Getting ready for holidays, entertaining guests and enjoying a glass (or two) of your favourite red wine? While the celebrations are exciting, many homeowners secretly worry about one thing — red wine stains on the carpet.
No matter how careful we are, carpets and upholstery have a strange way of attracting spills, especially brightly coloured ones. We’ve all been there: the moment the glass tips, time slows down, and suddenly red wine and your carpet become one. The party mood disappears, replaced by panic and frantic cleaning attempts.
The good news? Acting quickly — and correctly — can make all the difference.
First Rule: Stay Calm and Act Fast
Red wine stains are common because wine is a party staple and its deep colour shows immediately. The most important things to remember are:
- Don’t panic
- Don’t scrub
Instead, grab a clean towel and gently dab the spill to absorb as much wine as possible. Blotting helps lift the liquid without pushing it deeper into the carpet fibres.
If your carpet is made from natural fibres, has special dyes or you’re unsure of its material, it’s best to consult a professional carpet cleaning expert before attempting anything aggressive.
Below are a few commonly used DIY methods — but remember, results can vary.
DIY Tips for Red Wine Stains
- Using salt and club soda
After blotting up excess wine, cover the stain with salt and lightly pour club soda over it. Leave the mixture for several hours. Once the colour lifts, blot away moisture and vacuum up the remaining salt. - Applying milk
Milk can sometimes help break down red wine stains. After blotting the spill, pour milk onto the affected area and allow it to sit for about an hour. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove both milk and wine residue. - White wine and baking soda
This method works by neutralising the stain. Apply a small amount of white wine to the red wine spill, then cover with baking soda. Keep it slightly damp and allow it to sit. Once loosened, clean gently with mild soap and water. - Cat litter
Clay-based cat litter can absorb red wine effectively. Sprinkle it generously over the stain, press it down lightly, and once dry, vacuum it up.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
While these tips can help in some situations, red wine stains are notoriously stubborn. There’s always a risk the stain won’t be fully removed — or worse, that DIY attempts could permanently damage your carpet or upholstery.
For peace of mind, it’s often best to leave tough stains to professionals.
Professional Red Wine Stain Removal with Elite
At Elite Maintenance Services Group, we specialise in removing difficult stains like red wine using proven professional carpet dry cleaning methods. Our technicians use safe, effective cleaning solutions and advanced equipment to restore carpets, rugs and upholstery without damaging fibres.
Whether it’s a lounge room carpet, rug or sofa, Elite professionals are trained to tackle even the most stubborn wine spills — quickly and correctly.
You can also learn more about stain prevention and expert techniques in Best Kept Secrets of the Carpet Cleaning Industry.
Spilled Red Wine? Elite Has You Covered
Don’t let a red wine mishap ruin your carpet — or your celebration.
Request a quote for professional stain removal
Or call 131580 to book fast, expert carpet or upholstery cleaning
Elite Maintenance Services Group — Experts Since 1984. Australia Wide With Pride.
