Whether it's a bold Pinot Noir or a lightly-colored Chardonnay, wine spills are inevitable—especially if you entertain a lot. Accidents happen, but there's no need to panic the next time a glass tips over. Regardless of how expensive the carpet—or the wine—is, it’s totally fixable.
Jay Kellis, principal chemist at BISSELL, tells us the best way to get spilled wine—regardless of the color—out of carpet as quickly and effectively as possible. He also shares the best ways to treat the stain, which can vary depending on how long it’s been sitting.
Next time there's a spill at a dinner party, use these expert stain-removal tips to easily get wine out of carpet.
How to Remove Wine from Carpet
There’s no shortage of viral stain-removing hacks circulating on social media. Some claim that using white wine will cancel out red stains, others use a simple combination of club soda and salt to eliminate the stain, and yet others swear by the power of Dawn dish soap and white vinegar.
“There are various effective methods for removing wine stains from carpets, but the best cleaning method depends on the surface type and stain itself, including how long it has set,” Kellis says. His best advice for wine stains? Skip the hacks and use an oxy-based product. “The key is to let a little chemistry in cleaning solutions help clean up the party foul," he says. "At BISSELL, we recommend using oxy-based products to lift wine stains as they work quickly to remove tough stains on area rugs, carpets, and upholstery.”
Does the Color of Wine Make a Difference?
A white wine or a pale rosé won’t leave as bold of as stain as a robust red. Still, Kellis says the color of the wine doesn't actually matter. “The stain removal methods remain the same regardless of wine color, but always consult the manufacturer’s care guide for specific cleaning guidelines," he says.
The company that makes your carpet or area rug may have stain removal advice for that specific fabric and stain, so always check the care tag or manufacturer guide. It's a good idea to look into this before a spill occurs, so you’re not scrambling to find the info after the fact.
Cleaning New Wine Stains vs. Set-In Stains
Kellis shares his best advice for tackling wine that’s been marinating in your carpet for a bit. “Knowing how long it has set in is valuable in guiding your cleaning decisions," he says. "A newer stain may come out with just a stain remover spray, whereas a deeper or more set-in stain could benefit from pre-treatment with a stain remover spray followed by a deeper clean with an upright or portable carpet cleaner.”
The takeaway is that if you want to minimize the elbow grease needed to remove wine from your carpet, aim to tackle the stain as quickly as possible.
How to Get Wine Out of Carpet
- Test the CarpetAccording to Kellis, you should always test the area you plan to clean for colorfastness, which is the ability of a material (in this case, a carpet or rug) to retain its color and resist fading or running. If you have yet to use this particular cleaner on this particular carpet, test it out in a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure the color stays intact before saturating the stain.
Test the Carpet
According to Kellis, you should always test the area you plan to clean for colorfastness, which is the ability of a material (in this case, a carpet or rug) to retain its color and resist fading or running. If you have yet to use this particular cleaner on this particular carpet, test it out in a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure the color stays intact before saturating the stain.
- Blot the StainOne of the most common stain removal mistakes is rubbing rather than dabbing. Whether you rub the wine stain immediately or after it’s set in a bit, you’re simply spreading it further into the carpet and the surrounding area. Kellis explains that you should blot up as much of the wine as possible with a clean cloth before attempting to remove the stain.
Blot the Stain
One of the most common stain removal mistakes is rubbing rather than dabbing. Whether you rub the wine stain immediately or after it’s set in a bit, you’re simply spreading it further into the carpet and the surrounding area. Kellis explains that you should blot up as much of the wine as possible with a clean cloth before attempting to remove the stain.
- Spray a Stain RemoverAfter you've blotted up as much of the liquid as possible, Kellis suggests spraying the stain with an oxy-based cleaner. Don't just spray the stain itself; extend the product to a wide area around the stain. “A carpet stain is like an iceberg, meaning you can just see a small part of the top. It’s important to spray from the bottom of the stain and work your way upwards,” he explains. “Once liquid hits the carpet, it spreads quickly to the backing. This is what causes stains that you thought were cleaned up to come back to the surface a few months later."There’s a fine line between saturating the fibers and not overdoing it. Kellis explains that the cleaner needs to reach the backing (the underside of the carpet or rug), but you don’t want an excess amount simply sitting on top. So start by spraying slowly and then build up as necessary.The 12 Best Carpet Spray Cleaners of 2024 for Removing Dirt, Pet Stains, Cleaners, and Wine Spills, According to Our Tests
Spray a Stain Remover
After you've blotted up as much of the liquid as possible, Kellis suggests spraying the stain with an oxy-based cleaner. Don't just spray the stain itself; extend the product to a wide area around the stain. “A carpet stain is like an iceberg, meaning you can just see a small part of the top. It’s important to spray from the bottom of the stain and work your way upwards,” he explains. “Once liquid hits the carpet, it spreads quickly to the backing. This is what causes stains that you thought were cleaned up to come back to the surface a few months later."
There’s a fine line between saturating the fibers and not overdoing it. Kellis explains that the cleaner needs to reach the backing (the underside of the carpet or rug), but you don’t want an excess amount simply sitting on top. So start by spraying slowly and then build up as necessary.
- Clean the Stain“Work the formula into the stain with a cloth or sponge using light strokes from the edges to the center,” Kellis says. ”Remember, don’t rub the stain; when you get to the center, lightly pinch in an upward motion.” This will help bring the spilled wine to the surface and prevent it from spreading.
Clean the Stain
“Work the formula into the stain with a cloth or sponge using light strokes from the edges to the center,” Kellis says. ”Remember, don’t rub the stain; when you get to the center, lightly pinch in an upward motion.” This will help bring the spilled wine to the surface and prevent it from spreading.
- Keep an Eye on the StainKellis recommends letting the cleaner sit for five minutes before blotting the excess. “If you still notice a faint wine stain, note that the oxy chemistry will continue to work on it for 24 hours after application,” he says. “If needed, follow up by using a deep carpet cleaner."
Keep an Eye on the Stain
Kellis recommends letting the cleaner sit for five minutes before blotting the excess. “If you still notice a faint wine stain, note that the oxy chemistry will continue to work on it for 24 hours after application,” he says. “If needed, follow up by using a deep carpet cleaner."