How do I remove red wine stains from clothes?

The best way to remove red wine stains from clothing is to pre-treat the stain with a solution of white vinegar and dish soap, followed by a solution of Borax and water. Gently blot the stain with a white cloth and rinse off with cold water before washing as normal.

Can I use hot water to remove wine stains?

No, hot water should not be used as it will set the stain further and make it harder to remove.

Should I use bleach to remove wine stains?

No, bleach should never be used to remove wine stains as it will likely damage the fabric and may even make the stain worse.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Wine > HM

How To Remove Wine Stains From Clothing Easily and Safely

Nobody enjoys the sight of red wine stains on their clothing, whether it's your favorite shirt, dress, or pair of pants. But the good news is that there are simple ways to remove these pesky stains without any hassle.

Updated 14 Feb 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

What You'll Need to Remove Wine Stains

White vinegar
Dish soap
Borax
A white cloth (or cotton swab)

Step-by-Step Wine Stain Removal Guide

1. Act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove stain. The sooner you tackle it, better chances you have of successfully removing it.

2. Soak the stained area in cold water. This helps to pre-treat the stain and loosen it up before you start applying more potent solutions.

3. Blot the stain with a white cloth. Make sure to use gentle, slow and deliberate motions at this stage. Blotting helps to absorb stain and prevent it from spreading further into the fabric.

4. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and dish soap. Dip a white cloth in the solution and use it to gently scrub the stain from the fabric.

5. Rinse and repeat the above step as necessary. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 4 and 5. You may also wish to leave the cleaning solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes before rinsing and repeating.

6. Add a teaspoon of Borax to a cup of warm water. Use a white cloth to dab the stain with this solution and rinse off. This is an effective final step that should help you to remove the stain completely.

7. Wash the item as normal. After you've applied the treatments and removed the stain, you can now wash the item as normal.

Additional Tips for Removing Stains

Do not use hot water – this will set the stain further and make it harder to remove.
Don't rub the stain – this will only spread it further into the fabric.
Never use bleach as this will damage fabric and may make the stain worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

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