Spilled Red Wine? Here’s How to Save Your Carpet (Without the Stress)

It’s the classic ‘oh no’ moment. One second, you’re enjoying a glass of red wine, and the next, it’s soaking into your carpet. Whether it happened during a family get-together or while relaxing at home, red wine stains have a way of standing out—and not in a good way.

The good news? With the right approach (and a bit of quick thinking), it’s completely possible to get that carpet looking fresh again. Here’s what to do if you’re dealing with a red wine mishap—and when it’s worth calling in the pros at Acorn Carpet Cleaning, your local experts in Glasgow and Paisley.

lady blotting red wine off a carpet showing how to remove the stain.

First Things First – Act Fast

Blot, Don’t Rub

As soon as that wine hits the carpet, grab a clean, damp cloth and blot the area gently. The key here is to absorb as much of the spill as you can—don’t scrub, as tempting as it might be. Scrubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibres and make things worse.

Simple Solutions You Can Try at Home

Baking Soda

After blotting, sprinkle some baking soda directly onto the damp patch. Let it sit for a few minutes—it’ll help soak up leftover wine. Once it’s dry, vacuum it up. This works especially well if the stain is still fresh.

Salt Trick

No baking soda? Table salt can help too. Just cover the stained area with salt, give it time to absorb the wine, and then vacuum it once it’s dry. It won’t fix everything, but it can stop the stain from setting.

White Wine – Yes, Really

This one sounds odd, but white wine can actually help neutralise red wine. Pour a small splash over the stain (not too much!), then blot it up. It’s not a miracle fix, but it can make the stain easier to clean.

Need Something Stronger?

Hydrogen Peroxide + Dish Soap

For tougher stains, mix a bit of hydrogen peroxide with a drop or two of dish soap. Lightly spray it on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, then blot. Always test on a hidden spot first—some carpets don’t react well to peroxide.

Club Soda

A tried-and-tested method. Pour club soda over the stain and blot gently. The fizz helps lift the wine from the carpet fibres. Repeat if needed—it’s gentle and safe for most carpets.

When It’s Time to Call in the Experts

Let Acorn Carpet Cleaning Take It from Here

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the stain just won’t shift—or you’d rather not take chances. That’s where we come in. At Acorn Carpet Cleaning, we help homeowners across Glasgow and Paisley with professional carpet stain removal that’s safe, effective, and stress-free.

We use the latest equipment and proven methods to treat stains properly—no guesswork, no damage, just results.

Our Promise to You

We guarantee our work from start to finish. As members of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), we stick to high standards and treat every home with the care it deserves. From your first call to aftercare, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

Red wine stains don’t have to be permanent, and with a few quick steps, you can stop them in their tracks. Whether you tackle it yourself or want us to take care of it, your carpet can look great again in no time.

Need a Hand with Red Wine Stains?

📞 Call Acorn Carpet Cleaning today for friendly, reliable service in Glasgow and Paisley. Let’s get your carpet back to looking its best—no stress, no fuss.

 

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