Removing Red Stains From Carpets.

How to Remove Red Stains From Carpets

Spills, especially red ones can ruin carpet in a matter of minutes. Red dyes are the toughest types of stains to get rid of according to all of the professional carpet cleaners I know.

Red stains can be tough, but the good news is they are not impossible to remove.

Removing General Red Dye Stains

The first thing you need to do is blot the entire stain using a dry towel or paper towel. Don’t rub it as the stain will become larger and more difficult to remove. Completely rinse the carpeted area after you are finished cleaning stains as to remove all traces of the cleaner used and cover with a towel until dry to avoid dirt being tracked over the carpet.

WD-40 Can Remove Stains From Carpet

The key to using WD-40 as a stain removal treatment is the technique. It is important that you spray and blot. Do not wipe or rub. Do not soak the carpet. Simply spray and blot until the stain is completely gone. It will take some time but the result will be worth it.

You should use a steam cleaner to remove all traces of the WD-40 after using it. WD-40 is a greasy solvent and will attract future dirt and staining if you don’t.

WD-40 will work on all types of general red dye stains. Try it first if you have Kool-Aid stains, Maraschino cherry stains, cranberry juice stains, etc.

• Using a lint free and clean cloth, spray a few considerable sprays of WD40 onto the cloth.
• Blot, dab, pat the stained area. Switch to a clean area of the cloth as needed.

Using Ammonia to Remove Red Stains From Carpet

Ammonia is a non bleaching, highly alkaline cleaner that will also remove red stains from carpet. When using ammonia be sure to have adequate ventilation, wear a mask and gloves as well.

Mix 1/4 cup of ammonia with amount 2 quarts of warm water and blot it on the stain alternating with a clean dry towel to absorb the stain.

It may take a while, but it will work. Make sure to rinse the cleaning solution completely when you are finished as again the residue will attract future staining if it is not removed.

If there is any discoloration left, try using regular hydrogen peroxide to cover the stained area then cover with a towel. Check the area after 10 – 15 minutes to see the progress, repeat if necessary. As always, check this method in an inconspicuous spot prior to using.

Using Commercial Products to Remove Red Stains From Carpets

If you don’t have WD-40 or ammonia available you can just pick up some Wine away red stain remover. This product is the gold standard for red stain removal if you have some of this on hand you can dispense with the other cleaning remedies.

Tough Red Stain Removal

If your stain is really tough and has not come up with WD-40, I have 2 other stain removal tricks to take care of the last of it. You can use all three methods I have listed (WD-40, Alkaline water and Hydrogen Peroxide), but be sure rinse the stain removers thoroughly with clean water in between to avoid mixing the solutions. Let the carpet dry completely in between trying each method.

Be gentle when removing the stain. Scrubbing is just going to fray the carpet fibers and that’s no good. Blot gently with a clean dry towel to dry the carpet.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water means that the water is not pH neutral or completely inert as it is in it’s natural state. Acids and alkalies work on stains because they are not neutral and it draws the stain out of the fiber because of this.

My carpet cleaning friend shared a secret of the trade and that is to add 1/2 a cup of baking soda to 2 quarts of water and use this solution to extract the stain when steam cleaning. It works. I’ve used this solution in my portable steam cleaner and it does a great job.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Regular household strength hydrogen peroxide is one of my favorite stain removers. It bleaches, but without damaging items like chlorine bleach does. Pour it full strength on the carpet and gently massage in the carpet fibers.

Hydrogen peroxide converts to plain water if exposed to natural sunlight so be sure to cover the area with a clean towel. You don’t need to rinse it and it goes to work immediately and should be much improved when the peroxide has been allowed to completely dry.

I’ve lifted plenty of red stains off my carpet using this method. Hydrogen peroxide removes coffee stains from carpet too. It’s safe for use on most carpets because it doesn’t really “bleach”, but test it in an inconspicuous place first.

Final Thoughts

Remember, different carpets have different properties, so what works for one may not work for another. Always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to avoid any potential damage. If you’re unsure or the stain persists, consider consulting a professional carpet cleaner.