How to Remove Red Wine Stains (Carpet, Clothes & Upholstery)

The golden rules

1. Blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes wine deeper into fibers.
2. Cold water only. Heat sets the stain permanently.
3. Work from outside in — prevents spreading.

Fresh spill on carpet

1. Blot up as much as possible with clean cloths/paper towels.
2. Cover the stain completely with table salt — a thick layer.
3. Wait 15–20 minutes. The salt draws the wine out and turns pink.
4. Vacuum up the salt.
5. Dab remaining marks with cold water + a drop of dish soap.
6. Blot dry.

Dried stain (carpet or clothes)

1. Mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide + 1 part dish soap.
2. Pour/spread over the stain.
3. Let sit 20–30 minutes.
4. Blot with cold water, then wash (clothes) or blot dry (carpet).
5. Test on a hidden spot first — peroxide can lighten some fabrics.

On upholstery

Same as carpet, but use less liquid — you don't want to soak the padding underneath. Blot dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.

White wine on the spill?

The old trick of pouring white wine on red wine actually has some logic (it keeps the stain wet and dilutes it) — but salt works better and you won't waste good wine.

<div class="safety"> <strong>🛑 Don't:</strong> <ul> <li>Don't use hot water — ever. It sets the stain.</li> <li>Don't put stained clothes in the dryer until the stain is fully out</li> <li>Don't mix bleach with vinegar or peroxide-based cleaners</li> </ul> </div>

DIY vs pro cost

Printable checklist

• [ ] Blotted (not rubbed!)
• [ ] Salt applied thickly — 15 min wait
• [ ] Salt vacuumed up
• [ ] Cold water + dish soap dabbed
• [ ] Dried stain? Peroxide mix applied
• [ ] Tested hidden spot first