Wine Stain Removal Tips

by Alden Smith

Having friends over, or entertaining during the holidays can be a very pleasurable event.  But when the partying begins, in all the excitement people tend to get a little careless, and before you know it, you have beverage stains on your carpeting or that new sofa you just had to have for the holidays.  Getting these stains out can be a daunting task, but can be made a lot simpler if you use the proper materials and a little elbow grease.

Getting the stain cleaned up before it has a chance to set is probably the best things you can do for things like beer, coffee, and wine.  Carefully blot the stain, and use the proper cleaner to remove it.  Don't rub the stain - you will only spread it around and drive it in deeper. Chances are that during an evening of entertainment, a stain will get overlooked and you end up the next day with a nice stain dried on valuable clothing, carpeting, or furniture.  Here is what to do.

Wine stains, especially red wine, can be removed if you follow the correct procedure.  For clothing that can be laundered, mix a good liquid detergent such as Dawn half and half with hydrogen peroxide.  These cleansers must be used together, and the mixture should be fresh. Gently pour over the stain and allow it to sit as a presoak. Use a clean towel between the stain and the back of the garment to avoid the stain leeching through.  Launder following care label instructions. Research shows that white wine will remove red wine stains.  Hold the game or tablecloth over the sink, and pour white wine on the red wine stain.  It will disappear.   If wine stains get on carpeting, pour hydrogen peroxide on the stain. Allow to stand for a few minutes.  With a spray bottle mixture of half water and half of a good carpet cleaning shampoo, such as Bissell Fiber Cleansing Formula, mist the stain, and blot dry with a clean white cloth.  This will work well even on white carpeting.

1. Mix one teaspoon of a mild pH balanced detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent) with a cup of lukewarm water
2. Blot
3. Mix one third cup of white household vinegar with two thirds cup of water
4. Blot
5. Mix one teaspoon of a mild pH balanced detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent) with a cup of lukewarm water
6. Sponge with clean water
7. Blot

For more cleaning and stain removal tips and hints, please visit our cleaning community forum where experts are ready to help answer your questions.

By using the proper stain removal technique on your favorite garments or carpeting, you can generally remove most stains.  Always remember to test any solution you use on an area of the garment or rug that will not be seen to avoid further damage. 

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.

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