Table Salt (Best quick option!) Club Soda Milk Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide Kitty Litter Hot Water
Salt is the preferred stain removal method, but works best when applied within two minutes of spillage. If the wine has not yet completely soaked into the fabric, the salt crystals should easily absorb the red wine. [1] X Research source As most natural fabrics, such as cotton, denim and linen, absorb faster than synthetic materials, stains on natural fabrics should be tended to with more haste than synthetic.
There is much debate over the club soda remedy, some arguing tap water would work just as well. However, the general consensus believes the soda’s carbonation to have stain lifting agents. [2] X Research source Club soda also has a lower pH than regular water. As weak acids (those with low pH values) are known to help in stain removal, this trait could be a contributing factor. Be advised not to use any flavored club soda when removing stains, even those clear in color. Dyes as well as sugars and additional ingredients can contribute more to the preexisting stain. [3] X Research source
Both agents can work on their own, but using the two together may double your chances of completely clearing the stain. The salt absorbs as much wine as it can, while the club soda will lift out the stain as you blot.
Another option is to completely soak the fabric in a bowl or bucket of milk for an hour or so, depending on the size of the stain. If the stained fabric is easily movable and the stain is rather large, this is a more thorough and efficient method. Milk works similarly to club soda, soaking up the stain. However, milk’s thick white consistency can essentially override the red color. Milk is one of the least popular methods in red wine stain removal, though some still prefer it to the salt and club soda method.
General opinion deems Dawn the best soap to react with hydrogen peroxide and get the job done. If available, using a spray bottle is suggested. The resulting bubbles should help lift the stain out of the fabric, much like the carbonation in club soda. If your stain has only soaked through one layer of a two-sided piece of clothing, be sure to place a towel between both sides. This will prevent any leakage as you spray and blot.
Kitty litter contains highly absorbent chemicals that will quickly soak up liquid, much like salt, though slightly more powerful. Timing is especially crucial with kitty litter, as it was with salt. Work quickly — preferably within two minutes of spillage. Vacuuming is the easiest method of kitty litter removal as the litter can clog drains or add unwanted odors to standing trash cans.
Though hot water sets in some stains, it has proven successful with red wine stains because of its fruit based ingredients. Avoid using water on wool or silk as water weakens these fabrics. [5] X Research source
Shaving Cream Vodka White Wine and Baking Soda
Shaving cream’s thick, foamy texture combined with its cleansing components work wonders on tough stains — saturating and lifting the stain from the fabric. [7] X Research source
Red wine contains anthocyanins, or color pigments, which can be dissolved by alcohol. Therefore vodka, gin, or any clear alcohol with a higher proof than red wine can remove the stain. [8] X Research source
Make a baking soda paste using a 3-1 ratio of baking soda to water. Mix together until a paste is formed. [9] X Research source Spread a thick layer of baking soda paste over the stain and let sit for an hour. Periodically spray with water to keep the area moist, preventing the stain from settling into the fabric. After the stain is removed, wash as usual. White wine is one of the most common discrepancies in red wine stain removal. Though many swear it dilutes the stain’s color, others say mixing fire with fire only aggravates the stain. Tap water can be used as a replacement if you are weary of this particular option.
Silk and wool are especially fragile fabrics, weakened by water and not able to withstand chlorine bleach. Alternatively, linen and synthetic materials tend to be more durable, while cotton ranges in the middle. If there are no warnings on the label, search online to make sure your fabric can withstand the cleaning product of your choice. Dry-clean only fabrics should be taken to the cleaners as soon as possible, preferably within the first or second day after spillage. Do not attempt to wash on your own.
Products such as OxiClean, Resolve and Wine Away have proven most successful in removing stains with out harming fabric. [10] X Research source Cleaning products work almost identically to the household remedies mentioned earlier, using absorption and chemicals to lift out stains. However, cleaning products may prove more reliable as they have been specifically tested to remove stains in an efficient and consistent manner. Cleaning products contain bleach. Avoid using any bleach products on wool, silk, mohair, leather, and spandex. [11] X Research source
Blotting makes your life easier. It absorbs as much of the stain as possible. The cleaning agent is then able to save its powers for the tougher stains that have already begun to set in.
Wine Away is packaged in spray bottles and should be sprayed directly onto the stain. Let sit for fifteen minutes before washing as usual.
