There are those times when you simply want to go into your living room and relax with a nice glass of red wine to help you end the night, but this can quickly become a disaster, especially when a few drops of your red wine end up staining your sofa.
It has definitely happened to the best of us, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it. Here’s how you can remove red wine stains from your sofa and carpet!
How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Couch with Dish Soap
Step 1: Remove the Excess Liquid
The first thing you should do is to blot as much of the red wine as you can with either a cloth or a paper towel. This will reduce the severity of the stain and make the cleaning process much easier.
Step 2: Apply Baking Soda
Pour a generous amount of baking soda until the entire stain has been covered and leave it for a few minutes. The baking soda will slowly turn into a paste as it continues to absorb the wine. After the time has passed, you can either use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda.
Did you know that baking soda can effectively remove red wine stains because of its absorbent properties? When layered on top of a fresh red wine stain, a generous amount of baking soda can absorb the excess liquid and lift it completely. Aside from that, baking soda also has mild abrasive properties, which can help break down the stain further.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
In a bowl of warm water, add a few drops of dish soap and mix the two together until suds begin to form.
Step 4: Start Cleaning
With either a clean cloth or a sponge, scoop up the suds from your cleaning solution and gently blot this into the stain, making sure to avoid rubbing as this will only worsen the situation. Repeat this as many times as needed until the stain disappears, remembering to get as little water as possible.
Step 5: Let the Area Dry Completely
Once the stain has been removed, let the area dry completely. Make sure that the couch has fully dried before resuming use.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Couch with Salt
Step 1: Remove the Excess Liquid
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much of the red wine as you can. Make sure that you do this with blotting and dabbing motions rather than rubbing, which will only push the red wine deeper into the material.
Step 2: Apply the Salt
Cover the entire stained area with salt and leave this to sit. The time you leave the salt to work can range from five minutes for mild stains to overnight for much more severe and stubborn stains.
Did you know that salt can help remove red wine stains because of its absorbent properties? Just like the baking soda, the salt will slowly work to soak up the red wine and the pigment from your couch until the stain has completely lifted.
Step 3: Remove the Salt
Once enough time has passed, vacuum up the salt and assess the situation. If the stain still remains, use a spray bottle with water to lightly dampen the area before repeating the previous step. The mist of water will reactivate and dilute the dried stain and make it easier for the salt to absorb it.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Couch with Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Step 1: Apply the Baking Soda
After blotting away the excess liquid with either a sponge or a cloth, pour baking soda on the stain, making sure that you use a generous amount to cover the whole area.
Step 2: Apply White Vinegar
After filling an empty spray bottle with white vinegar, use this to spray over the baking soda. Do this slowly as there will be a chemical reaction when the two are combined. Then, leave it for a few minutes to work.
Did you know that white vinegar can remove red wine stains because its acidity helps in breaking down and loosening the pigment of the stain? Additionally, it also neutralizes the alkalinity which makes it easier to remove.
Step 3: Let the Area Dry Completely
Dampen a cloth with some clean water and use this to wipe away the baking soda and white vinegar. Repeat this as many times as needed before finally letting the affected area dry completely.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Couch with Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
After preparing the area by removing any excess red wine with a cloth or a sponge, it’s time to get your hydrogen peroxide. Take the time to patch test this on an inconspicuous area of your couch to ensure that it won’t leave any permanent damage before spraying enough of it on the stain to cover it.
Step 2: Apply Baking Soda
Once the stain has been sufficiently dampened with hydrogen peroxide, apply a good amount of baking soda over it before leaving it for a few minutes to an hour. Then, remove it with a dampened cloth.
Step 3: Let the Area Dry Completely
If the stain continues to persist, repeat the previous step again before letting the area fully.
Additional Cleaning Tips
How to Remove Old Red Wine Stains
To remove old red wine stains, lightly mist it with some water until it’s damp to reactivate the stain. Then, cover it with a thick layer of baking soda and leave it overnight before using either a dampened cloth or a vacuum cleaner to remove the white powder.
Clean Stains as Soon as Possible
When you address stains immediately, you’re not only making the entire cleaning process easier for yourself but also reducing the likelihood that the stain will leave a permanent mark. When stains are allowed to dry, they absorb deeper into the fabric material and become much harder to lift away.
Regularly Clean Sofas and Couches
Any surface-level dust and dirt will only worsen stains as these impurities will cling to the spilled liquid. Make sure that you regularly vacuum your upholstered furniture to eliminate any loose particles and debris.
Always Squeeze Out Excess Liquid from Your Cloth or Sponge
Avoid oversaturating your couch with excess liquid as this may only push the stain deeper and make it harder to remove. When using any cleaning solution, make sure that you wring out your cleaning tool and use as little water as possible.
Call the Professionals
Understandably, dealing with such a serious stain like a red wine spill can be stressful, especially when the slightest mistake can come with lasting consequences. If you feel this way, then it may be best to leave it to professional sofa cleaners like Luce. Our professional cleaners are well-trained and highly equipped to handle any couch cleaning crisis you may be facing, including those pesky red wine stains.
Finding red wine stains on your sofas and carpets can be incredibly stressful, but these don’t have to be permanent. By following these simple and easy cleaning tips and tricks, your soiled sofas and carpets will be looking as good as new in no time!
