How do I remove a red wine stain from a sweater?

Act quickly to blot away as much of the wine as possible. Then rinse in cold water and pretreat with a vinegar solution. Wash in cold water and air dry for best results.

What should I do if the stain doesn't come out?

It may be necessary to seek professional cleaning services if the stain won't come out after following the steps above.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Red wine > Sweaters

How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Your Sweater in 5 Easy Steps

It’s happened to us all—an unexpected red wine spill on your favorite sweater. While it may seem like a difficult stain to remove, there are actually several simple steps you can take to easily clean up mess.

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Matej Kramberger

Whether it’s from an accident or a night out with friends, removing a red wine stain from a sweater is not as hard as you think. All you need is a few everyday items and a bit of patience, and you’ll be able to easily get your sweater looking like new in no time.

Step 1: Act Quickly

The first step to removing a red wine stain is to act quickly. Use a paper towel to blot away as much of the wine as possible, while being careful not to rub or scrub it into fabric. This will help prevent the stain from setting in too deeply.

Step 2: Rinse in Cold Water

After you’ve blotted away as much of the wine as possible, run cold water over the area until the stain fades. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the water to help loosen it. Again, be sure to use only cold water—hot water will set the stain even further.

Step 3: Pretreat with Vinegar

One of the best ways to tackle a red wine stain is to pretreat it with vinegar. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a bowl and apply solution directly to the stained area. Use a cloth or sponge to gently dab at the fabric, allowing the vinegar to soak in for several minutes.

Step 4: Wash in Cold Water

Once the vinegar has had time to work its magic, wash the stained area of the sweater in cold water. Be sure to use a gentle detergent or a special stain remover formulated for delicates.

Step 5: Air Dry

When the laundry cycle has finished, be sure to air dry the sweater. Avoid placing it in the dryer, as this can cause the stain to set in permanently.

If these steps don’t do the trick, you may need to seek professional cleaning services. But if you follow these instructions and act quickly, you should be able to remove the red wine stain from your favorite sweater with ease.

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