How do I remove a fresh wine stain?

Start by blotting the stain with a cloth or paper towel. Apply club soda directly to the stain, and blot the area again with a damp cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Wine

How to Easily Remove Wine Stains from Clothing and Home Fabrics

Q: How do I remove a set-in wine stain?

Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water and use a cloth or sponge to apply the mixture over the stain, working it in gently. Blot the stain with the same cloth and then rinse thoroughly with cold water. You can also try using a pre-treated stain remover, or try a paste made of warm water, oxygenated bleach and laundry soap.

Q: What should I consider when cleaning fabric stains?

Be sure to check the fabric care labels first. Natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk and linen can often tolerate white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, while synthetics require a gentler solution like a pre-treated stain remover.

No matter how careful you are with your glass of wine, spills are inevitable. Whether it’s an accidental carpet spill or splotch on a favourite blouse, all is not lost when you find a wine stain. Here, we'll explore how to easily remove wine stains from clothing or other home fabrics.

Updated 14 Feb 2023

By Jaka Rizmal

Treating Fresh Wine Stains

It's best to address a fresh wine stain as soon as possible. Start by blotting (not rubbing) the stain using a cloth or paper towel. This will help to absorb some of the spilled liquid and prevent it from spreading further. Once you’ve blotted up the excess, apply club soda directly to stain. The carbonation in soda helps to break down the red wine molecules. Blot the area again with a damp cloth, and repeat this process until the stain is gone.

Removing Set-In Wine Stains

If the stain has already been sitting for several hours, or worse yet, days, more work is required. Start by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts cold water. Use a cloth or sponge to apply the mixture over stain, working it in gently. Blot the stain with the same cloth and then rinse thoroughly with cold water. For stubborn or dark stains, you can mix equal parts of salt, cream of tartar and white vinegar, and work this into the stain before rinsing. You can also try using a pre-treated stain remover, or try a paste made of warm water, oxygenated bleach and laundry soap to rub the stain out.

A Quick Note on Fabrics

When dealing with wine stains on fabric, be sure to check fabric care labels first. Different materials require different cleaning solutions and methods. For example, natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk and linen can often tolerate white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, while synthetics require a gentler solution like a pre-treated stain remover.

Wrapping Up

No need to panic if you find yourself with a pesky wine stain. If you act fast, you can remove it with minimal fuss and no permanent damage. Remember to test any cleaning solutions on a hidden area of the material first, and always follow the fabric care instructions.

Try Laundryheap - 24h laundry service with free delivery

Never do laundry again. Save time for things you ❤️

Book now

WikiLaundry