How to Remove Red Wine Stains
It never fails, where there is red wine, there are white shirts just begging for a splash of color. This has to be the most sought after solution when it comes to laundry help. Whether it is just a minor missed-sip, or a catastrophic bump at a crowded party….a red wine stain can be eliminated completely. The key to successful stain removal is in the speed at which you tackle the spill!
Depending on the location of the stain, there are various methods of removing red wine stains. Something as simple as boiling water poured over the fabric (if the fabric can tolerate hot water), can literally wash the stain away. Of course you would not be wearing the item at the time.
First, quickly blot up as much of the wine as possible with a towel, before attempting to remove any remaining stain. Most importantly, never allow the stain to dry completely before treating!
<— This is a product that removes red wine stains from many types of fabric and carpet without using bleach or phosphates. I keep a bottle in the laundry room, and have even taken it with us on our wine country vacations!
If the stain occurs away from home, and you are not equipped for battle, some improvisation may be needed……..
There was a rumor floating around somewhere that said using white wine to combat a red wine stain would work. It involves pouring white wine immediately over the red wine stain, the theory is that it neutralizes the stain. Never tried that one - seems an expensive route to take - there are plenty of economical alternatives. Blotting the stain with white vinegar until gone, is another option.
If caught right away, plain old soda water can do the trick. If the item is not washable, such as dry-clean only, the best bet is to have it professionally cleaned. If you feel like taking the risk, you could try blotting the spot with a sponge dampened with a mild detergent, such as Woolite. If there is a ring around the stain, try feathering the edge of the ring with a cloth dampened with a little Shout, or similar type solution. Carefully applying a few drops of solution made up of one part ammonia or white vinegar, to two parts water, may help to lighten any remaining stain, then carefully flush with cold water. It can be extremely tricky working with non-washable fabrics.
Using Resolve spray on carpet is something I have used that worked great. Another carpet cleaner called Spot Shot, comes in a can, actually works on clothes too. If you spill red wine on your tablecloth, sprinkling a small mound of salt over the stain right away, will pull the wine out of the cloth and into the salt, then it can be brushed away! Shaving cream can work on wine stains, but be careful because it works just like bleach and could harm colored fabrics. The same goes for hydrogen peroxide - but as with any treatment - always check an inconspicuous area of the fabric first for adverse reaction!
Next -> Fabric Softener Stains
