Nothing beats a glass of wine after a tiring day! However, loving wine so much comes with a risk – spills. When this unavoidable thing happens, it’s like the whole world becomes a TV drama with all the slow-motion effects as you watch in horror how that spill turns into a big splotch of wine stain on your lovely carpet, tablecloth, or shirt. It might ruin your day or night, but that shouldn’t be the case because removing that splotch isn’t as complicated as you think. You just need to know the most effective way to remove it.

Well, first things first, DON’T START PANICKING; this would make you think of scrubbing the stain off, which, most often than not, leads to you being frustrated and leaving the stain for tomorrow. We know these spills often happen when you are tired from a whole day of work or celebrating an important event, but no matter how tired or happy you are, ignoring this splotch will create more significant problems for you tomorrow. 

Instead of stressing over those persistent red wine stains, stay calm and let us guide you through some practical tips on removing wine stains.

What Not To Do?

Do not scrub the stain off

We know how badly you want that stain to disappear from your sight. However, scrubbing vigorously is not the answer. It will only spread the wine stain even more, and if you’re using a lot of pressure during the scrubbing, you’re just pushing more of that wine into the fabric, making removing the stain harder.

Do not wait for the stain to dry

Wine stains require immediate attention after getting spilled because the moment it dries and settles on the fabrics you’d have to do some extra steps to remove it successfully.

Do not apply dry heat

Using dry heat to tackle wine stains would only dry the stain faster. Not only that, but the chemical reaction changes the properties of the wine when drying which may lead to that stain being permanent. Dry heat includes steam cleaners, although steam cleaners are helpful in removing other stains, it’s better to do wine stain removal without a steam cleaner.

Do not use white wine to remove red wine (it doesn’t work)

Yes! You’ve read it right. Some people have been starting a rumor that white wine is an alternative cleaning solution for red wine stains, however that is not true. Remember, white wine isn’t a cleaning agent, and using it to remove red wine stains we’re afraid it would only spread the stain instead of remove it.

Different Tricks To Make Wine Stain Removal Easier 

Use dry material to absorb the wine off the surface

Since wine is liquid it’s absorbent, that’s why immediate action is needed upon wine spills. Try using dry materials such as: 

• Table Salt
• Baking Soda
• Sodium Percarbonate
• Dry Soap Powder
• Talcum Powder (Baby Powder)
• Clean Cat Litter

Putting dry material on top of the wine spills will absorb the wine and prevent the wine from further penetrating the fabric. Simply pour a generous amount of the dry material, leave it for a few minutes (remember, DO NOT SCRUB!), then start blotting. The best option would be salt. In some cases, applying salt even eradicates the stain without doing other things.

Pour boiling water

After applying some dry material, some stain remains on the surface. Next thing you’d want to try is pour some boiling water on the splotch. Wet heat, like hot water works like magic especially if used as a cleaning agent. Pouring the water will spread the stain, but don’t worry because it means that the wine molecules are slowly loosening its grip on the fabric. 

Make use of milk

Yup, Milk! We know it can be such a waste, but a little amount will do the trick. If you aren’t aware, milk has absorption properties. Simply pour it on top of the stain, wait a few minutes, then start blotting it dry.

Mix some club soda with white vinegar

Using club soda as a cleaning agent is weird, we know, but trust us it works wonders. The minerals added to club soda actually makes it a better alternative than water. The minerals help in breaking down the wine molecules, making it easier to remove wine stains after.

Grab your oxi cleaner

Of course, the urge to clean the spill tomorrow sometimes wins. This dries the wine stain, but don’t worry, we have you covered. Using an oxi cleaner makes removing dry wine stains easy. These cleaners use sodium percarbonate, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide when combined with water. They’re great at breaking up stains, so if you have any, apply it to the stain, wait a while (20 minutes to an hour) while it does its job, and then blot the stain away.

Try the dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide solution

If an oxi cleaner is not readily available in your home, you’d need some alternatives – dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide. This solution works best on light-colored fabrics since hydrogen peroxide is a type of bleach (and we know discoloring your things is out of the option). Mix 1 part dishwashing liquid and three parts hydrogen peroxide, apply on the stain, wait for 20 minutes, then start blotting before thoroughly washing the solution off.

How To Remove Wine Stains

Clothes

• Pull the cloth tight before applying a method
• Use the salt method on fresh stains
• Use hot water on fresh stains, especially for tablecloths
• Use an oxi cleaner on dried stains before putting them into a washing machine
• For white shirts or other white clothing, bleach may be your best option

Carpets

• Use table salt immediately
• Always blot the stain, and never scrub
• Use dry powders if no table salt is available
• Use an oxi cleaner when available

Couches

• Pull the couch fabric taught, if possible
• Use the salt method
• Use an oxi cleaner when available
• Use club soda and vinegar
• Use dishwasher detergent and hydrogen peroxide mixture

Dry Wine Stains

• Apply boiling hot water
• Use an oxi cleaner
• Use dishwasher detergent and hydrogen peroxide mixture

If the wine stain is still there even after doing everything above, you might have a more severe problem. The next best option would be to call for professional cleaning help. They would know what would possibly be needed; it can be pressure washing or intense deep cleaning. Getting professionals involved guarantees a thorough and successful approach to handling tough wine stains, and returning your items’ original condition. Contact us if you need any help!

Burgos Cleaning is a professional cleaning company offering services around Fairfield County or Hartford County, Connecticut. We offer a wide range of cleaning solutions, from wine stain removals to office cleaning.