Few things are as frustrating as spilling red wine on your carpet. The deep, bold color seems to instantly set in, leaving homeowners worried their carpet is permanently ruined. But the truth is — with the right techniques and quick action, most red wine stains can be successfully removed.
At Titan Carpet & Floor Care, we’ve helped countless Orange County homeowners save their carpets from accidental spills. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of removing red wine stains from carpet, explain what works (and what doesn’t), and show you when it’s time to call the professionals.
Red wine is notorious for staining because it contains natural tannins and anthocyanins, which are strong plant-based pigments. When wine soaks into carpet fibers, it bonds quickly, especially with lighter colors like beige or cream. The longer the stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove.
That’s why the key to success is acting quickly. The sooner you begin treating the spill, the better chance you have of saving your carpet.
Follow these steps carefully to remove red wine stains at home.
Use a clean white cloth or paper towels to blot up as much wine as possible.
Press gently and avoid rubbing — rubbing can push the wine deeper into the carpet fibers.
Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
Pour a small amount of cold water directly onto the stained area.
The water dilutes the wine and helps prevent it from setting deeper.
Continue blotting with a clean cloth until no more wine transfers.
You can use either a store-bought carpet stain remover or a DIY solution. One effective homemade mixture is:
2 cups of warm water
1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
Apply the solution directly to the stained area and blot with a cloth. Repeat until the stain starts to lift.
Pour a small amount of cold water over the area.
Blot again with a dry towel to remove residue.
This step ensures no cleaning product is left behind, which can attract dirt later.
Place a clean, dry towel over the area and weigh it down with something heavy.
Leave it for a few hours to absorb excess moisture.
Once dry, gently fluff the carpet fibers with your fingers or a brush.
If the DIY method doesn’t fully remove the stain, try these alternatives:
Baking Soda Paste: Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Apply paste to the stain, let it dry, then vacuum.
Club Soda: Pour club soda onto the stain and blot. The carbonation helps lift the wine.
Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap: Mix one part dish soap with two parts hydrogen peroxide (safe for light-colored carpets only). Apply and blot until the stain fades.
Don’t rub aggressively — this spreads the stain and damages fibers.
Don’t use hot water — heat sets the stain.
Don’t wait until morning — immediate action is crucial.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the stain lingers — especially if it’s been sitting for hours or days. That’s where Titan Carpet & Floor Care comes in. Our professional steam cleaning equipment penetrates deep into carpet fibers to remove even the most stubborn stains.
Unlike DIY cleaning, our process uses:
Professional-grade steam cleaners that reach deep into fibers.
Eco-friendly cleaning solutions safe for kids and pets.
A 7-day warranty so you can feel confident in the results.
If you’ve tried everything and the red wine stain won’t budge, we’re just a call away.
Here are some tips to help protect your carpet from future accidents:
Apply a carpet protectant to repel liquids.
Keep white cloths or paper towels nearby during gatherings.
Address spills immediately instead of waiting.
Schedule regular professional cleanings to keep your carpet fresh and stain-resistant.
Titan CFC is proud to serve Anaheim and all of Orange County with professional carpet and floor cleaning services. Our reputation as one of the best carpet cleaners in Anaheim comes from years of experience, eco-friendly methods, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Whether it’s a red wine stain, pet accident, or just everyday wear and tear, we have the expertise and equipment to restore your carpets.
If you’re dealing with a red wine stain and want professional help, don’t wait. Titan Carpet & Floor Care specializes in removing stubborn stains and restoring your carpets to their best condition. Serving Anaheim and all of Orange County, we’re your local experts for eco-friendly carpet cleaning and steam cleaning.
Call Titan Carpet & Floor Care today for a free quote and let the experts handle your red wine stain — backed by our 7-day warranty!
Yes, if treated quickly, most red wine stains can be fully removed. Older stains may require professional steam cleaning.
Yes. Salt can absorb liquid and minimize staining, but it should be used immediately and followed up with a proper cleaning solution.
Blot immediately with a clean towel, then apply cold water or club soda to dilute before the stain sets.
Not always. Fresh stains can often be removed at home. But for older or stubborn stains, professional cleaning is the best solution.
We use advanced steam cleaning in Anaheim combined with eco-friendly solutions and a 7-day satisfaction guarantee.