How to Get Beer and Wine Stains Out of Carpet

Some stains are tougher than others, but they can all be removed—here's how

How to Remove Beer Stains From Carpet

The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins - 12 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0-10

Learning how to get beer and wine stains out of carpet is often necessary after having a party or social gathering. It's not uncommon to find alcohol-based stains on your carpets and rugs, and red wine is a notoriously difficult stain to tackle. Beer and even white wine can also leave unpleasant odors in the flooring fibers that require cleaning.

While alcohol stains are easier to remove while they're still wet, dried stains can be removed, too. Note that removing red wine stains that range in shades from rose to dark burgundy may require you to use more powerful cleaners or repeat a few steps until the stain is fully lifted.

Below, learn how to clean up beer and wine stains to restore your carpet's beauty.

Tip

If you catch a spill when it happens, immediately blot the liquid using a white cloth or paper towels, absorbing as much moisture as you can. Do not rub the area, as this can spread the stain and work it deeper into the carpet fibers. After soaking up the majority of the spill, proceed with the steps below for a beer or wine stain.

Stain Type  Tannin-based 
Detergent Type  Dish soap
Water Temperature Cold or lukewarm

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Paper towels or clean, white cloths
  • Spray bottle
  • Fan (optional)
  • Vacuum

Materials

  • White vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Baking soda

Instructions

How to Remove 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, 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 cold or lukewarm water. Mix thoroughly, and then dribble a small amount on the stained area.
    • Using a clean white rag, dab at the moistened area until it is dry, then repeat.
    • Repeat until all of the detergent solution has been used up.
  3. Rinse With Water and Blot Dry

    • Apply a small amount of plain tap water to the area to rinse away the soap, then 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 carpet fibers.

How to Remove Wine Stains From Carpet

  1. Spray With a Vinegar or Peroxide Solution

    Vinegar or peroxide can both be used to remove wine stains from carpet, but it's important to never mix them together (which creates a dangerous gas). Choose either of these stain removal methods depending on the items you have at home:

    Vinegar:

    • 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.
    • Continue to Step 2.

    Peroxide:

    • Mix two parts peroxide with one part dishwashing liquid.
    • Apply the mixture to the stain, then let it rest for a few minutes.
    • Blot the stain with a clean white cloth, then reapply as needed to lift the stain.
    • Continue to Step 3.
  2. Apply a Dish Soap Solution

    • Add 5 drops of unscented dish soap to 1 cup of cold or lukewarm water and mix the solution thoroughly. Lukewarm water can also be used, but hot temperatures can set the stain.
    • Dribble or spray the soap mixture onto the stain, then use a rag or sponge to work the solution gently into the carpet. This will loosen the staining agent without spreading the stain to surrounding fibers.
    • Blot up 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 Water

    • Rinse the carpet thoroughly by dribbling clean, cold or lukewarm 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 (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, it is critical to smell the area of the stain to ensure 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.
FAQ
  • How do you get beer smell out of carpet?

    Baking soda is the best cleaner to remove beer smell from carpet. After cleaning the stain with vinegar and dish soap, allow the carpet to dry fully before applying baking soda and vacuuming the area. Repeat as necessary until the smell is removed.

  • Does alcohol damage carpet?

    Alcohol does not damage carpet. It can leave a stain, especially if the spill comes from a dark beer or red wine, but these stains can be easily removed by using vinegar before applying dish soap and water.

  • Is an alcohol stain permanent?

    Alcohol stains can be permanent when they come from red wine or some liquors. Never apply hot temperatures to the stain until it has fully lifted. It's also important to dab the stain up and apply a stain treatment as soon as possible to avoid permanent marks.