How can I avoid red wine stains on my lips and teeth?

TIPS TO SAY GOODBYE TO WINE STAINS

The problem with red wine is that when you drink it, it shows. Who hasn't ended up with unsightly stains on their lips and teeth? Here are some precautionary steps to save you from frequent bathroom trips to check the state of your mouth, and to help you enjoy your glass of wine, sometimes essential in social situations, without worry.

Avoid "Staining Reds"

If you have the privilege of choosing the wine from the menu, there's a perfect trick to reduce the risk of those unappealing purple lips and blackened teeth: opt for a low-tannin wine. Tannins, the substances found in grape skins, are what cause your teeth to stain. So, you won’t take much of a risk by choosing a light and fruity wine such as a Gamay from the Loire or Beaujolais, or a Pinot Noir from Burgundy. If you're unsure and at a restaurant, don't hesitate to ask the sommelier to serve you a wine with these characteristics. If you’re buying wine at a store or online, you should find information about the wine's structure and tannin content. However, if you’re in a situation where you can't choose the wine, keep reading!

Lip Balm Is Your Best Friend

One simple thing you might not think of when heading into a night of drinking is hydration. While this tip is crucial to avoid the dreaded hangover, it also applies to your lips. Always try to keep a lip balm in your pocket and apply it at least three times during the evening: before drinking, during, and after. This should seriously limit the chances of those nasty little purple stains sticking to your lips.

And For Your Teeth?

Lip balm is great, but it doesn’t solve the issue of stained teeth. And let’s be honest, red stains on white teeth aren’t very attractive, quite the opposite! The right reflex here is to drink water before and during your wine consumption. If that’s not enough, try a slice of lemon or some sparkling water. You can also rub your teeth with sugar (or honey if you're at home) mixed with a bit of water. Finally, to prevent any risk of stains lingering the next day, make sure to brush your teeth before going to bed.

If, despite all these tips, red wine still has it out for you, it might be wiser to switch to white wine. Alternatively, you can try Wine Wipes, American wipes specifically designed to remove wine stains from your lips and teeth.

What to Do in Case of a Red Wine Stain on Your Clothes or Tablecloth?

Even if you are careful about your lips and teeth, sometimes a poorly held glass or an unfortunate gesture can also cause a red wine stain on light-colored clothing or on fabric surfaces like a cotton tablecloth. This kind of accident is common during festive meals, and it’s best to be ready to react quickly.

The golden rule? Never let the stain dry. The fresher it is, the easier it is to remove. Start by gently blotting the stained area with an absorbent paper towel or a clean cloth to soak up the excess liquid without spreading it further. Then, depending on what you have on hand, several natural solutions exist.

What are the best methods to remove a red wine stain?

Cold water, always your ally

Before reaching for chemical products, rinse the stain thoroughly with cold water only. Hot water would fix the wine pigments into the fabric fibers.

White vinegar and coarse salt: an effective duo

In a small bowl, mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water. Apply the solution to the stain using a clean cloth. Then sprinkle coarse salt on top. The salt will absorb the colored residues. Let sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Warm milk for delicate fabrics

For more fragile fabrics (silk, wool, fine cotton), a gentle method is to soak the stained part in a bowl of warm milk for about half an hour. Milk acts as a natural stain remover and can make stains disappear without damaging the fabric.

Sommières clay for set-in stains

If the stain is old or has dried, Sommières clay, an ultra-absorbent powdered clay, is ideal. Apply it dry to the area, let it sit for several hours, then gently brush off with a soft brush.

Marseille soap, a timeless classic

Once the stain has been pre-treated, rub it gently with damp Marseille soap before putting the fabric in the washing machine. This natural soap has strong degreasing power while being gentle on textiles.

Bonus: a few surprising tricks to try!

Did you know that shaving foam can also be used as a stain remover? Spread a thin layer over the stain, let it sit for about ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This works particularly well on synthetic fabrics.

Moreover, if you’re a fan of prevention, there are now specific products such as anti-stain sprays or water-repellent stain-resistant fabric coatings. Some brands, like Garnier Thiebaut, even offer stain-resistant patterned tablecloths, perfect for avoiding red wine mishaps when dining with clumsy guests!

How to prevent red wine stains on fabrics?

1. Choose dark-colored or patterned fabrics for your table linen, which hide accidents more easily.
2. Use treated cotton tablecloths, which are more resistant and easier to clean.
3. Always keep absorbent paper, a clean cloth, and some white vinegar on hand if you are hosting a dinner with red wine.

Red wine stains are not a fatality, whether on your lips, your teeth, or your fabrics. By combining a few simple steps with everyday products like white vinegar, coarse salt, warm milk, or shaving foam, you can limit the damage in no time. And to ensure a glass of wine doesn’t ruin your evening, remember to adopt the right reflexes!

FAQ - Red wine stains

Why does red wine stain teeth and lips?

Tannins, found in grape skins, are what colour your teeth and lips. The more tannic a red wine is, the more it marks. Light, fruity wines, which are lower in tannins, leave far fewer traces.

Which red wine should I choose to avoid purple lips?

Go for a low-tannin wine that is light and fruity. A Gamay from the Loire, a Beaujolais or a Pinot Noir from Burgundy will noticeably limit staining. At a restaurant, ask the sommelier for a wine of this kind.

How can I avoid wine stains on my lips during a tasting?

Keep a lip balm with you and apply it at least three times over the evening: before, during and after drinking. Drink water regularly too, as staying hydrated helps stop the pigments from settling in.

How do I remove red wine from my teeth?

Drink water before and during your tasting. If that is not enough, try a slice of lemon or some sparkling water, or rub your teeth with a little diluted sugar. Brushing before bed keeps the marks from lingering the next day.

What can I do if red wine still stains despite these tips?

If the marks persist, you can switch to white wine, which does not colour. There are also specific wipes, such as Wine Wipes, designed to remove wine from your lips and teeth.