How to Remove Red Wine Stains on Your Rug

A glass of red wine is great—until it hits the rug.Red wine stains look bad, especially on light-colored rugs. But with the right steps and fast action, you can stop the damage and save your rug.

Here’s how to do it, according to our experts at Salt Lake City Rug Cleaning.

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‍Act Fast

‍Don’t wait. The longer red wine sits, the deeper it sinks into the fibers.Grab a clean, dry cloth or paper towel and blot—don’t rub. Absorb as much liquid as you can. Quick action keeps the stain from becoming permanent.

‍Blot with Cold Water

‍Use cold water (not hot) to dilute the stain. Pour a little on the area and blot again.Cold water helps lift the wine without setting the stain. If you have a wet vacuum, use it to extract the liquid completely.

‍Try the Salt Trick

‍After blotting, pour a generous amount of table salt over the stain while it’s still wet. Let it sit for a few minutes.Salt absorbs the wine and lifts the color from the rug. Once dry, vacuum it up.

‍Use White Vinegar

‍No fancy products needed—just plain white vinegar.Blot the area, apply a small amount of vinegar, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then blot again with cold water.Avoid other vinegars like balsamic or apple cider—they can discolor your rug.

‍Baking Soda Paste

‍Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste. Apply it to the stain.Let it dry completely, then vacuum. This can help pull out any remaining pigment from the fibers.

‍Hydrogen Peroxide (Use with Caution)

‍Mix 3 parts hydrogen peroxide (3%) with 1 part dish soap.Apply the mixture gently with a cloth. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth. This works well, but test on a small area first—it may bleach some rugs.

‍Club Soda or Carbonated Water

‍The bubbles in club soda can help lift the stain.Pour it on the affected area, blot, and repeat. Don’t scrub—just keep blotting until the color fades.

‍Store-Bought Stain Removers

‍If DIY methods don’t work, use a stain remover labeled safe for rugs. Follow the instructions carefully.Check if it’s compatible with your rug type to avoid damage or discoloration.Still Stuck? Call Our ExpertsIf the stain is old, large, or just won’t come out, it’s time to call our experts at Salt Lake City Rug Cleaning.

We use safe, effective cleaning methods to remove deep stains without damaging your rug. Whether you’re in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help.

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‍Prevent Future Spills

• Use a rug pad to reduce slippage

• Keep drinks away from high-traffic or uneven areas

• Apply a rug protector spray to help repel future stains

Final Thoughts

‍Red wine stains can be stressful, but you don’t have to panic.With quick action and the right approach, you can keep your rug looking great. And when in doubt, trust our experts at Salt Lake City Rug Cleaning to bring your rug back to life.