No one can go through life without experiencing a wine stain. Whether you're lounging around your home or having some drinks with friends, it only takes a moment of inattention and—whoop! There goes your glass of red wine!
A red wine stain seems devastating when it happens—especially if it happens on your cleanest, crispest white shirt or tablecloth! But not to worry, red wine stain removal isn't actually as difficult as you think, especially if you tackle the stain straightaway.
Here's our simple, effective, and easy-to-do guide to banishing these stains from your clothing and furniture:
How to Remove Red Wine Stain
If the spill happens on your clothes and you can't treat the spill immediately, then the first thing you have to do is blot, blot, blot! Don't rub, as this will only make the stain set in quicker. Blot the area with a dry tissue or napkin before flushing the area with club soda or sparkling water. The bubbles in carbonated water will help push the stain out of the fabric. Act quickly, as the stain will be harder to remove once it's set in.
Once you're home, follow these steps for removing the stain from your clothes (or your tablecloth!):
Materials You'll Need:
Instructions:
1. Place your stained shirt over a bowl, placing the stained area in the center. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the affected area, and leave the salt there for a few minutes to soak up the excess liquid.
2. Boil water in a kettle, and slowly pour the boiling water onto the stain, pouring from a foot above and working from the outside of the stain inwards.
3. Launder the stained item in the washing machine, using the hottest water setting. DON'T put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely removed! The heat will cause the stain to set into the fabric permanently.
Other Tips:
• If the stain persists, then it's time to break out the bleach. This method isn't recommended unless the stained fabric is white, so skip this if you're dealing with colored fabric. Soak the item in bleach (or hydrogen peroxide, in a pinch) for no longer than 10 minutes before laundering again in hot water.
• Remove red wine stains on your carpet or upholstery by blotting it thoroughly before covering the stain with white vinegar. White vinegar neutralizes purple and red pigments, and should stop the stain in its tracks. Carefully rinse the area with hot water, and see if the stain lifts. If not, you may need to purchase a commercial stain remover produced specifically for furniture spills.
Stain-Free, Stress-Free
With these red wine removal tips, you can guarantee yourself prepared for any red wine stains that may happen. So next time you host a dinner party or go out to one, don't hold back on the red wine!
But if you're constantly dealing with stains on your clothes and furniture, then perhaps it's time to call for professional help. Give us a call at HomeFresh! Our team of professional cleaners will keep your home clean and stain-free.