How to Remove Red Wine Stains

By Jeeves of Belgravia New York - Expert Garment Care

How to remove red wine stains

The fastest way to remove red wine stains is to treat them with vinegar, water, and a little dish soap, then wash the item as the care label allows. If the stain is still visible after washing, move to an oxygen bleach soak before drying.

Act fast

Red wine gets harder to remove the longer it sits. The sugars oxidize and the stain sets in, so the sooner you treat it, the better your results will be.

What to do first

1. Blot or rinse right away. If the stain is fresh, rinse with water to lift out as much wine as possible.
2. Mix a treatment solution. Use equal parts white vinegar and warm water, then add a couple drops of dish soap.
3. Apply and work it in. Pour the mixture onto the stain, rub it in gently, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Wash normally. Launder the item according to the care label.
5. Inspect before drying. If any stain remains, do not put it in the dryer.

If the stain is still there

For stubborn stains, use oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide as a second step. Oxygen bleach can be soaked overnight, then the item should be rew washed. Hydrogen peroxide can also be sprayed on the garment and left to air dry, but always test first on delicate or colored fabrics.

Best backup method

Soak the garment in hot water with powdered oxygen bleach overnight, then wash again. This is slower, but it is often what finishes the job when the first wash does not.

What not to do

• Do not dry the garment too soon. Heat can lock the stain in permanently.
• Do not use white wine. Water works better and costs less.
• Do not rely on milk. It does not remove the tannins that cause the stain.

When to get professional help

If the fabric is silk, wool, rayon, or another delicate material, or if the stain is on a dry-clean-only garment, professional cleaning is the safest choice. The same goes for vintage pieces or anything you already tried to treat at home without success.

Quick recap

Rinse or blot the stain, treat it with vinegar, warm water, and dish soap, wash it, and inspect before drying. If needed, follow with oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide and repeat until the stain is gone.