Did you know that red wine is one of the most enjoyed beverages around the world? However, it’s also one of the most disastrous should you spill it onto your favorite clothes. Many people think that a red wine stain is impossible to remove, but the reality is that there are some tricks to getting it out completely if you move fast enough.
What Makes Red Wine Stains So Tough to Remove Anyway?
Red wine stains aren’t actually as pesky to remove as something like blood which is protein-based, because red wine is water-soluble. But, that dark, rich red color is so noticeable that if the stain isn’t removed 100%, it can last and ruin the appearance of your favorite garments. The pigment in red wine soaks into the fibers of your materials so quickly, and to get the stain fully removed, you need to act as quickly as possible.
What is the Process of Removing a Red Wine Stain from Clothing?
We have two different methods for removing a red wine stain, since the stain can require a different process depending on if it’s fresh or if it’s dried.
Method #1: For a Fresh Red Wine Stain
If a red wine stain isn’t taken care of as quickly as possible, it’s more likely to become permanent. As soon as you notice a red wine stain, act immediately and follow the steps below. First, you’ll want to grab one of the following materials:
- Club soda (plain seltzer)
- Salt
- Soap and hydrogen peroxide
- Cat litter
#1: For Club Soda
Club soda is one of the very best red wine stain removers. Simply pour club soda over the stain, a little at a time, in a sink. Keep doing this repeatedly until the pigment fades away completely, and then run the stain under running water.
#2: For Salt
Spread a thick, even layer of salt over the stain. Let it sit for an hour before brushing the salt away. The salt should totally absorb the wine. Just note that this only works if you catch the stain within about 2 minutes of spilling the red wine.
#3: For Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
Make a 1:1 solution of liquid soap and hydrogen peroxide, and then apply it directly to the stain. Then, continuously blot with a paper towel or cloth.
#4: For Cat Litter
Sprinkle about a ½ inch layer of cat litter over the stain. Press it with your hand into the stain, wait an hour and then vacuum the litter away. Again, this method works best if you have caught the stain within 2 minutes of it occurring.
Method #2: If the Red Wine Has Already Dried
While there’s not as much of a guarantee that a dried red wine stain can be totally removed, many people do successfully remove them. The best method is to apply either vodka, shaving cream, or a powerful stain remover to the stain after letting it soak in warm water. Let the product sit on the stain for about 30 minutes or until it fades, give it a good rinse, and then run it through a wash cycle in your laundry using Grab Green 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods, Grab Green 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Powder, Grab Green Bleach Alternative Pods (if applicable as an extra layer of cleanliness), and/or Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods, to attempt to get that red wine stain off your clothing for good.
