How to Remove Red Wine from a Wool Carpet

Red wine on a wool carpet is a classic panic moment. The deep purple color seems to set in seconds, and wool's delicate fibers make you worry about harsh treatments. But you can lift fresh and even dried red wine from wool with the right gentle approach. This guide walks you through safe, step-by-step methods using dish soap and white vinegar, plus what to avoid to protect your carpet.

What to Do First

Act fast if the spill is fresh. The longer red wine sits, the harder it is to remove. For dried stains, you'll need a bit more patience, but the same gentle principles apply.

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• Blot, don't rub. Rubbing pushes the wine deeper into the wool fibers and can damage the carpet.
• Use a clean, white cloth. Colored cloths can bleed dye onto the carpet.
• Work from the outside in. This prevents the stain from spreading.

Removing Fresh Red Wine from Wool

For a fresh spill, your goal is to absorb as much wine as possible before it sets.