How do I remove red wine stains from my shift dress?

Start by blotting the stain with a clean white cloth. Treat the area with club soda or white wine, then pre-treat the stain with a mild detergent. Finally, wash the dress on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water. If the stain still remains, you can spot treat with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

What kind of detergent should I use to pre-treat the stain?

Mix one tablespoon of liquid detergent, 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar, and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Red wine > Shift dress

Got Red Wine on Your Shift Dress? Here’s What You Need to Do!

When red wine spills, it can leave behind more than just a stain. But by taking the right steps, it’s possible to minimize the damage and salvage your garment.

Updated 21 Feb 2023

By Luke Smith

If you love wearing shift dresses and the occasional glass of wine, then you may have experienced the dreaded red wine stain. While red wine, like other types of stains, can be difficult to remove, there are several solutions that should help to get the job done. The key is to act quickly as soon as the spill occurs, and to use the correct cleaning approach.

1. Blot Excess Liquid With Towels

As with any type of stain, first and most important step is to blot away the excess liquid. The longer the liquid is left to set, the harder it will be to remove the stain. Start by blotting with a clean white cloth, removing as much of liquid as possible. If necessary, continue with paper towels and switch out the material regularly to avoid spreading the stain further.

2. Apply Club Soda or White Wine

You can then dampen the area with club soda, which contains carbon dioxide bubbles that work to loosen the stain. Also try pouring a small amount ofwhite wine over the stain, which can help to neutralize red wine. In both cases, be sure to use a light touch and only apply a small amount of liquid at a time.

3. Pre-Treat With Detergent and Hot Water

Once the excess liquid has been blotted away and the area has been treated with liquid, you can try pre-treating the stain with a mild detergent. Use a spray bottle filled with a solution of one tablespoon liquid detergent, 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar, and two cups of warm water, and spray it directly onto the stain. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

4. Wash in Cold or Lukewarm Water

Finally, when you’re ready to wash, make sure to use cold or lukewarm water, depending on the fabric. Place the dress in the washing machine, and add the appropriate amount of detergent, as well as a small amount of baking soda or white vinegar. If you’re worried about the stain setting in, you can also add a color-safe bleach such asoxygen bleach, which can help to keep colors vibrant. Once washed, let the dress line dry.

5. Spot Treat With White Vinegar or Hydrogen Peroxide

If the stain still remains after washing, you may need to take additional measures. Try spot treating with either white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, both of which are effective at removing stubborn stains. Just keep in mind that you should test these solutions on a discreet area of fabric first, as they can cause discoloration.

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