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 metabisulfite or an oxidising 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.
• PPE – All the necessary PPE needs to be use as hydrogen peroxide is a hazardous chemical.