How to get red wine out of clothes? Fast & clear results

A spilled glass of red wine can instantly turn a relaxed evening into a moment of panic. Red wine stains are notoriously stubborn, but with the right techniques and immediate action, you can often save your favorite clothes. The key is to act quickly and use effective methods that lift the stain without damaging the fabric. Quality Cleaning Services shares essential tips on how to get red wine out of clothes, ensuring fast action and clear results.

Immediate action: Blot excess wine, apply cold water

Speed is your greatest ally when dealing with red wine spills. The faster you act, the less time the wine has to set into the fabric fibers.

1. Blot, Don’t Rub: As soon as the spill occurs, grab a clean, dry white cloth, paper towel, or napkin. Gently blot the stain from the outside in, working your way towards the center. The goal is to absorb as much excess liquid as possible. Never rub the stain, as this can push the wine deeper into the fabric and spread it further. Continue blotting until no more wine transfers to the cloth.
2. Apply Cold Water (or Stretch Over a Sink):
   • For Small Spills: If you have access to cold water, lightly dab or blot the stain with a clean cloth dampened with cold water. This helps to dilute the wine.
   • For Larger Spills (Recommended): If possible, stretch the stained area of the fabric tightly over a sink or bowl. Then, pour cold water directly through the back of the stain. The cold water helps to push the wine particles out of the fabric fibers. Continue pouring until the water running through the fabric is clear or the stain is significantly faded.

Home remedies:

Once the initial excess is removed, these common household items can work wonders on red wine stains.

Sprinkle salt or baking soda, let absorb, rinse

This method works by drawing the liquid out of the fabric.

• What you need: Table salt, baking soda, or even kitty litter (for highly absorbent stains).
• Steps:
  1. Blot First: Ensure you’ve blotted as much excess wine as possible.
  2. Generously Cover: Liberally sprinkle a thick layer of salt or baking soda directly over the entire red wine stain. Ensure the stain is completely covered.
  3. Let it Absorb: Allow the salt or baking soda to sit on the stain for at least 10-30 minutes, or until it has absorbed the liquid and turned pink. For older or more stubborn stains, you can let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. The salt/baking soda acts like a sponge, drawing the wine out.
  4. Brush Off & Rinse: Once dry, gently brush off the salt or baking soda. Then, rinse the stained area thoroughly under cold running water, again, ideally from the back of the fabric, to flush out any remaining residue.
  5. Check: Inspect the stain. If it’s still visible, proceed to the next step or repeat this one.

Use dish soap + hydrogen peroxide for tough stains

This powerful combination is a go-to for persistent red wine marks.

• What you need: Liquid dish soap (clear or light-colored, avoid colored dyes), 3% hydrogen peroxide (the standard brown bottle type).
• Steps:
  1. Blot First: Always blot the excess wine as much as possible before applying any solution.
  2. Mix Solution: In a small bowl, mix equal parts dish soap and 3% hydrogen peroxide. For example, 1 tablespoon of each.
  3. Apply to Stain: Pour or dab the mixture directly onto the red wine stain. Ensure the stain is fully saturated.
  4. Let it Soak: Allow the solution to soak into the stain for 5-10 minutes. For stubborn stains, you can let it sit for up to an hour. You might see the stain begin to fade or bubble slightly.
  5. Gently Work In: Using a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) or your fingers, gently work the solution into the fabric.
  6. Rinse: Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.
  7. Check: Inspect the stain. If it’s still there, repeat the process.
• Caution: Hydrogen peroxide has a mild bleaching effect. While generally safe for most white and light-colored fabrics, always test this solution on an inconspicuous area of colored fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage. Avoid direct sunlight while the hydrogen peroxide is on the fabric, as this can accelerate bleaching.

Launder as usual before drying

The final step is crucial for completely removing the stain and setting the fabric for the next wear.

• Check the Stain: Before placing the item in the washing machine, carefully inspect the stained area under good light. Ensure the red wine stain is completely gone. If you can still see any trace of the stain, do NOT put the item in the dryer yet. Drying an item with a remaining stain will “set” the stain into the fabric, making it much harder, if not impossible, to remove later.
• Launder as Usual: Once you’re confident the stain is gone, wash the garment in your washing machine according to its fabric care label instructions. Use your regular laundry detergent and the appropriate water temperature.
• Air Dry (Initially): After washing, it’s a good practice to air dry the garment instead of putting it directly into the dryer. This allows you to do one final check for the stain. If, by some chance, a faint shadow of the stain remains after air drying, you can then repeat the stain removal process. If you put it straight into the dryer, the heat can permanently set any remaining stain.

Tips: Test fabric care labels, repeat if needed

A few extra precautions and persistent effort can make all the difference in successful stain removal.

• Read Fabric Care Labels: Before attempting any stain removal method, always check the garment’s fabric care label. Some delicate fabrics (like silk, wool, or rayon) may require professional dry cleaning or specific, gentler stain removal methods. Avoid harsh treatments on these materials.
• Act Fast!: The number one rule for red wine (and most stains) is speed. The longer a stain sits, the more it penetrates the fabric fibers, and the harder it becomes to remove.
• Blot, Don’t Rub: Reiterate this golden rule. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper.
• Work from Outside In: When applying solutions or blotting, always work from the outer edge of the stain towards the center. This prevents the stain from spreading and creating a larger ring.
• Repeat if Needed: Don’t get discouraged if the stain doesn’t disappear completely after the first attempt. Many stubborn stains require multiple applications of a cleaning solution and repeated rinses. Be patient and persistent.
• Avoid Heat: Never use hot water directly on a fresh red wine stain (use cold). And never put a stained garment in the dryer before the stain is completely gone, as heat will set the stain permanently.
• Professional Help: If the stain is particularly large, on a very delicate or expensive garment, or if you’ve tried all methods without success, consider taking the item to a professional dry cleaner or laundry service. They have specialized tools and chemicals for tough stains.

With these effective techniques, a red wine spill doesn’t have to spell the end for your favorite clothes. Fast action and the right approach can keep your wardrobe spotless.

Beyond tackling tough stains, does your home need a comprehensive clean that leaves everything spotless? Quality Cleaning Services offers expert cleaning solutions that restore freshness and shine to every corner of your home. Let us handle the hard work, so you can enjoy a beautifully maintained space. Contact us today for a free estimate and discover the difference professional cleaning can make!