Carpet stain chemistry

How to dissolve red wine pigments before they stain your fabrics

1 Stain

The anthocyanin pigment molecules in red wine get stuck between carpet fibres, staining the fabric pink.

3 Dab

The dissolved pigment can be removed from the carpet by dabbing at the stain with a cloth.

2 Add alcohol

The mix of water and alcohol in a high-proof spirit like gin dissolves the pigment molecules.

4 Rinse

Rinse any alcohol residue away with water and your carpet will be as good as new.