How to Clean Wine Stains

What You'll Need

• Cold water
• Salt
• White wine or club soda
• Dish soap
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Clean cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Blot immediately

   Blot the wine stain with a clean white cloth. Do not rub -- rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fabric.

2. 2

   Pour salt on the stain

   Cover the stain generously with salt. The salt absorbs the wine before it sets.

3. 3

   Pour club soda or cold water

   Pour club soda over the stain. The bubbles help lift the wine. Continue blotting.

4. 4

   Apply hydrogen peroxide and dish soap

   Mix 1 part dish soap with 3 parts hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the stain, let sit 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Wash in cold water

   Wash the garment in cold water. Check before drying -- heat sets stains permanently.

Pro Tips

• TIPHydrogen peroxide and dish soap is the most effective home wine stain remover. Test on colors first.
• TIPSalt is the best emergency treatment if you don't have other supplies on hand.
• TIPNever use hot water on wine stains -- it sets them permanently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing hot water, which sets wine stains permanently in fabric.
• XDrying clothes with the stain still visible, which heat-sets the stain.
• XRubbing the stain, which spreads the wine and pushes it deeper into the fibers.

Frequently Asked Questions