a clean, dry towel over the treated area and put something heavy on top (like a book) to encourage moisture absorption. Doing this means any left-over colouring will be lifted to the cloth and not sit on the top of the carpet fibres.
Stain removal takes time, especially with wine stains. Allow the carpet to dry completely before assessing the results. It’s essential to be realistic; some stains may leave a faint mark even after proper treatment. If the stain persists, consider seeking professional carpet cleaning services to handle the remaining traces effectively.
By following the steps outlined above, you can increase the likelihood of successfully removing wine stains from your carpet.
Remember, acting promptly and using the correct stain removal techniques is always better. Don’t let the fear of stains spoil your social gatherings. With a little know-how and the right approach, you’ll be able to handle wine spills like a pro!
If you are looking for a carpet cleaning company near you, try the NCCA.
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please don’t hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901549 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry Cleaning service.
