How To Remove Red Wine Stains

Red wine on your clothing or carpet is a common problem. There are many recipes out there to remove the stain yourself. There are some procedures you should & shouldn't follow when attempting to clean a red wine stain.

Do: Blot as much of the liquid up as possible before applying a stain remover.

Do: Test the material for colour fastness in an inconspicuous area before applying a stain remover.

Don't: Rub the spill, you will only make the problem worse by spreading the stain further.

Do: Be quick. The spill should be cleaned immediately to prevent it from setting.

What you need:

There are many different recipes to clear up the stain. The most common ones are listed below;

Club soda:

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible.

• Pour club soda over stain & blot dry.

• Repeat if necessary.

Bicarbonate of Soda:

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible.

• Mix together bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water to make a paste.

• Apply mixture to red wine stain & leave. Vacuum once dried.

White wine:

This seems like an expensive way to clean up red wine stains, but I guess it could be useful if  the accident happens when you are away from home.

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible.

• Pour white wine over stain.

White Vinegar:

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible.

• Pour white vinegar over the stain.

Cornstarch:

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible.

• Cover with cornstarch, brush off when dry.

Talcum Powder:

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible.

• Cover with talcum powder, brush off when dry.

Hydrogen peroxide & dishwashing liquid: [1]

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible.

• Mix together dishwashing liquid with hydrogen peroxide. Pour onto stain & leave as a presoak.

• Wash as usual.

References:

[1] The hydrogen peroxide/dishwashing liquid recipe is a famous internet one submitted by a Patty S. It appears to be the most popular & successful methods for removing red wine stains. Her recipe calls for Dawn dishwashing detergent, but other brands can be used if this is not available.