Accidentally spilling red wine on your favorite outfit can be a nightmare, especially if you're wearing light-colored clothes or delicate fabrics. Red wine stains can set quickly, and if left untreated, they can be tough to remove. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through how to remove red wine stains from clothes using eight different methods. These techniques are simple, effective, and can be done using items you likely already have at home.
Whether you’ve spilled wine on cotton, silk, or your best pair of jeans, you’ll learn the best methods to get your clothes looking new again. We’ll also address commonly asked questions like "how do you get red wine out of clothes" and "how do you get red wine stains out of fabric."
Let’s dive into the step-by-step methods to make those red wine stains a thing of the past!
1. Blot and Use Salt
The first method is simple and involves using a pantry staple—salt. This is an effective how to remove red wine stain technique that works best if you catch the stain immediately.
How to Remove Red Wine from Clothes with Salt:
- Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot (not rub) the stain. This will absorb as much wine as possible without spreading it.
- Cover with Salt: Pour salt generously over the stain while it’s still wet. The salt will absorb the liquid and begin to lift the stain from the fabric.
- Let It Sit: Allow the salt to sit for a few minutes to absorb the wine.
- Rinse and Wash: Rinse the fabric with cold water, then wash as usual. The stain should be significantly lighter or completely gone.
The salt method works well for how to get red wine out of fabric, especially on sturdy materials like cotton or denim. However, you should avoid using it on delicate fabrics such as silk, where the rough texture of salt could damage the fibers.
2. Club Soda and Baking Soda
A bubbly solution, club soda has been a go-to stain remover for years. When combined with baking soda, it can work wonders on stubborn red wine stains.
How to Get Red Wine Out of Clothes with Club Soda and Baking Soda:
- Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth to blot the excess wine.
- Pour Club Soda: Gently pour club soda over the stain, ensuring that it saturates the fabric.
- Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the area while it’s still wet. Use enough to create a paste.
- Let Sit Overnight: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Rinse and Launder: Rinse with cold water, and then launder as usual.
This method is ideal for how to get wine out of clothes because it uses gentle ingredients that won’t damage fabrics while effectively removing the stain.
3. Vinegar and Dish Soap
For those wondering how to take off wine stains from more delicate fabrics like silk or wool, a combination of white vinegar and dish soap is a great option.
How to Get Red Wine Out of Fabric with Vinegar:
- Blot the Stain: Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much of the wine as possible.
- Apply Vinegar: Pour white vinegar directly onto the stain to neutralize the red and purple pigments.
- Add Dish Soap: Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap to the stain.
- Rinse and Repeat: Rinse the fabric with cold water. Repeat if necessary until the stain is removed.
- Launder: Wash the clothing according to the care instructions.
This method is especially useful for delicate fabrics and works wonders on how to clean red wine stains from silk or wool, making it a versatile option.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
A powerful combination, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap are highly effective for how to get red wine stain out of clothes. This method is perfect for light-colored clothes and can even work on older, set-in stains.
How to Get Red Wine Out of Clothes Using Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Mix Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: Combine 3 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dish soap.
- Apply to the Stain: Pour the mixture directly onto the red wine stain.
- Let It Sit: Allow the solution to sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse and Wash: Rinse the fabric with cold water and then launder as usual.
This is one of the most effective ways to treat how to remove red wine stains from white clothes or light-colored fabrics, but be cautious when using it on darker fabrics as it may cause discoloration.
5. Boiling Water
Surprisingly, boiling water can be a great solution for removing red wine stains, especially if the spill happens on sturdy fabrics like tablecloths, cotton, or linen. This is a simple and straightforward method that anyone can try at home.
How to Get Red Wine Out of Fabric with Boiling Water:
- Boil Water: Start by boiling a pot of water.
- Stretch Fabric Over a Bowl: Position the stained part of the fabric over a bowl or basin, securing it in place with a rubber band.
- Pour Boiling Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the stain from a height of about 8-10 inches. The water should wash the stain out of the fibers.
- Wash: Once the stain is gone, launder the fabric as usual.
This method is particularly effective for how to get red wine out of colored clothes like cotton, but it may not be suitable for delicate fabrics that can’t handle heat.
6. Milk
Milk may seem like an odd remedy for red wine stains, but it’s an old-fashioned trick that works because of its fat content. The fat in milk helps absorb the wine, making it easier to lift from the fabric.
How to Remove Red Wine from Clothes Using Milk:
- Blot the Stain: Blot the stain as much as possible using a clean, dry cloth.
