How do you remove a red wine stain?

If you don't take many risks with white wine or champagne, it’s a whole different story with red wine! Don't worry, there are several tricks to remove that "big red stain." Here they are.

1) Fight fire with fire

This might surprise you, but one of the most effective solutions to get rid of a red wine stain is to use... white wine. Diluted with half a glass of vinegar and water, this drink works wonders. However, this solution works better on fabric or cotton clothes than on carpets or rugs. If this applies more to you, head to tip number 2.

2) Check your bathroom drawer

If you've spilled your glass on your carpet or rug, the best thing is to let the stain dry by covering it with flour. Once your carpet is dry, soak a cloth in makeup remover or shaving foam and dab the stain for about an hour. Rinse with water. If all goes well, the stain should disappear. If you don’t have shaving foam or makeup remover on hand, this technique also works with warm milk.

3) Grandma's remedies

If the stain is older, we recommend using stronger products, such as ammonia or strong alcohol, diluted with a little sparkling water. This technique is especially effective on leather (don't forget to open the window in the room you're in and protect your hands). You can also opt for a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. In both cases, brush the stain well once it has been sufficiently soaked.

Things to avoid:

A common practice is to apply salt directly to the stained area. However, this is not recommended, as it tends to have the opposite effect by setting the stain, and it can also burn the fabric. Many people also tend to "throw" the garment directly into the washing machine. A natural reflex, you might say. However, the heat will cook the stain and permanently fix it into the fabric. It’s better to hand wash the garment, preferably with lukewarm water.

FAQ - Removing a red wine stain

How do you remove a red wine stain from clothes?

On fabric or cotton, white wine diluted with half a glass of vinegar and a little water is one of the most effective methods. Dab the stain instead of rubbing, then hand wash the garment in lukewarm water rather than using the machine.

How do you get rid of an old or dried red wine stain?

For a set-in stain, reach for stronger products such as ammonia or strong alcohol diluted with a little sparkling water. A mix of baking soda and lemon juice also works. In both cases, brush the stain once it is well soaked, and keep the room ventilated.

How do you remove a red wine stain from a carpet or rug?

On a carpet or rug, first let the stain dry by covering it with flour. Once the surface is dry, soak a cloth in makeup remover, shaving foam or warm milk, dab for about an hour, then rinse with water.

Should you put salt on a red wine stain?

No, it is a habit to avoid. Salt tends to set the stain rather than absorb it, and it can burn the fabric fibres. Stick to the white wine, baking soda or shaving foam methods instead.

Can you put a wine-stained garment straight into the washing machine?

No, not while the stain is still visible. The heat cooks the wine and fixes it permanently into the fibres. Treat the stain first, then hand wash the garment in lukewarm water.