How to Get Red Wine Stains Out: Your Ultimate Guide

Red wine spills — they’re the stuff of dinner party nightmares and clumsy moments. Whether it’s a casual evening with friends or a fancy celebration, the inevitable red wine stain can quickly turn your good time into a stressful situation. But don’t panic! With the right approach and some basic household items, you can get rid of that stain and restore your fabric, carpet, or upholstery to its former glory.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get red wine stains out like a pro:

1. Act Quickly: The Sooner, the Better

The key to successfully removing red wine stains is acting fast. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. As soon as the spill happens, try to treat the stain immediately to prevent it from setting.

Quick Action Tips:

• Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the wine deeper into the fabric.
• Avoid heat (like hot water or a hot dryer) until the stain is completely gone, as heat can set the stain.

2. Blot, Don’t Rub: How to Properly Blot a Red Wine Stain

Blotting, not rubbing, is the most effective method for dealing with red wine stains. Rubbing can push the stain further into the fabric, while blotting gently lifts the stain.

How to Blot a Red Wine Stain:

• Start by placing a clean cloth or paper towel over the stain to absorb the excess wine.
• Gently press down on the stain to soak it up. Repeat with fresh sections of the cloth, moving outward from the center of the stain.
• Don’t scrub or rub — this will make the stain worse.

3. Salt Method: A Quick DIY Fix for Clothes or Carpet

Salt is a classic, time-tested remedy for soaking up red wine. It works best when the stain is fresh, and you need to buy time before you can apply a more detailed cleaning solution.

How to Use Salt on a Red Wine Stain:

1. Blot the stain to remove excess wine.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the stain. The salt will absorb the wine and draw it out of the fabric.
3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll see the salt begin to turn pinkish as it absorbs the wine.
4. Vacuum or gently shake off the salt and proceed with washing or treating the area.

Note: This method works best on absorbent fabrics like clothing or carpets.

4. Use Club Soda to Lift the Stain

Club soda is another effective remedy for red wine stains because the carbonation helps to break up the wine molecules and lift them from the fabric.

How to Use Club Soda:

1. Blot the stain to remove excess wine.
2. Pour club soda directly onto the stain, making sure to saturate it.
3. Gently blot with a clean cloth. The bubbles from the soda help lift the stain.
4. Repeat as necessary and then wash the fabric as usual.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have club soda, sparkling water can be used as a substitute.

5. Baking Soda and Vinegar: A Powerful Combo for Stubborn Stains

Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most versatile household products and can be used together to tackle tough red wine stains. The acidity of vinegar and the abrasive properties of baking soda make for a powerful cleaning duo.

How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar:

1. Blot the stain to remove excess wine.
2. Mix a solution of one cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl.
3. Apply this mixture directly onto the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Blot the area with a clean cloth, working from the outside in. You should notice the stain lifting.
5. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Pro Tip: Test this method on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage your fabric.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: For Tough Stains on Fabrics

For stubborn red wine stains, especially on fabrics like clothing or upholstery, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap can be a highly effective solution. This combo works by breaking down the tannins in the wine and lifting the stain from the fibers.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap:

1. Mix a solution of 3 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dish soap (preferably a gentle one).
2. Apply the mixture directly to the red wine stain and gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
3. Let the solution sit on the stain for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Pro Tip: This method works particularly well on light-colored fabrics. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

7. Wine Stain Removers: The Specialized Solution

If the DIY methods aren’t cutting it, there are a variety of commercial stain removers specifically formulated to tackle red wine stains. These are a great option if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain or need a quick solution.

How to Use Wine Stain Removers:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the stain remover.
2. Most stain removers work by spraying the product directly onto the stain, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then washing the fabric.
3. Be sure to treat the stain before washing it in hot water.

Pro Tip: Many wine stain removers contain enzymes or tannin-specific formulas that break down wine molecules, making them highly effective on wine stains.

8. For Upholstery: Treating Red Wine Stains on Furniture

If red wine spills on your couch, chair, or another piece of furniture, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the stain from setting into the fabric. Upholstery can be trickier to clean, but these methods will help you remove the stain effectively.

How to Clean Red Wine Stains from Upholstery:

1. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth to remove excess wine.
2. Mix dish soap and water or use club soda to blot the stain.
3. Apply the cleaning solution using a soft sponge or cloth, blotting carefully to lift the wine out of the fabric.
4. Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area, and then blot dry with a towel.
5. Allow the upholstery to air dry. You may need to repeat the process if the stain is still visible.

Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals on delicate fabrics. Test any cleaning solution on a small area before applying it to the stain.

9. For Carpets: Special Care for Carpet Wine Stains

Red wine stains on carpet can be particularly tricky since they can seep deep into the fibers. The key is to absorb as much of the wine as possible before it soaks into the carpet padding.

How to Clean Red Wine Stains from Carpet:

1. Blot the stain with paper towels or a cloth to absorb excess wine.
2. Sprinkle salt or baking soda onto the stain to absorb the liquid.
3. Mix a cleaning solution of 1 tablespoon dish soap, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups water.
4. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the cleaning solution to the stain, blotting until the stain lifts.
5. Rinse with cold water and let the carpet dry completely.

Pro Tip: You may need to repeat the process or call a professional carpet cleaner if the stain is persistent.

10. Dry Cleaning (Last Resort for Delicate Fabrics)

For delicate fabrics such as silk or wool, or if the stain remains after trying home remedies, it may be best to take the item to a professional dry cleaner. They have specialized products and techniques to remove red wine stains without damaging the fabric.

In Conclusion

A red wine stain doesn’t have to ruin your night — or your favorite clothes, furniture, or carpet. By acting quickly and using the right cleaning method, you can remove the stain and prevent it from setting. Whether you use household items like baking soda and vinegar or opt for a commercial stain remover, there are multiple ways to tackle red wine stains effectively.

The next time you spill that glass of red wine, don’t panic. Use these tips, and you’ll be back to enjoying your evening in no time!