You’re having a house full of guests, suddenly your red wine gets spilt all over the carpet…What do you do next?
Red wine stains have always been one of the toughest stains on the carpet due to their nature and acidic properties.
Here are 7 tried and tested ways to remove red wine stains from the carpet. Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Blot the stain
After the unfortunate spill, don’t panic! Grab a clean towel and start blotting the stain in an up and down direction. Avoid rubbing the stain, else it’ll get worse. Blot the stain as much as possible, until it completely dries.
2. Salt
If you have got a stubborn stain on the carpet, try to blot the stain as much as you can. You can preferably use an absorbent cloth to absorb the stain. Now, gradually cover the damp spot with salt. Since salt soaks the moisture, it’s important for the spot to be damp. Just let the salt sit for a while. Meanwhile, the crystals will absorb the wine and will turn pink in a few hours. Salt can do wonders, so let it sit for a longer time. As soon as it dries, remove the excess off the carpet with the help of the vacuum.
3. Cold Water
It’s one of the easiest hacks to take the stains off the carpet. Just pour a glass of cold water on the stain and let the water work its magic. The water will dilute the wine which will eventually get dissipated. Continue to blot and you’ll start seeing the change.
4. Baking Soda
Pour the cold water onto the stain on the carpet and continue blotting. Continue blotting until you find out that no more of the stain will get off. Now prepare the concoction by mixing a three-to-one ratio of baking soda to water. Apply the paste generously to the affected area, wait until it gets dried off and then vacuum the carpet as usual.
5. Vinegar
Dry the area with a clean towel and then prepare a solution by mixing one tablespoon vinegar, one tablespoon dish wash liquid with one cup of lukewarm water. Before you apply the solution, do a spot test with the vinegar. Pour the white vinegar over the affected area to check the colouration of the carpet. If it doesn’t get discoloured, then gently apply the solution with the help of a soaked sponge and continue blotting until it gets off.
6. Club Soda
Club soda has the power to get rid of red wine stains. Blot the stain until all the excess wine is soaked. Grab the soda and pour it gradually onto the stain and then blot it again. Repeat until the stain disappears.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
Before using this method, do a patch test with hydrogen peroxide over the affected area as it might cause discolouration to the carpet. Once you’re done with the patch test, pour the hydrogen peroxide over the stain. Then sprinkle the baking soda over the carpet, wait for some time and then pour the water over the stain. If discolouration happens, stop the process immediately, else use a damped towel to remove the stain.
8. White Wine
White wine might help in getting rid of the existing red wine stain as it can dilute the concentration much like cold water. Uncork the bottle and pour it onto the affected area, then dab off the excess with a clean cloth and let it soak up the mixture.
When to Call a Professional?
Our hacks shouldn’t disappoint you and have known to get rid of the toughest red wine stains. However, if you’ve tried everything and the stain refuses to go away, know that it’s time to seek professional help.
For instance, if you live in Santa Cruz, a quick Google search “cleaning services Santa Cruz” will direct you to professionals who’ll be happy to help you remove red wine stains for a reasonable amount of money.
What to keep in mind when hiring a professional cleaning service?
Generally, professionals are roped to get rid of the most stubborn spots and stains. They must always be well equipped with the required tools and materials.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when hiring professionals:
Reviews are Crucial
They’re the best way to know whether the cleaning service is worth hiring or not. Always browse the company’s website and check the reviews prior to hiring them, so that you get a fair idea of their services.
Attention to Detail
Do not hesitate to dive into the details about their price, packages, services they offer, just to ensure that you aren’t calling the wrong services.
Trained personnel
It’s another requirement which you should always keep in mind before calling for the services, as you wouldn’t want anyone who lacks the expertise about cleaning and would eventually damage the property. Always call trained cleaning professionals to avoid mishandlings.
Tools and Equipment
If you’re hiring a cleaning agency, it’s implied that they’ll get their own equipment but is not necessarily true, so always inquire about the team and their equipment, so that you don’t have to bear any additional costs. With regard to the equipment, you may inquire about the quality of the tools as well.
Level of Experience
Before you schedule an appointment, it’s wise to consider the kind of experience they have. Is it an established company with good reviews or has it just opened? Generally, it’s better to go with companies that have a fair amount of experience.
Safety
Safety is important. Always ensure that the cleaning professionals are trained and know how to use the products, especially chemicals as they could be extremely harmful. Ensure that all safety precautions are followed by the company that you chose.
The Wrap Up
Next time don’t let stubborn stains spoil your party (and your mood)! You can easily get rid of the stains, using common kitchen ingredients such as water, salt and vinegar. Always start by blotting the stain until it gets dried.
