Red wine is fine after a lavish meal, but not when it spills over your favorite shirt. Spills that, if not cleaned up immediately, will turn into stains. Like any other stain, red wine stains can be removed in a variety of ways.
The different ways to remove red wine stains will be discussed in the latter part of this article. Just like other stains, make sure to blot the stain right away before it dries.
Tips in removing red wine stains
- Try to remove a red wine stain as soon as possible. It’s essential to take action quickly. Take care of the stain immediately.
- It’s best to blot it out completely. Use a clean white cloth to remove as much of the wine from the surface as possible.
- Do not expose the stained cloth to a dryer. The heat will make it harder to remove the stain.
- Make sure the fabric is colorfast before applying anything to remove the stain. Check the item’s color safety and washability before using any of the following cleaning tips.
1. Removing red wine stains using salt
Kosher salt is the best to use, but table salt will do if it’s not available. First, use a washcloth or kitchen towel to absorb the moisture of the red wine. After removing the red wine residue, wipe cold water, then add a handful of salt.
Let it soak overnight so the salt will fully absorb all the red wine on the cloth. Rinse the clothes in the morning with cold water and detergent and let them dry. If the stain is still there, you can repeat the process until the color of the red wine is totally removed.
2. Removing red wine stains using club soda
Minerals like sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and potassium sulfate are added to water to make club soda. Despite the fact that it is a quick and easy method for removing red wine stains, it is pricey. Like the first step in other options of removing red wine stains, always blot the stain as soon as possible.
Let the clothes rest for 10 minutes after blotting wine. Then pour the club soda into the stain and let it absorb all the remaining wine on the fabric. The carbonation will help eliminate the red pigments that stick to the clothes. If the red is not visible anymore, rinse the cloth with water. After washing, if you can see that the stain is not entirely removed, you can repeat the process.
3. Removing red wine stains using baking soda and vinegar
The process of removing red wine stains using baking soda and vinegar has the same procedure as salt. Put the baking soda on the stained part after blotting the wet area with a dry cloth or paper towel. Baking soda can be added to water and vinegar if the stain is stubborn.
Add 1/4 cup of baking soda into a container. Then add one cup of water and one tablespoon of white vinegar into the mixture. Pour the mixture into the stain and let it dry. Suppose you feel like the stain is still visible after finishing the process. In that case, you can repeat the procedure until the stain disappears.
4. Removing red wine stains using a mixture of salt and club soda
Blot the stained area with a cloth or paper towel while it is still wet. When all the moisture is removed, sprinkle some salt on the stain. Salt is the best available material to treat red wine stains as they are always available in the house. The salt crystals will absorb the red wine if the wine has not yet been absorbed by the fabric.
After sprinkling the salt, add club soda. For many hours, leave the mixture on the stain. A second paper towel can be used to remove any remaining moisture from the fabric or carpet. Any remaining salt can be removed by vacuuming or washing in the machine.
5. Removing red wine stains using Hydrogen Peroxide with Dishwashing Liquid
This red wine stain removal method works best for white or colorfast clothes because hydrogen peroxide is also a bleaching agent. Before applying the solution to the clothes, test the clothes first if it doesn’t bleed or you can’t use this to remove the stain.
There is no exact measurement to use in mixing the dishwashing liquid and the hydrogen peroxide. I guess the amount will depend on how much stain you are going to remove.
You can experiment all you can do what works best on the stain. If the stain is still wet and new, you can use three parts hydrogen peroxide to one part dishwashing liquid. Soak the clothes into the solution for at least an hour.
Make sure the stained area is fully-covered with the solution. After an hour, the stain will loosen and begin to dissipate. After removing the stain, you can now rinse the clothes in the washing machine or by hand, whatever works for you. Rinse the clothes right away. Exposing the clothes to hydrogen peroxide can damage the cloth.
6. Removing red wine stains using boiling water
This red wine stain removal method can only be used for clothes or anything held on and stretched. Boil a few cups of water. Adding salt can also be done if you want, but that is optional. Bring the clothes to the sink or basin when the water is boiling, then stretch them above. Pour the boiled water into the stain; be careful not to burn yourself.
You need someone to stretch the cloth for you because you can’t lay it flat on the surface. The heat will dissolve the red pigments that are absorbed by the fabric. This method is helpful for new stains. If the stain still persists, you can choose to use other methods.
7. Removing red wine stains using alcohol
Using rubbing alcohol to fight back against alcohol is what you’ll do here. Isopropyl alcohol can be used to eliminate the discoloration after thoroughly rinsing the area with cold water. Using a sponge, apply the alcohol to the stain, and then wipe it. A moist cloth can be used to wipe the surface clean. As you blot the rubbing alcohol, the red wine stain will begin to fade.
8. Removing red wine stains using milk
Milk can be used to remove wine stains as well. To apply this method, simply wipe up any initial red stain and then directly pour milk onto the remaining stain to clean it up. Use as much milk as possible to help the stain absorb the liquid. To remove any remaining milk or red-wine odors, thoroughly rinse the area with water after about an hour.
After completing this method, you can wash your garment to eliminate all of the stains. When you use milk to remove stains on the carpet, be careful not to leave any residue that will lead to mold and unpleasant odors.
9. Removing red wine stains using a stain removing soap
Another method for removing red wine stains is to use stain remover soap. To remove red wine stains, moisten the soiled item, rub the bar straight onto the stain, and wash as usual. You can rub as much as you want. Just make sure the fabric is colorfast. After this bar, you can use hot or cold water, but don’t dry until you’re sure the stain is gone.
10. Removing red wine stains on cat litter
If you have several cats, there’s a high chance you have some extra cat litter laying around. Cleaning red wine stains is one of the uses of your cat litter.
If you get a stain, cover it with cat litter and let it sit for a time. Place as much kitty litter as you can on top of the wet area. Do not wash your clothes in the sink or tub to avoid clogs if they are still heavily soiled with cat litter. Dry stains cannot be cleaned with kitty litter. Therefore you must use them immediately.
Conclusion
Sipping a glass of red wine is one of life’s greatest pleasures. When it comes to cleaning up red wine spills, there is a proper approach to restoring the clothes to their original state.
Red wine stains can be cleaned using everyday home items such as salt and baking soda, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and even boiling water. Always remember that in treating the stain, time is of the essence. If you leave the red wine stain too long, it may become tough to remove.
Jessica Oliver is a fashion enthusiast with more than ten years of experience in the industry. She previously managed her own clothing store in New York before becoming a mother of three. With a passion for sustainability and a desire to share clothing care and recycling tips.