Easily Erase Wine Stains from Your Curtains and Draperies
No one likes thought of spilling a glass of red wine on their beautiful curtains or drapes. The good news is that it’s not as hard as you might think to remove wine stains from these materials.
Updated 14 Feb 2023
By Nishat Asif
The most important thing to keep in mind when attempting to remove wine stains is that the sooner you act, the less damage the wine can cause to your draperies or curtains. Acting quickly is especially important when material is made of a delicate fabric like silk, velvet, or linen. Keep a few things in mind before getting started:
- Use non-bleach detergent or a specialty upholstery cleaner.
- Read washing instructions carefully before attempting to clean the material.
- Use a gentle shampoo or mild laundry detergent for lighter fabrics.
- Always use cold water for all cleaning.
- Be sure to test any products on an inconspicuous area first.
Steps To Cleaning Wine Stains On Draperies and Curtains
- Scoop up any remaining bits of wine with a spoon and blot the stained area with a dry cloth.
- Mix a teaspoon of clear hand dishwashing liquid with 1 cup of cold water and use it to blot the stained area. Work from the outside inwards.
- After you’ve blotted it, rinse area with cold water and blot it again until the stain is gone.
- If the stain persists, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of cold water and use it to blot the area. Rinse again with cold water.
- If the stain still won’t come out, consider using a specialty upholstery cleaner.
Tips To Prevent Wine Stains On Draperies and Curtains
- Take precautions when hosting guests and make sure glasses are placed away from drapes and curtains.
- Cover furniture and drapery with slip covers.
- Try to avoid placing drinks on furniture that is close to drapery or curtains.
- Consider using a spill-proof coaster.