Speed is everything with wine. Tackle it within minutes if you can.

• Don’t rub, but dab with a clean dry cloth to lift as much liquid as possible.
• Apply a little cool club soda or cold water and keep blotting from the outside in.
• For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, leave to dry, then vacuum.
• For wool, silk or antique rugs, stop here and call a professional.