Did you spill red wine on your shirt? Or maybe on the carpet?
Yeah… It happens.
But here’s the good news: you can remove red wine stains with the right steps! But you need to be FAST.
This guide is your go-to cheat sheet for red wine stain removal. We’ll walk you through the best tips and tricks using stuff you probably already have at home.
Let’s do this.
What Makes a Red Wine Stain So Hard to Get Out?
Red wine has tannins. That’s the stuff that gives it that bold flavor and dark color. Sounds great when you’re drinking wine.
The longer a red wine stain sits, the deeper it soaks in. And it can actually set the stain if you’re not careful, especially with heat or time.
So yeah, red wine stains are difficult to remove. But not impossible.
What Should You Do Right After Red Wine Is Spilled?
First things first: act quickly.
Don’t rub it. Rubbing will spread it out and push the stains deeper into the fabric.
Instead, blot the stain gently. Use a clean cloth or paper towel. Just dab it. Press. Lift. Repeat. The goal is to soak up as much wine as you can before it dries.
If you’re near a kitchen, grab some club soda and pour a little on the stain. It’ll help lift the wine out.
Then blot some more.
Can You Use Salt or Baking Soda on the Stain?
Yes, those are the best household items for stain removal.
- If you have salt: let the salt sit right on top of the red wine stain. It’ll soak up the liquid and pull the color out.
- If you have baking soda: make a baking soda paste (mix it with a little water) and spread it over the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Then just blot again. You might see the stain lighten immediately.
This method works well on carpets, tablecloths, or light-colored fabric.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Help Remove the Stain?
Yep!
Just mix one part dishwashing liquid with two parts hydrogen peroxide. This combination will act like a DIY stain remover.
Pour it over the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, but not too long. Then blot and rinse with cold water.
If it’s a really tough stain, you can scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Just be careful with delicate fabrics.
And always test it on a hidden spot first. Hydrogen peroxide can lighten your fabric color.
What’s the Best Way to Remove Red Wine Stains from Carpet?
If the wine hits the carpet, grab these:
- Paper towel or cloth to blot
- Club soda or white vinegar
- Baking soda or salt
Start by blotting. Then pour some club soda or white vinegar over the stain. Next, sprinkle baking soda on top.
Let it sit and bubble up for a bit. Then vacuum or dab up the powder.
If the stain’s still there, repeat the process. It might take a couple of rounds, but you’ll get it.
How Do You Remove Red Wine Stains from Clothing?
Start by blotting the stain. Then rinse the fabric with cold water from the back side (this will push the wine out).
Next, apply some laundry detergent or liquid detergent directly on the stain. Rub it in gently with your fingers.
Throw it in the washing machine using cold water.
Still, see the stain after washing? Don’t dry it! Launder again or try a wine stain remover like Wine Away.
Can You Get Dried Red Wine Stains Out?
Yes. But it will take a little more effort.
Dried stains are tougher because they’ve had time to soak in and set.
Here’s what you do:
- Soak the fabric in a mix of hydrogen peroxide and liquid detergent
- Let it sit for about 30 minutes
- Blot, then rinse with cold water
- Repeat if needed
For clothes, toss them into the wash after soaking. If the stain’s still holding on, you might need to apply a stain remover treatment or send it to a professional cleaner.
Is White Vinegar Really Good for Stains?
Yes. White vinegar breaks down the tannin in red wine.
For a simple stain remover, mix:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 2 parts water
Pour it over the stain, then blot gently.
You can also combine white vinegar with baking soda for a fizzy cleaning agent. Works great on upholstery, tablecloths, and even your favorite piece of clothing.
What Should You Avoid When Cleaning a Wine Stain?
- Don’t use hot water — it can set the stain
- Don’t rub — that spreads the wine
- Don’t wait — the longer it sits, the worse it gets
- Avoid bleach, unless the fabric is pure white (and even then, be cautious, test in a hidden spot first)
And whatever you do, don’t throw stained clothes in the dryer until the stain is gone. The heat will set the stains.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Sometimes, despite all your efforts, the stain is still there.
If it’s a super expensive dress, or a delicate fabric, consider taking it to a professional cleaner.
They have the right cleaning products and techniques to help remove even the nastiest red wine mess.
And hey—if you’re in Clarksville, TN, feel free to come to The Dutchman’s Laundry. In our laundromat, we have professionals who can help you get those tough stains out and give your clothes the care they deserve.
Read Our Other Blog: How To Remove Tomato Sauce Stains!
Well hey, maybe you’re having one of those nights—pasta in one hand, wine in the other—and now you’ve got both tomato sauce and a red wine stain to deal with. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Once you’ve tackled the wine mess, head over to our other blog: How to Get Tomato Sauce Stains Out of Clothes: Step-by-Step Guide
Final Tips and Tricks for Every Stain
Let’s wrap it up with some quick takeaways:
- Act quickly – The faster you treat the stain, the better
- Blot, don’t rub – Always use a cloth or paper towel
- Use baking soda – Great for fresh and old stains
- Hydrogen peroxide + detergent – DIY cleaner that works wonders
- Club soda – A fast fix for carpets and upholstery
- White vinegar – Powerful on tannin-based stains like wine
- Don’t use heat – It’ll set the stain
- Try Wine Away – A handy wine stain remover you can buy
- Still stuck? – Call a professional stain expert
FAQs
Q. How do you remove dried wine stains?
A. Dried wine stains can be a little tougher, but they’re not impossible to deal with. Start by adding a bit of cold water or club soda to rehydrate the stain. Then mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and liquid detergent, and gently apply it to the area. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, blot with a clean cloth, rinse, and repeat if needed. If it’s still hanging on, try a second round or use a commercial stain remover.
Q. How to get wine stains out of fabric?
A. First things first—blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub, or you’ll spread it. Then pour on some cold water or club soda to dilute it. Depending on what you have at home, try a baking soda paste, hydrogen peroxide and detergent mix, or even a splash of white wine to counter the red. Let your cleaner sit for a few minutes, rinse thoroughly, then wash it as usual in the washing machine.
Q. Does vinegar remove wine stains?
A. Yes, white vinegar can help. It works by breaking down the tannins in the wine. Just pour a bit of vinegar directly on the stain, then sprinkle some baking soda over it. Let it bubble and sit for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, blot and rinse with cold water. It’s a good method for both fabric and carpet but always test on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t cause discoloration.
Q. What is the best stain remover for red wine?
A. One of the best DIY options is a mix of hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid. It’s simple and really effective. If you’re looking for a store-bought solution, Wine Away is made just for this kind of stain and works really well. No matter what you use, the trick is to blot the stain first, apply your cleaner, and give it a little time to soak in before rinsing or washing.
Q. Can baking soda remove red wine stains?
A. Yes, it can! Baking soda is a go-to for lifting wine stains, especially on fabric or carpet. Just mix it with a little water to make a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it dry. Once it’s completely dry, brush or vacuum off the powder. If you’re working with fabric, rinse the paste out and then toss the item into the laundry. Baking soda is gentle but powerful—definitely worth a try.
