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How to Remove Wine Stains Quickly

April 10, 2025

Spilled wine can be messy but removing the stain doesn’t have to be. On this page, we’ll be going over some methods on how to remove wine stains easily, whether they are fresh or old. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Taking Immediate Action

Time is of essence when it comes to removing red wine stains. The quicker you act, the easier it’ll be as the stain wouldn’t have set yet.

Blotting the Stain

how to remove wine stainsFirst things first, blot the stain with a clean towel. The goal is to absorb as much of the wine as you can without spreading the entire stain further.

Avoid rubbing as that will only push the wine deeper into the fibers.

Getting Wine Out of Clothes

Once you’ve blotted the stain, you can proceed with the stain removal process.

Soak In Cold Water

Start by soaking the stain in cold water for a few hours. That will loosen the stain, making it easier to wash off.

Using ACTIVE Messy Kids Stain Remover Spray

active messy kid spray 4ozACTIVE Messy Kids Stain Remover Spray is specially formulated to remove food stains, including wine. It’s also easy to use. Simply spray the stain, let it sit for a few minutes then wipe with a clean towel.

If the stain persists, repeat the steps again. You may also want to let it sit on the fabric for longer before flushing with water.

DIY Solutions for Red Wine Stains

Household items like white vinegar, kosher salt, baking soda, and dishwashing liquid can be used to remove red wine stains. While they might not be as effective as dedicated cleaners, they’re cheap and accessible, making them a great alternative.

White Vinegar and Laundry Detergent

A bit of vinegar mixed with laundry detergent can be effective in removing red wine stains. The white vinegar will neutralize the red pigments, making the stain easier to lift, while the detergent will help break down the residue.

Simply mix the two ingredients together and apply it onto the stain. Let it sit for about half an hour then flush with cool water.

Applying Kosher Salt

After blotting, cover the stain with kosher salt. It’ll absorb the liquid, turning into a pink slush as it draws the wine out of the fibers.

For the best results, let the salt sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

Baking Soda Paste

You can create a paste by mixing one part baking soda with three parts warm water. Once it’s combined, apply it onto the stain using a soft bristle brush and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.

Once the paste has dried, brush off the residue.

Dishwashing Detergent and Hydrogen Peroxide

liquid dish soap

If you have some hydrogen peroxide lying around, you can mix it with a few drops of dishwashing detergent to create a cleaning solution. This method is particularly effective for light-colored garments.

Simply apply it to the stain and let it soak before flushing with water.

Using Club Soda

Pour a generous amount of club soda over the stain. The carbonation will help lift the stain from the fabric. For the best results, let it sit overnight before flushing with cold water.

Special Techniques for Different Fabrics

Different materials have different needs when it comes to stain removal. For example, white fabrics can often handle aggressive treatments like bleach, while delicate materials require a gentler approach.

Removing Stains from White Fabric

Bleach is a good option if the fresh red wine stain is on white fabric. Start by soaking the stained garment for about ten minutes in the bleach solution then machine wash in the hottest water setting.

Cleaning Delicate Fabrics

care tag label

Always check the care label first when dealing with delicate fibers such as silk and wool.

To prevent damage, use a gentle detergent with cold water. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide as it may bleach the material.

Carpets and Upholstery

Start by removing the excess wine with a clean towel then cover the stain with a generous layer of salt. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then flush with cold water.

Dealing With Persistent Stains

Extra stubborn stains may require a bit of extra effort. For example, you may need to use boiling water or combine treatments.

Boiling Water for Tablecloths

For tablecloths, stretch the stained area over a bowl and pour boiling water onto the stain. The heat and pressure will help lift the stain out of the fabric.

Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water afterward to remove any remaining residue.

Combining Multiple Treatments

In some cases, you may need to combine multiple treatments to remove the stain. For example, you may need to use a baking soda paste with a commercial product like the one by ACTIVE. That will tackle the stain from multiple angles, making it easier to remove.

On-the-Go Tips for Wine Stains

Accidents happen and you may find yourself dealing with a wine stain on-the-go. Here are some tips. keep in mind.

Blot Immediately

As always, make sure to blot the wet stain right away. The goal is to absorb as much of the excess liquid as you can; that will prevent the stain from spreading.

Rinse With Water

running water kitchen

Rinse the stained area with cold water as soon as possible to prevent the wine from setting. Avoid using hot water as the heat can make the situation worse.

Use a Portable Stain Remover

A portable treatment like ACTIVE Messy Kids Stain Remover Spray can be a lifesaver when you’re out and about. Not only is it small, which makes it convenient to carry around, but it’s also highly effective.

Removing Red Wine Stains

From removing the excess wine to applying a dedicated cleaner, each step is important in the stain removal process.

Keep these tips in mind and the next time you’re faced with a red wine spill, you’ll be ready to tackle it head-on.

Key Takeaways

  • Make sure to blot the wine stain right away to prevent it from spreading
  • ACTIVE Messy Kids Stain Remover Spray is highly effective at removing wine stains and is also convenient to use on-the-go
  • Household items like white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap can also be used to treat red wine stains
  • When choosing between hot or cold water, always choose the latter. Unnecessary heat can cause the stain to set

Removing Red Wine Stains – Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after spilling red wine?

Blot the stain right away with a clean cloth or paper towel. You want to soak up as much wine as you can to prevent it from setting.

Can I use table salt to remove a red wine stain?

Yes, you can use salt to absorb the excess red wine. Just sprinkle it over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.

How can I remove old red wine stains?

We highly recommend using a specialized cleaner like ACTIVE Messy Kids spray for old red wine stains. Simply spray it onto the stain, let it rest for a few minutes, then dab with a clean cloth.

Are there any portable solutions for red wine stains?

Yes, the ACTIVE spray is small and compact, which makes it easy to use on-the-go.

What should I do if I spill wine on delicate fabrics?

With delicate fabrics, make sure to check the care label before treating the stain. As a general rule, cold water paired with a mild liquid detergent is the safest option.

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Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.

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