How to Remove Beer and Wine Stains From Carpet

Removing Beer Stains From Carpet

1. Apply a Vinegar Solution

   • Mix a solution of 1/3 cup white vinegar and 2/3 cup plain water in a clean spray bottle.
   • Spray the solution onto the stained area once or twice, then blot up the solution using paper towels or a white cloth.
   • Repeat the process until all the solution has been used up and all moisture has been blotted.

2. Dab With Dish Soap

   • Add a few drops of plain, unscented, dish soap to 1 cup of warm water. Mix thoroughly, and then dribble a small amount onto the stained area.
   • Using a clean white rag, dab at the moistened area until it is dry, then repeat.
   • Continue to do this until all of the detergent solution has been used up.

3. Rinse With Water and Blot Dry

   Apply a small amount of warm, plain tap water to the area to rinse away the soap, and dab it until it feels dry.
   

   Allow the carpet to air dry (you can run a fan to speed the drying). Once it is completely dry, use a vacuum to lift the fibers.

Removing Wine Stains From Carpet

1. Spray With a Vinegar Solution

   • Mix 6 ounces of clean water with 3 ounces of white vinegar in a clean spray bottle.
   • Apply a few squirts of the mixture to the stained area. Let it sit for a few moments, then dab it up using a white cloth or paper towel.
   • Continue to spray and dab the stain until you no longer see the color coming up from the carpet onto your cloth. In some cases, it may be necessary to mix up a second batch of vinegar solution.

2. Apply a Warm Dish Soap Solution

   • Warm a cup of water in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Add 5 drops of unscented dish soap and mix the solution thoroughly.
   • Dribble or spray the soap mixture onto the stain, then use a rag or sponge to work the solution gently into the carpet (the goal is to loosen the staining agent without spreading the stain to surrounding fibers).
   • Blot up any excess moisture with a dry cloth or paper towel. Repeat the process until the entire soap solution has been used on the stain.

3. Rinse With Warm Water

   • Rinse the carpet thoroughly by dribbling clean, warm water onto the area and blotting it with a cloth or paper towel until dry.
   • Repeat this process several times until you are certain that all of the vinegar and soap (from the earlier steps) are gone.
   • Blot until the area feels dry, then allow the carpet to air dry (again, you can run a fan to speed the drying). Once it is completely dry, use a vacuum to lift the fibers.

Additional Tips for Handling Beer and Wine Stains

After cleaning up a beer or wine spill per the instructions, above, it is critical to smell the area of the stain to make sure all traces of odor have been removed.

• Kneel close to the carpet and sniff the stained area thoroughly. If you can detect lingering alcohol odors, sprinkle a little bit of deodorizing carpet powder or baking soda on the area and let it sit for several hours—or even overnight.
• Vacuum to remove the powder, then repeat the smell test and powdering process if necessary.