How do I clean Wine Stains off my area rug?

Q: How do I clean Wine Stains off my area rug?

First, take a clean cloth or paper towel and blot up any excess liquid. Next, mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and dampen the spot from the inside of the stain with a cloth. If this doesn’t work, try hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first to check for discoloration. For the next step, mix one part baking soda and one part white vinegar, spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Finally, vacuum the area to remove any residual dirt that may be left in the rug fibers.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Wine > Area rugs

Make Your Area Rug Sparkly Clean Again - Remove Those Stubborn Wine Stains!

We often enjoy a glass of wine with good company, but those dreaded spills can cause unsightly stains on area rugs. The stain may seem permanent, but there’s no need to throw out your rug just yet. Read below to learn how to remove those pesky wine stains from area rugs.

Updated 14 Feb 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

First, confidence is key. Don’t be afraid to try a few different techniques until you find one that works. You’ll need few simple items that you likely have lying around the house like; a clean cloth or paper towel, white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a vacuum cleaner.

Step 1: Blot up excess liquid

Immediately take action if you accidentally spill wine on your area rug. Start by using a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Lightly dab the rug, don’t rub or scrub it as this will only drive the stain deeper into the rug.

Step 2: Treat stains with vinegar and dishwashing liquid

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and stir. Dip a cloth in the mixture and dampen the spot from inside of stain. Continue to blot with a dry cloth, allowing the residue from the stain to be absorbed.

Step 3: Hydrogen Peroxide

If this doesn’t work, try hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first to check for discoloration. Once confirmed, apply a little bit of hydrogen peroxide over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, no longer than 5. Blot it with a cloth, making sure to pat it dry.

Step 4: Baking soda

Mix one part baking soda and one part white vinegar. Apply around the edges of the wine stain and allow it to bubble when vinegar comes in contact with the baking soda. Then, once it’s done bubbling and the mixture turns into a paste, spread it across the stain. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes and then use a wet cloth to rinse it off.

Step 5: Vacuum it up

Once you’ve completed all the steps above, vacuum the area. This will help remove any residual dirt that may be left in rug fibers.

Yes, wine stains can be difficult to remove but it’s not impossible. With a few simple household items, you can be back to sparkling clean area rugs in no time.

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