Removing Wine Stains from Fabric
Treat the stain while it is still wet by blotting, never rubbing, then saturate the area with cold water or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap before rinsing. Speed is the only factor that dictates success; once the liquid dries into the fibers, the tannins set and become significantly harder to lift.
The urgency of the blot
The moment wine hits fabric, fibers begin to absorb the pigment. Do not reach for salt, which can set the stain; grab a clean, white cloth and work from the outside of the spill toward the center.
- clean white cloth or paper towels
- spray bottle
- small bowl
The vertical lift
Always blot using a straight up-and-down motion. Dragging or rubbing the cloth forces the wine deeper into the weave and frays the textile fibers.
The method.
Blot immediately
Use a dry cloth to press firmly into the spill to pull up as much liquid as possible. Switch to a fresh section of the cloth frequently so you are not transferring wine back onto the fabric.
Flush with cold water
If the item is machine washable, hold the back of the stain under a stream of cold running water. Flushing from the back pushes the pigment out of the fibers rather than through them.
Apply the soap-peroxide mix
For stubborn remnants, mix one part liquid dish soap with two parts hydrogen peroxide. Dab it onto the stain, let it sit for five minutes, then blot again with a clean, wet cloth.
Final rinse and air dry
Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue. Lay the fabric flat to air dry and confirm the stain is completely gone before exposing it to heat, such as a tumble dryer, which will lock in any remaining traces.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous seam first to ensure it does not lift the fabric's original dye.
Avoid using club soda if it contains added sodium or minerals, as these can leave their own marks.
If the fabric is delicate silk or wool, skip the peroxide and take it to a professional cleaner immediately.
The ones that keep coming up.
Does white wine remove red wine stains?
It is a common myth. While the acidity of white wine may slightly dilute the pigment, it adds more sugars and liquid to the fabric, making the job harder for the final cleaning.
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