How to Remove Wine Stains

Cotton and polyester are among the strongest fabric types, meaning they can endure a more aggressive treatment process while delicate fabrics may require a gentler method of cleaning wine stains, which are technically considered tannin stains.

Wine stains can be frustrating, but can be removed using common cleaning agents like hydrogen peroxide, club soda, white vinegar, or even salt. While these stains, especially red wine can be tough to remove, they aren’t impossible. The quicker you address the spill, the better your chances of preventing it from setting in.

Red vs. White Wine Stains

It probably doesn’t come as a shock that red wine stains are generally more challenging to remove than white ones. This is because of the tannins present in red wines. The dark pigments of red wine can immediately soak into fabrics, especially if the material is porous.

Tannin stains act as natural dyes, binding to the fabric fibers, making removing them difficult, especially when exposed to heat or allowed to dry. Keep in mind that the longer these stains sit on the affected area, the more difficult they will be to remove.

White wine stains, on the other hand, are less noticeable but still cause damage to fabrics. Interestingly, white wine can sometimes help dilute and neutralize red wine stains when applied to stained fabrics immediately after the spill occurs.

The Importance of Acting Fast on Wine Stains

When dealing with wine stains, time is critical. Immediate action is your best bet to completely remove the stain. Simple household items like table salt and club soda are great defenses for fresh stains.

Using Table Salt On Wine Stains

Believe it or not, pouring salt on a fresh wine stain can help to absorb the liquid and prevent further spreading. Table salt works surprisingly well when used to remove red wine stains as it helps pick up the pigments staining the fabric.

To use salt, pour a generous amount on the wine stain. Use a bit of cold water and a toothbrush or another small bristle brush to gently scrub in a circular motion. Rinse with cold water and repeat as needed. In addition to salt, add a bit of baking powder which can help ease and lift the stain as well.

Using Club Soda On Wine Stains

Club soda or soda water is a staple when lifting a wine stain from fabric fibers. The carbonation in the water helps to break up the components and tannins of the wine, helping to dissipate the stain. Adding a bit of baking soda can further increase your chances of returning wine stain clothes to their previous stain.

Be sure to dab the stain up before scrubbing gently in circular motions. This will prevent you from rubbing the stain deeper into the garment.

How to Remove Wine Stains from Different Fabrics

The best technique for removing wine stains depends on the type of stained fabric.

How to Red Wine Stains from Cotton and Polyester

Cotton and Polyester are among the strongest fabric types, meaning they can endure a more aggressive treatment process. Follow these steps to remove a wine stain from your favorite cotton and polyester fabrics/garments:

Step #1: Blot the Stain

To start, gently blot the stained area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the spilled wine. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the liquid deeper into the fabric instead of removing it.

Step #2 Rinse with Cold Water

Next, take cold water and rinse the stained area. Cold water helps lift the stain, allowing you to rinse it away or absorb it with a cloth. Bear in mind not to use warm water as it will likely set the stain, making it much harder to remove.

Step #3 Apply a Cleaning Solution

Finally, mix one part liquid detergent or dish soap with one part hydrogen peroxide. Take a toothbrush or another small, bristled object and gently scrub in circular motions. Consider starting on a small inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure no negative reactions before moving on to the larger, more noticeable areas.

Getting Rid of Tough Stains on Delicate Fabrics

Delicate fabrics will require a gentler method of cleaning. Here are the key steps to removing a wine stain from a delicate fabric without damaging it:

Step #1: Blot The Wine Stain

If you have read from the beginning of this article, you will know that blotting is a common theme across all wine stain removal. It’s no different for delicate fabrics. In fact, it is especially important to first blot the wine stain gently to remove any excess liquid.

Step #2: Apply a Vinegar and Detergent Mix

To remove wine stains gently, you can create a mixture using equal parts of white vinegar and liquid detergent. Pour the mixture onto the stain and allow it to work by breaking apart the wine, making it easier to absorb from the fabric.

Step #3: Add a Bit of Baking Soda

Finally, sprinkle baking soda or talcum powder over the stain to absorb the liquid. When the powder absorbs the detergent/vinegar mixture, the hope is that it will draw the pigments from the wine out as well.

Removing Wine Stains from Area Rugs

Don’t forget this: Spills happen, and not just on our tablecloths and clothing. Sometimes, these spills occur on our favorite area rugs or white dining room carpet. The good news is we have a solution to remove these wine stains but act fast because time is of the essence.

Step #1: Blot the Spot

Use a dry rag or paper towel to blot as much wine as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the wine stain deeper into the fibers. Blot gently to lift the excess liquid without spreading it further.

Step #2: Use Salt and Club Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of table salt over the stain. The salt helps absorb the moisture and prevents the stain from setting. Pour club soda over the salted area to loosen the stain, then gently blot with a white cloth. The carbonation in the club soda works to lift the stain from the rug fibers.

Step #3: Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Detergent for White Rugs

For white rugs, mix part hydrogen peroxide with liquid laundry detergent. Carefully blot the stained area with a white cloth, using light pressure. The hydrogen peroxide helps to break down the wine’s pigments, while the detergent removes the residue, leaving the rug cleaner and fresher. Repeat the process if necessary for stubborn stains.

DIY Solutions and Store-Bought Stain Removers

Common Household Items Used for Stain Removal

• Club Soda: Its carbonation lifts the stain from the fabric. Pour and blot with a clean cloth.
• Table Salt: Absorbs the spilled wine.
• Lemon Juice: Can help break down the pigments, especially when combined with salt or baking soda.
• Baking Soda: Apply baking soda over a damp stain to help lift it.

When to Use Store-Bought Stain Removers

Sometimes you will need to invest in a store-bought stain remover in order to remove the tougher stains such as dried wine or deep red wine on a carpet. These cleaners are made to tackle stubborn stains from wine to coffee stains.

it’s important to keep in mind that store-bought cleaners are tough on stains, meaning they can also be tough on fabrics. Before using a store-bought stain remover, it’s a good idea to test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure no negative effects.

The Value of Professional Help for Wine Stains

If the wine stain persists after your DIY efforts, or if you’re unsure about how to treat certain fabrics, it’s best to seek the expertise of a professional.  Attempting too many methods at home can sometimes make the stain worse, so knowing when to hand over the job to a pro is key.

A dry cleaner, on the other hand, has cleaning agents designed to safely and effectively remove tough stains without damaging the material. Don’t risk your clothing, linens, or upholstery by over-scrubbing or applying too many harsh chemicals.

Trust CD One Price Cleaners to Get the Job Done Right

Why take the risk of damaging your fabrics when you can leave the stain-removal process to the experts? CD One Price Cleaners offers professional and reliable stain removal services that can handle even the most challenging red wine stains.

Whether you’ve spilled wine on a delicate silk blouse, a favorite pair of jeans, or even your white carpet, we can help. Bring your stained items to a CD One Price Cleaners near you, and we’ll take care of the rest. With affordable prices and a commitment to quality, your clothes and home fabrics will look as good as new.

Visit our website today or stop by your nearest location to see how easy it is to save your favorite items from those pesky wine stains!