Champagne, despite its colorless appearance, does stain. The effervescent beverage contains compounds that can leave noticeable marks on fabrics and surfaces. Champagne spills happen on special occasions (and quite often when you're just opening the champagne bottle), but understanding how to address stains is the real opportunity for celebration.
Clean While The Stain is Fresh
“The easiest way to clean up champagne or white wine stains from carpet fibers and upholstery cushions is to do so as soon as it happens," advises Aaron Christensen is the resident cleaning expert and VP of Growth at Homeaglow. "Blot the area with paper towels to remove any excess champagne, soak a sponge with club soda and apply it to the affected spot. Finish up by blotting the area with a soft cloth and leaving it to air dry."
The sooner you act the easier the clean up can be, however, in the height of a party you could easily not notice a spill or a damp patch from champagne getting into the fibers.”
Already Dry? Use Liquid Soap and Water
If champagne has been able to sit or dry into the fibers of a carpet or upholstery, use this tried-and-true cleaning technique that makes use of dish soap. Always check the care label of your product, and test the cleaning solution on a hidden area, especially for delicate fabrics.
- Create a cleaning solution. The easiest and most accessible stain remover is ordinary dish soap. Mix 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap with 2 cups warm water. Stir to create a soapy water solution.
- Work the solution into the stain. Using a clean sponge or soft-bristled brush, work the cleaning solution into the stained parts of the carpet from the outside inwards.
- Rinse off the cleaning solution. Using a clean cloth or sponge, dab plain water onto the stained area to remove all the cleaning solution from the carpet.
- Blot with paper towels or a dry cloth. Dry the area with a clean, white cloth, working your way from the outside of the stain inwards. Use paper towels to check for, and absorb remaining moisture.
- Leave to dry and vacuum. Leave the affected area to air and follow up with vacuuming over the area to help lift the fibers.
What Not to Do
- Avoid using colored paper towels or napkins. The color can transfer.
- Don't rush. Show your upholstery some extra care by using paper towels to absorb any lingering moisture after cleaning.
- Don't rub vigorously. You can damage the fabric fibers.
- Don't ignore care labels. Pay attention to special care instructions.
Luckily, your guests (certainly not you) only spilled champagne. It won't be a bad stain if you take proper precautions with the fresh stain. You probably won't need to use a commercial stain removal, harsh chemicals, or professional upholstery cleaner like you would with coffee stains or a red wine spill.
