How do I clean a red wine stain from my business suit?

Start by blotting up as much of the liquid as possible with a cloth or paper towel. For dried stains, use a combination of solvents, dishwashing detergent, and hydrogen peroxide. You can also try a commercial stain remover, or an oxygen-based bleach. If all else fails, take the suit to a professional dry cleaner.

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Get Rid of Red Wine Stains From Your Business Suit Instantly

No matter how careful you are, at some point, everyone spills something on their business suit. Red wine is probably the most difficult of all stains to remove, but don't worry – with these tips, you can get your suit looking as good as new in no time!

Updated 14 Feb 2023

By Luke Smith

Step 1: Assess the Damage & Choose a Cleaning Method

Start by assessing the damage of the wine stain. Is it fresh and wet, or has it been there for a while and dried? Depending on the age and severity of the stain, you might need to use different cleaning methods.

For fresh, wet stains: Use a cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Do not scrub, as this could spread the wine and make stain worse. Rinse area with cold water to help remove the remaining stain.
For dried stains: You may need to use a combination of solvents and soap. Start by applying acetone (fingernail polish remover) onto a cotton swab and dabbing it onto the stained area. Do not rub it in. Next, mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in one quart of cold water. Soak a white cloth in mixture and blot the stain until it is gone.

Step 2: Try a Commercial Stain Remover

If the stain still won't come out, there are several commercial products available specifically designed for removing red wine stains. Follow the directions on the label, and test the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first. If it doesn't work, or if it causes any discoloration, move on to other methods.

Step 3: Use an Oxidizer

Oxidizers, such as oxygen-based bleach, can also be used to remove stubborn red wine stains. Mix one teaspoon of the oxidizer with a pint of warm water, and then pat the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Repeat until the stain is gone. It's important to follow the directions on the label, as some oxidizers can damage certain fabrics.

Step 4: Have the Suit Professionally Cleaned

If the stain still won't come out, it may be time to take the suit to a professional dry cleaner. The expert staff will have the necessary tools and techniques to get rid of the stain without damaging the fabric.

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