You and some friends are sitting in your living room–your pristine, remodeled, perfectly furnished and accessorized living room–enjoying red wine after a hard week. And then, suddenly you see it, wine where it should not be–spilled on your carpet. Before you throw up your hands in defeat, try these tips to prevent a lasting stain:
1. Blot: Using a clean, white cloth, soak up as much of the liquid as possible by dabbing the spot. Use different parts of the cloth to blot up the liquid, and avoid rubbing the spill with the cloth as the motion will ground the stain into the carpet.
2. Dilute the spill. Adding water to the spill allows blotting to soak up more of the liquid. Add small amounts of water, blot, and repeat until the stain is completely soaked up.
3. Make a paste of baking soda and water. The ratio should be 3-1 baking soda/water. Put the paste over the spill and allow it to dry. Vacuum the powder and the spill away.
Remember, a clean white cloth is best for soaking up spilled red wine. Clean up the spill as soon as possible. If the spill is already dried or drying, use carpet stain remover.
Source: Sarah Aguirre Photo: Ryan Gageler
