How to Remove Red Wine from Carpet
Hydrogen Peroxide and Ammonia Solution
*Before attempting to remove the stain, test an inconspicuous area for color fastness.
Here’s What You’ll Need
- 1/4 teaspoon clear/transparent dish-washing detergent. (Dawn, Joy, or clear Ivory)
- 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide (3% solution available in drug stores)
- 1 teaspoon undiluted, unscented, clear, non-sudsy ammonia
- White vinegar
- Clean, white towels/Rags
- White paper towels
- Plastic wrap
- Two bowls for mixing ingredients
Step 1
Mix detergent and warm water in small bowl.
Step 2
Remove excess spill by blotting (do not scrub).
Step 3
Apply detergent solution mixture to the carpet using a cloth or paper towel and leave it on the stain for 3-5 minutes.
Step 4
Being sure to work from the outside in–blot up the solution (do not rub or scrub). Scrubbing could damage the carpet fibers.
Step 5
Using a clean cloth or towel, apply small amounts of fresh water to the stained area to remove the detergent residue. Be sure to thoroughly remove any remaining detergent, as this residue could result in re-soiling of the area.
Step 6
To absorb the excess water, apply a thick stack of paper towels to the area. On top of the paper towels place a flat glass baking dish weighted down with books, or other heavy objects.
Step 7
To speed up the drying process, periodically add clean, dry paper towels to the bottom of the stack. The wicking process may take several hours.
Step 8
If stain is not removed, mix the hydrogen peroxide and ammonia together in a small bowl. The mixture will need to be used within two hours of mixing.
Step 9
Apply the ammonia and hydrogen peroxide solution to the affected area using a clean damp towel.
Step 10
Working from the outside in, blot the solution onto the stain – do not rub or scrub. Scrubbing could damage the carpet fibers.
Step 11
Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the stain. On top of the plastic wrap, place a flat/smooth bottomed glass baking dish weighted down with books, water jug or other heavy objects. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
Step 12
Repeat application of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide mixture and allow to air dry until removal is complete.
Step 13
Once the stain is removed, apply (undiluted) white vinegar to the area using a clean dry cloth. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia.
Step 14
Using a clean dry cloth or towel, apply small amounts of fresh water to the carpet to remove the vinegar residue..
Step 15
To absorb the excess water, apply a thick stack of paper towels to the area. On top of the paper towels place a flat glass baking dish weighted down with books, or other heavy objects.
