Q – We had a party over the weekend and someone whom I will not name (my husband) spilled red wine on our carpet. By the time I got to it I managed to get quite a bit up. I know getting it all out now is going to be hard, but what is the best way to remove wine stains the next time – and there will be a next time – an un-named party (my husband) spills on our carpet.

Donna in John’s Creek

A – Such a waste. I hope that someone (your husband) pays for wasting perfectly good wine.

You are correct about getting to it quickly. That is the number one important thing you can do.

From there, it gets a little confusing.

I have heard tell of home remedies that work, from pouring common table salt on the stain, to using milk, shaving cream, or a concoction of 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part Dawn dish washing liquid to clean the stains.

Here is what I use, and have some success with, although I am not a big wine spiller (such a waste).

First and most important is to blot. Don’t scrub the stain as that will only make matters word. Blot with a white paper towel or cloth, then neutralize with a white vinegar solution (2/3 c of water to 1/3 c of white vinegar) saturating the spot, but not wet enough to soak the backing. Blot up the excess moisture.

Then I use a detergent (1 qt of water with ¼ teaspoon of detergent that doesn’t contain lanolin or bleach) applied to a cloth and blot more rinse with tap water using a spray bottle.

That should get you in the right direction. Good luck.

Oh yeah – how about a tippy cup for whats-his-name, (your husband)…