How Do You Remove Coffee Stains, Red Food Coloring Stains, or Red Wine Stains from Carpet?
No carpet is immune to stains, and some of the hardest stains to remove are coffee, red stains and wine stains. There are many ways to deal with these carpet stains, but using proper methods and solutions can make an enormous difference in removing them. Here’s our expert advice on how to tackle them.
How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Carpet
Blot the Spill as Soon as Possible
Begin blotting the liquid with a white cloth, moving from the outside of the stain to the inside to avoid spreading it. Do not scrub or rub since this can force the stain further into the carpet fibers.
Preparing a Cleaning Solution
For a cleaning solution, mix 1 cup of peroxide with ½ tsp of dish soap. Solution-dyed carpets won’t lose color when treated with hydrogen peroxide, and most carpets are solution-dyed. Always a good idea to test a solution in an inconspicuous corner of the carpet before applying it liberally, though.
Clean the Stain
Apply the cleaning solution to the stain by dabbing it with a clean cloth, and then leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Then blot the stain and cleaning solution with dry cloth. If there is any stain intact, repeat the process. Finally, rinse the area with clean water and use a vacuum cleaner to clear away any residual moisture.
How to Get Rid of Red Stains in Carpet
Identify the Type of Stain – Artificial vs. Natural
First things first, before you start, you need to determine if the red stain is artificial or natural. Natural stains, such as that of red wine, need to be treated differently than artificial stains, such as those from a cherry Popsicle or liquid cough medicine.
Tackle Artificial Red Stains
Synthetic colored stains are notorious for having very aggressive and hard to remove dyes. For synthetic red stains, a reducing agent such as sodium metabisulfite, which is safe for most carpets, might work.
Blot the Stain
You are going to want to immediately dab it with a white cloth, working from the outside in. Once the liquid is soaked in, pour the few droplets of cold water and dilute the stain.
Apply Reducing Agent
Combine the reducing agent as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and apply it to the stained area. Leave it to soak for the prescribed period of time. The stain should be immediately covered with a damp white cotton towel, which is soaked in reducing agent, and the towel should be pressed into the stain with your fingers.
Heat the Stain
Set your iron to a low-medium heat setting and press and hold against the damp cloth for 30 seconds. This will heat the stain and allow it to bind to your clean cloth. Repeat the process, and adds more solution if necessary, until the stain is gone. After it is complete, wash it with water and dry it with a vacuum cleaner.
How to Get Red Wine Out of Carpet
Blot the Stain Immediately
Red wine stains are some of the most difficult to get out, but a fast intervention will help. Using a white cloth, blot the stain, using minimal pressure to ensure the stain does not embed itself deeper into the carpet. Blot with a small amount of cold water to dilute the stain, and continue blotting.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Combine the baking soda and water in a 3:1 ratio to make a paste. Rub this paste on the stain gently using your fingers and let it dry. Once dry, vacuum the area. If the stain does not go, continue the above process up to the complete stain removal.
Final Cleanup
Once the stain is gone, dry the area using a dry cloth, absorbing any remaining moisture. A vacuum cleaner can be used to make sure area dry completely.
Final Thoughts
Using these professional methods, you can remove coffee, red, and red wine stains from a carpet. For everyday spills or more difficult stains, prompt action and the appropriate cleaning solutions are essential for a clean, stain-free carpet.