- Soak in Milk: Pour milk over the stain or submerge the stained part of the fabric in a bowl of milk.
- Let It Sit: Let the fabric soak for at least an hour.
- Rinse and Wash: Rinse with cold water, and then launder as normal.
This is a great trick for how to get wine out of clothes made of softer fabrics like cotton or polyester. It's also an excellent solution for how to treat red wine stain quickly.
7. Laundry Detergent Sheets
Ultra-concentrated laundry detergent sheets such as Kind Laundry can offer a quick and effective way to remove red wine stains from clothes by hand. The Kind Laundry detergent sheets are formulated with enzymes which target stubborn set-in stains, are toxin and chemical free and therefore safe to use for hand washing delicate items.
1. Take one Sheet: Tear off a piece
2. Apply to the Stain: Place the sheet on top of the red wine stain
3. Handwash: Run warm water over the sheet and the item together
carefully working the detergent solution into the fabric.
4. Wash: After removing the stain, wash the garment in your machine as usual.
Detergent sheets are also 100% liquidless which makes them ideal for travel.
8. Stain Remover
When all else fails, or if you need a guaranteed solution, turning to a stain remover might be your best bet. Products specifically designed to remove red wine stains can be highly effective and are formulated to tackle tough, set-in stains.
Consider trying the Vegan Stain Remover Bar with the Tampico Stain Brush from Kind Laundry to tackle this tough stain.
How to Get Red Wine Out of Pants or Dresses with a Stain Remover:
- Read the Instructions: Always read the product instructions to ensure you’re using it correctly for your specific fabric type.
- Apply to the Stain: Apply the stain remover directly onto the red wine stain and follow the recommended wait time.
- Rinse and Wash: Rinse thoroughly with cold water and wash the garment as usual.
Commercial stain removers are typically a great option for how to get red wine out of fabric that’s delicate or hard to treat with DIY methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get red wine out of clothes quickly?
Blot the stain immediately, use one of the methods above like salt or hydrogen peroxide, and wash the garment as soon as possible. Speed is key when dealing with red wine stains.
How do I get red wine out of colored clothes?
Try using vinegar and dish soap, or the club soda and baking soda method. These options are gentle on colors while still effectively lifting the wine stain.
How to get red wine out of fabric like silk or wool?
For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, use vinegar and dish soap, or try a commercial stain remover formulated for delicates. Always spot-test a small area before treating the stain.
How do you get wine stains out of clothes that have already dried?
For dried wine stains, try the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap mixture. Allow the solution to sit longer, and repeat the process if necessary. You can also use a commercial stain remover for tough stains.
How do I get red wine out of pants or dresses?
All of the methods mentioned above can work on pants or dresses. However, for delicate fabrics or expensive clothing, consider using a commercial stain remover or taking the item to a professional cleaner.
Why are red wine stains difficult to remove?
Red wine stains are notoriously difficult to remove due to the chemical composition of the wine and how it interacts with fabrics. Red wine contains tannins, natural compounds found in grapes, tea, and other plant-based materials. These tannins are responsible for the wine's rich color, but they are also a major factor in how stubborn the stain can be. When red wine spills on fabric, the tannins bind to the fibers, making it harder to lift the pigment without specialized treatment.
Another reason red wine stains are challenging is due to the presence of chromogens, the compounds that give red wine its deep red and purple hues. Chromogens easily transfer their color to the fabric, and as the liquid spreads, the stain becomes more deeply embedded in the fibers. The longer the stain is allowed to sit, the more difficult it becomes to remove, as the pigment dries and sets in.
Red wine is also acidic, which can further complicate stain removal. The acidity can weaken certain fabrics over time, especially if the stain is not treated quickly, leading to damage. If exposed to heat—either through hot water or a clothes dryer—red wine stains can set permanently, making it nearly impossible to remove.
Lastly, different fabric types absorb red wine differently. Natural fibers like cotton and linen tend to soak up the liquid quickly, making the stain more difficult to remove. Delicate fabrics like silk or wool are even more problematic because they are sensitive to many cleaning methods.
Conclusion
Spilling red wine doesn’t have to mean the end of your favorite clothes. Whether you prefer to go the DIY route with salt or baking soda or rely on a stain remover, knowing how to remove red wine from clothes can save you time and money. The key is to act quickly and follow the right steps for your fabric type.
By using the eight methods outlined above, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for getting rid of red wine stains. Whether you're wondering how to get red wine out of pants, how to get wine stain out of clothes, or even how to handle delicate fabrics, these techniques will help you say goodbye to those stubborn red wine stains for good.
