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)

  1. Act now & blot. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to lift as much wine as possible. Do not rub.
  2. Cold water flush. Run cold water through the back of the fabric to push wine out the way it came in.
  3. Salt + baking soda. Sprinkle a light, even layer (about 50/50). Let it sit 2–5 minutes to draw out moisture.
  4. Add club soda. Pour a small amount over the area; gently blot and lift. Repeat once if needed.
  5. 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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