How do I remove red wine stains from a cocktail dress?

The best way to remove red wine stains from a cocktail dress is to soak up as much of the excess liquid as possible, then create a mixture of dishwashing liquid, white vinegar and water. Test this mixture on an unseen part of the dress and, if successful, apply it to the stained area. Rinse with cold water, blot with a towel and place in the washing machine.

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7 Proven Tips for Removing Red Wine Stains From Cocktail Dresses

Spilling red wine on your cocktail dress before an important event is not only embarrassing, it can also be costly. Fortunately, there are ways to remove red wine stains from clothing with minimal effort and materials. Read on to learn 7 proven tips for removing red wine from cocktail dresses.

Updated 21 Feb 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

One: Soak Up Any Excess Moisture

The first step when removing red wine stains from a cocktail dress is to soak up as much of the excess liquid as possible. A sponge or absorbent cloth works best for this. Try to blot rather than rub in order to avoid spreading stain even further.

Two: Create a Mixture of Dishwashing Liquid, White Vinegar and Water

Dishwashing liquid helps to lift the stain from the fabric, white vinegar removes any remaining colour and water dilutes the vinegar to ensure that any residue doesn't damage the fabric.

Three: Test Your Mixture on an Unseen Part of the Dress

Before using the mixture on the visible part of the dress, it's important to test it on an unseen area in order to ensure there is no damage caused to the fabric. Simply apply a small amount of the mixture to an area such as the lining of the dress and wait 15 minutes to see if there has been any discolouring.

Four: Apply Your Mixture to Stained Area

Once you have confirmed that the mixture is safe to use on the fabric, you can apply it to the stained area. It's best to do this gently and to use circular motions. Leave the mixture to sit for around 30 minutes.

Five: Rinse With Cold Water

Once the mixture has had enough time to work, rinse the area with cold water and a clean cloth. The stain should be gone, but if not, simply repeat the process until it is.

Six: Blot With a Towel

Once you have removed as much of stain as possible, use a towel to blot away any remaining moisture. This will help to prevent any new stains forming.

Seven: Place in Washing Machine

Finally, run the dress through a cold wash in the washing machine. This will help to remove any lingering odours and will also soften fabric.

Conclusion

Red wine stains can be difficult to remove, but with these 7 tried and tested methods for removing red wine from cocktail dresses, you can rest assured knowing that your dress will look as good as new.

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