A glass of red wine is often the chosen drink for a romantic dinner or an elegant lunch.
Although it is a valued addition, the stains that appear after contact with it can be problematic. If such a situation occurs, it is worth knowing how to deal with them effectively.
Splashing wine on a shirt or tablecloth is a common occurrence. Sometimes, a moment of inattention is enough for a red mark to decorate the fabric. In such a situation, immediate reaction is important.
Six home ways to get rid of red wine stains
The red dye penetrates the fibres quickly and deeply, making it difficult to remove the stain over time. So the worst thing you can do is throw the stained item into the laundry basket and leave it like that for a few days.
Fortunately, there are several home remedies to effectively remove traces of spilled alcohol.
1. Salt
Sprinkle a large amount of salt on the newly formed stain and leave for some time to absorb the wine. When it has served its purpose, rinse the material and throw it into the washing machine as usual.
You can sprinkle salt with lemon juice if the stain is on a light-coloured fabric. And if you don’t have salt on hand, it’s a good idea to use talcum powder instead.
2. Hydrogen dioxide
You can moisten the red wine stain with hydrogen peroxide and then rinse with clean water. If you are dealing with a very delicate fabric, dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water, preferably carbonated mineral water, which penetrates the material deeper and cleans it better.
3. Potato flour
Potato flour is another aid in removing red wine stains. Mix the flour with water to create a paste and apply it to the discoloration. Then rinse the material in cold water and throw it into the wash as usual.
4. Hot milk
This is yet another home method recommended for removing red wine stains. Heat the milk in a pot or microwave. Pour it on the stain, leave it to soak a little and throw the clothes into the washing machine.
5. White wine
You can remove unwanted traces of alcohol if you bless a glass of white wine (preferably sparkling) and pour it over the resulting stain. Then wash the fabric and put it in the wash. You can use sparkling water instead.
6. Alcohol
This method will work if white fabric is stained. Soak the clothes in a 1:1 solution of spirit and water and then wash them according to the instructions on the label.
Removing wine stains from carpet or sofa
The above methods will work well in the fight against dirt on tablecloths or clothes, but if you try to remove stains from a carpet or sofa, you must approach the task carefully.
Red wine stains should first be dried with a paper towel, pressing it gently. Do not rub to avoid rubbing the dye into the material. Then you need to sprinkle the dirt with a lot of salt or flour. When they absorb moisture, they need to be collected, e.g. with a damp sponge, and after the material dries, vacuum it.
Only when dry cleaning does not work can you try another method, remembering to check whether it is safe for the fabric. We always perform the test on an invisible part. If the effect is not sufficient, you will need to use a professional detergent.
