The Best Ways to Remove Red Wine Stains, According to Experts

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The Best Ways to Remove Red Wine Stains, According to Experts

Spilling red wine is a common mishap—whether it’s while cooking, enjoying a meal, or during a toast gone awry. Red wine stains can be intimidating, especially when they seep into fabrics, carpets, or even wooden surfaces. But don’t panic! With the right techniques and tools, even stubborn stains can be removed effectively.

Why Are Red Wine Stains So Difficult to Remove?

Red wine owes its vibrant color to compounds called anthocyanins, which are water-soluble pigments found in grape skins. These pigments are also responsible for why red wine stains are so persistent.

According to food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, the pH of red wine plays a key role in its staining properties. “Red wine is acidic, and anthocyanins appear red in low pH environments,” explains Le. However, when exposed to alkaline conditions—like laundry detergent—the pigments can turn blue, making the stains even more noticeable.

The longer a red wine stain sits untreated, the harder it becomes to remove. This is why cleaning professionals like Toby Schulz, co-founder of Maid2Match, recommend tackling stains immediately.

Immediate Action: Blot, Don’t Rub

When a spill occurs, the first step is to blot the stain gently with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the wine deeper into the fibers of fabrics or carpets. Instead, blot until no more liquid transfers to the cloth. Once the initial spill is under control, you can move on to one of these expert-recommended methods.

5 Proven Ways to Remove Red Wine Stains

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective stain remover because it absorbs moisture and lifts pigment from fabrics and surfaces.

• Steps to Use:
  1. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste.
  2. Apply the paste generously over the stain.
  3. Allow it to dry completely.
  4. For fabrics, rinse with warm water. For carpets or upholstery, vacuum the dried residue.

2. Club Soda

Club soda’s carbonation and mild acidity make it a great option for breaking down wine pigments in fabrics.

• Steps to Use:
  1. Pour club soda directly onto the stain.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the pigments.
  3. Blot with a clean cloth or sponge, repeating until the stain disappears.
  4. Rinse with clean water and launder if necessary.

3. White Vinegar

White vinegar neutralizes the red pigments in wine, making it especially effective on fabrics and wooden surfaces.

• For Fabrics:
  1. Mix white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap.
  2. Apply to the stain and let sit for several minutes.
  3. Blot gently with a cloth, then rinse with warm water.
• For Wooden Surfaces:
  1. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water.
  2. Soak a cloth in the mixture and lay it over the stain.
  3. Check periodically, reapplying as needed until the stain lifts.
  4. Reapply wood polish or varnish if necessary.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that breaks down wine pigments, making them water-soluble. It’s best suited for white fabrics or surfaces, as it may bleach colors.

• Steps to Use:
  1. Mix 3 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dish soap.
  2. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
  3. Blot with a damp cloth, then rinse thoroughly.
  4. Repeat as needed.

5. Salt

Salt works best on fresh stains, acting as an absorbent to pull moisture and pigment out of fabrics.

• Steps to Use:
  1. Blot the stain with a cloth to remove excess wine.
  2. Generously cover the stained area with salt.
  3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or overnight for tougher stains.
  4. Rinse with cold water or vacuum the area to remove salt.

What About Dried Red Wine Stains?

If the stain has already dried, don’t worry—it’s still possible to remove it with a bit of extra effort. Schulz recommends rehydrating the stain with water or club soda before applying one of the methods above. For stubborn stains, soaking the fabric in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour can help loosen the pigment.

Should You Use Heat to Remove Red Wine Stains?

No! Heat can set red wine stains, making them nearly impossible to remove. Avoid using hot water, hair dryers, or placing stained fabrics in the dryer until the stain is fully gone.

Final Tips for Stain Removal

• Always test stain removal methods on an inconspicuous area first, especially for delicate fabrics or surfaces.
• Act quickly for the best results, but don’t lose hope if the stain has set. With persistence, even dried stains can often be eliminated.
• Keep a stain removal kit on hand with essentials like baking soda, vinegar, and club soda for those inevitable spills.

With these expert-backed techniques, you can tackle red wine stains with confidence and keep your fabrics and surfaces looking as good as new.