How to remove a red wine stain from a carpet

Small red Persian rug in the hallway

Every carpet owner sooner or later faces a wine stain. The key is to act fast and not rub.

The first 5 minutes

Take a clean white cloth (not colored!) and blot the stain from edges to center. DO NOT rub — that drives pigment deeper into fibers.

What to use

  • Still mineral water — dissolves fresh wine
  • Salt — coarse table salt, sprinkle on top and leave for 10 minutes
  • Cold milk — for wool carpets

What NOT to use

  • Hot water (sets the stain permanently)
  • Vinegar (on wool and silk — disaster)
  • Household bleach

If nothing helped

A dried wine stain is a job for professionals. We have special enzyme-based agents that break down tannins without harming the pile.

Related articles