How to remove red wine stains from carpet

April 2nd, 2024 | Carpet

All Carpet How to remove red wine stains from carpet

Can Red Wine Stains Be Removed?

Red wine stains are renowned to be one of the most difficult stains to remove. The reason lies in the combination of tannins and biochemical dyes found in red wine. In most cases, a red wine stain can be removed. It needs to be bleached out using a safe form of bleach, either a reducing agent such as metabisulphite, or an oxidizing agent like hydrogen peroxide.

Red Wine Stain Removal: Things To Avoid.

On the internet there are numerous interesting ways to remove a red wine stain from carpet. Some remedies suggest vinegar, bi-carb soda, salt etc. These home remedies may work to a certain extent, however, history shows that these often leave stubborn and damaging residues in the carpet. This is especially true for wool carpeting. The same fibre which releases red wine stains with the greatest difficulty.

Many platforms state hydrogen peroxide will bleach your carpet. Unlike chlorine, hydrogen peroxide (when used as directed) is a safe form of bleach which is strong enough to oxidise the colorants in red wine, without effecting the carpet dyes.

Likewise professionally formulated sulphites achieve similar results. However, it is always best to pre-test in an inconspicuous spot before applying the chemical. Perhaps most importantly, is never make heroic promises of 100% removal. Ensure you have professionally qualified each job.

Equipment

White Terry Towel – Minor spills can be blot treated with the aid of a terry towel, using the absorbency to transfer the stain off the carpet. By using a white towel, no other pigment will bleed onto the carpet.
Wet Extraction Machine – Larger spills should be treated using a wet extraction machine. This will minimise the risk of wick back and ensure an effective solution.
Red Wine Stain Remover Chemical – There is two reliable options. The Conquer O2 uses the oxidising power of hydrogen peroxide and Actichem CTR uses the reducing power of sulphite. We recommend using Conquer O2 as the first option, not only due to it’s outstanding performance, but oxidising agents are typically more effective on organic stains. However some stains require a reducing agent, so switch between these two spotting agents if a red wine stain is proving stubborn.
Spotting Brush – When agitating a carpet, don’t use the brushing motion as it will damage the carpet fibers. The best method is to tamp or firmly roll the brush over the stain as demonstrated in the video.
PPE – All the necessary PPE needs to be use as hydrogen peroxide is a hazardous chemical.

The Process

Before

1. Apply Conquer O2

2. Agitate

3. Dwell for 10 mins

4. Extract

After

Application – Liberally spray the Conquer O2 (or Actichem CTR) onto the stain, making sure the fibers are completely wetted out. The chemical must penetrate right down to the base, as that is where the red wine would have gone. If you don’t fully wet it out, the moisture will pull the stain back up to the surface as the carpet dries. This is called wick-back.
Agitation – Agitate the stain by tamping up and down with a spotting brush to maximise penetration.
Dwell – Allow a minimum of 10-15 minutes dwell time.
Extraction – Ideally, extract out the Conquer O2 (or Actichem CTR)
and stain with a wet extraction machine.
Repeat – Repeat steps 1-3 if required to completely remove the stain.
Shadow Removal – If there is a shadow left, apply Conquer O2 and absorb or vacuum extract excess moisture, leaving the treated area slightly damp with Conquer O2. The oxidising and encapsulating action of Conquer O2 will continue to work over the next couple of hours as it dries completely, removing the remaining stain.
Residual Removal – The dry Conquer O2 residues will be brittle enough to be removed the next time the carpet is vacuumed.

Tips

Delicate fibres and fabrics
Natural and delicate fibres can be affected by oxidising and reducing agents. Ensure pretesting is always done and that all fine fabric care procedures are followed.
Super Strength Options
The two part Stain Fix provides a super strength oxidising option
The two part Red Fix provides a super strength reducing option

Where To Buy

Conquer O2 – Find a stockist

Stain remover for carpets and upholstery that kills germs and removes stains in one go.

Conquer O2 has been designed to build on the ability of free oxygen to remove the toughest of stains from fibres & fabrics, provide powerful sanitisation and eliminate mal-odours. Teaming up the oxidising power of oxygen with wetting agents and encapsulating polymers to deliver a carpet and fabric stain remover which will remove those impossible stains.
Thanks to the latest in polymer and surfactant technology, Conquer O2 delivers reliable, dependable results every time.

Additional Resources

Download Blog

Carpet Handbook

Actichem Brochure

Carpet Spotting Guide

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11 Gamma Close
Beresfield NSW 2322
Newcastle, Australia

(02) 4966 5516
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