1. Blot the area lightly with a clean white or light colored towel to absorb any excess vino.

2. Make a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water. But seltzer will work if you don't have vinegar.

3. Using the towel, dab the solution onto the stain, moving from the outside in so that the stain doesn't spread. Continue until the stain is totally removed or faded.

4. Follow with a solution of ammonia and water to neutralize the acid in the vinegar (one part ammonia to two parts water), then dab the spot with some clean water.

5. Finally, if your carpet is a light color, blot it with household-strength peroxide. Let it stand for a couple of minutes, and then rinse with fresh water.

[Nestpert] Neeraj Gupta, director of product research and development at ServiceMaster Clean

-- Grace Jidoun

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