Eco‑friendly & residue‑free
Safe for kids and pets
Technician‑led diagnosis
Fibre & stain class tested
Sydney & Brisbane
Reliable, on‑time service
The key to red wine stain removal is speed. The tannins and pigments in wine begin to bond with fibres almost immediately. These pro-approved, at-home methods give you the best chance of success.
1) Act fast: The blot & contain method
Before you reach for any cleaner, your first job is to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Grab a clean, dry, white cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain. Work from the outside edges inward to prevent the stain from spreading.
Do this immediately
- Blot with a dry, white cloth.
- Apply a tiny bit of cold water.
- Continue blotting with fresh cloths until no more wine transfers.
Call a pro if…
- The stain is already dry and set.
- It's on delicate fibres like silk or wool.
2) The salt & cold water technique
After blotting, ordinary table salt can be your best friend. Liberally cover the entire stain with salt. The salt will begin to draw the remaining wine out of the carpet fibres. Let it sit for a few hours, or until it turns pink. Vacuum up the salt, then gently blot any remaining mark with a cloth dampened with cold water.
“Salt is a desiccant—it draws moisture out of the carpet fibres, pulling the wine pigment with it before it can chemically bond.”
3) The vinegar & baking soda paste
For slightly more stubborn stains, a paste can help. Mix three parts baking soda to one part white vinegar to create a fizzing paste. Apply it to the stain, let it dry completely, and then vacuum up the residue. The mild acidity of the vinegar helps break down the pigments. Always test this on an inconspicuous area first.
4) Common mistakes that set stains
What you don't do is as important as what you do. Avoid these common errors:
- Don't use hot water. Heat will chemically set the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove.
- Don't rub or scrub. This frays carpet fibres and pushes the stain deeper into the pile and backing.
- Don't use coloured cloths. Dye from the cloth can transfer to your carpet, creating a new stain.
- Don't use bleach or harsh chemicals. These can remove the colour from your carpet, creating a permanent bleached spot.
5) When it's time to call a professional
If DIY methods don't work, or if the stain is on a delicate or expensive rug, it's time to call in the experts. A professional technician can identify the fibre type and use specialized, pH-balanced solutions and hot water extraction equipment to safely flush the stain without damaging your carpet.
Why homeowners book us
95%
repeat & referral clients
4–8 hr
typical drying window
2 cities
Sydney & Brisbane
Book professional stain removal
Child‑ and pet‑safe methods. Punctual technicians. Transparent pricing.
Can you guarantee red wine stain removal?
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While we have a very high success rate, complete removal depends on the age of the stain, fibre type, and any previous cleaning attempts. We always provide an honest assessment before starting.
Does club soda really work on wine stains?
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Club soda is mostly carbonated water. It can help dilute the stain, but the blotting action does most of the work. Plain cold water is just as effective and more readily available.
SBRE Cleaning Team
Local technicians serving Sydney & Brisbane with eco‑friendly carpet care.
