How to Remove Wine, Coffee, and Food Stains from Area Rugs

by Grater SiteAdmin

Spills are inevitable, especially in homes with guests, kids, or pets. Whether it’s a glass of red wine, a morning coffee, or dropped pasta sauce, stains on your area rug can quickly become permanent if not treated properly. At Roys Rugs, we understand the value of your rug—both aesthetic and monetary. Here’s how to safely and effectively remove common stains without damaging the rug fibers.

1. Act Quickly Before the Stain Sets

Timing is everything when it comes to area rug cleaning. The longer a stain sits, the more it seeps into the fibers and backing, making it harder to remove.

✅ First Step: Blot—don’t rub—the stain using a clean white towel or cloth. Press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible.

2. Removing Red Wine Stains from Area Rugs

Red wine can be one of the trickiest stains due to its strong pigmentation.

What You’ll Need:

  • White vinegar (1 tbsp)

  • Dish soap (1 tbsp)

  • Warm water (2 cups)

Steps:

  1. Mix vinegar, dish soap, and water in a bowl.

  2. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the stained area.

  3. Blot with a dry towel to lift the wine.

  4. Repeat until the stain fades.

  5. Rinse with a bit of cold water and blot dry.

Pro Tip from Roys Rugs: Avoid hot water—it can “cook” the wine into the fibers permanently.

3. How to Get Coffee Stains Out of an Area Rug

Coffee leaves a dark, tannin-based stain that darkens over time.

What You’ll Need:

  • Baking soda

  • Dish soap

  • Warm water

Steps:

  1. Blot up excess coffee.

  2. Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area and let sit for 10–15 minutes.

  3. Mix dish soap with water, dampen a cloth, and blot the area.

  4. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Expert Tip: Don’t scrub—the abrasive motion can fray delicate rug fibers.

4. Cleaning Food Stains (Sauce, Grease, etc.)

Food stains like tomato sauce, oil, or curry require specific treatment.

Greasy Stains (butter, oil):

  • Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain and let it absorb the grease for 15–30 minutes.

  • Vacuum the powder.

  • Apply dish soap and water, then blot and rinse.

Sauce-Based Stains:

  • Blot the stain with a dry cloth.

  • Mix one part vinegar, one part dish soap, and two parts warm water.

  • Blot, rinse, and dry.

5. Drying Your Rug the Right Way

Moisture left behind can lead to mold or musty odors. After any cleaning:

  • Use a fan or place the rug in a well-ventilated area.

  • Avoid direct sunlight, especially for oriental or wool rugs, as it can fade colors.

6. When to Call a Professional

If the stain:

  • Covers a large area

  • Has set for over 24 hours

  • Is on an antique or silk rug

Then it’s best to call Roys Rugs for expert area rug cleaning. Our team uses the Makoor method—a traditional hand-washing technique that cleans deep into fibers without damage.

Final Thoughts

Removing wine, coffee, and food stains from area rugs can be manageable if you act fast and follow the right techniques. However, for deep or stubborn stains, it’s worth investing in professional rug cleaning to restore your rug’s beauty and extend its life.

Need help with a tough stain?
📞 Contact Roys Rugs today for pickup and deep-cleaning services in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. We treat your rugs like art—because they are.

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