Quickest Way to Remove Red Wine Stains
Quickest Way to Remove Red Wine Stains
Quick Answer: Blot (don’t rub), flush with cold water, cover with a thin layer of salt + baking soda, then pour a little club soda to lift the pigment. For stubborn spots on colorfast light fabrics, dab a 1:1 mix of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, then rinse.
Step-by-Step (Fast)
- Act now & blot. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to lift as much wine as possible. Do not rub.
- Cold water flush. Run cold water through the back of the fabric to push wine out the way it came in.
- Salt + baking soda. Sprinkle a light, even layer (about 50/50). Let it sit 2–5 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Add club soda. Pour a small amount over the area; gently blot and lift. Repeat once if needed.
- Wash cool. Launder on a cool cycle. Air dry first—heat can set any remaining stain.
For Stubborn/Older Stains (Test First)
- Peroxide + dish soap (1:1): Ideal for white/light, colorfast cotton. Dab, wait 5–10 minutes, rinse cold, then wash. Test a hidden spot first.
- Oxygen bleach soak: Mix per package directions; soak 1–4 hours for whites/colorfast lights, then wash.
What to avoid: Hot water or a hot dryer (sets stains), rubbing (spreads pigment), chlorine bleach on colored fabrics, and the “white wine fixes red wine” myth.
When to Get Help
- Silk, wool, dry-clean-only items → blot and take to a cleaner.
- If color bleeds in a test spot, stop and consult a professional.
FAQs
Does table salt really work?
Yes—salt is desiccating and helps pull liquid up, especially when used quickly and followed with club soda.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics?
Only if the fabric is colorfast. Always spot-test; peroxide can lighten dyes.
Is club soda better than water?
Club soda’s carbonation and minerals help lift pigments. Cold water alone is still useful in a pinch.
What about old, dried stains?
Try an oxygen-bleach soak or the 1:1 peroxide/soap method on colorfast lights. Air dry and repeat if necessary.
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