The next time you spill red wine on your shirt, don’t toss it out in disgust or hold it up to dry, hoping that the stain will magically disappear — because it won’t. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to remove or clean wine stains from the fabrics of your home(many of them don’t involve washing with bleach), so the good news is that you can salvage those stained items, no matter how stained they are!
Check out these seven tricks to clean wine stains from your fabrics, plus more tips on how to clean wine stains from other items around your home or office!
Tip 1: Blot Away
Wine stains happen to the best of us. But don’t fret — with a bit of elbow grease, you can get that spill out in no time. The first step is to blot away as much wine as possible with a clean cloth. Be sure not to rub, as this will only spread the stain.
Next, press down on the stained area and absorb as much liquid as possible. It’s best to use a white cloth for this so you can see any residual color seeping through.
If there are still some streaks after blotting, use your fingers or another dry cloth to work at it until the stain disappears gently. Now, if it seems like the entire fabric has been tainted by red wine, you’ll need to take more drastic measures. Read on for tips two and three!
Tip 2: Lemon Juice Spray
For a good reason, lemon juice is a classic for removing stains. The acidic nature of lemon juice can help break down the wine stain on your clothing. Spray a mixture of half water and half lemon juice onto the stained area, then rinse with cold water. If the stain persists, pour boiling water over the spot and let it cool before washing it in cold water as usual.
And if you’re concerned about the chemicals, make sure to use organic lemons. Just buy some from the grocery store. You don’t need expensive, organic lemons.
Tip 3: Vinegar Soak
For set-in stains, make a vinegar solution by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts water. Soak the stained area of the clothing in this solution for 30 minutes before laundering. You can also use this method on carpeting; be sure to blot (don’t rub!) the stain until it’s absorbed, followed by soap and water.
Tip 4: OxiClean
OxiClean is one of the best-kept secrets when removing wine stains. Just pour a little on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash as usual. Voila! The stain will be gone.
Tip 5: Ammonia Solvent
If you’re looking for a way to clean wine stains quickly, you’ll want to try using an ammonia solvent. First, pour a small amount of the solvent onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to blot the stain.
You may need to repeat this process a few times before the stain is completely removed. If you use ammonia as a cleaner, ensure not to mix it with bleach. Doing so can cause toxic fumes.
Tip 6: Salt Scrub
Wine stains are difficult to remove but not impossible. If you’ve recently spilled wine on your clothing, don’t despair. You can get those stains out with elbow grease and a suitable method.
Pour 1/2 cup of salt into a small bowl and pour warm water over it until it becomes slushy. Apply it to the stain with a clean cloth or sponge, then rinse with cold water or club soda if desired.
This technique is best for removing red wine stains from lighter-colored fabrics like white or cream-colored clothing. For darker colors, try using a bar of soap as an alternative. Either way, blot up as much liquid as possible before applying the cleaning agent to avoid leaving a ring around the outside of the stain when dry.
Then, repeat the scrubbing process several times to ensure all the wine has been removed. After completion, wash in hot water and air dry.
Tip 7 (Bonus): Stain Remover and Whitener
Wine stains happen to the best of us. But don’t worry; there are ways to get those pesky stains out. One way is to use a product like Whink Stain Remover and Whitener.
This product is excellent for removing stains on surfaces. Plus, it’s safe to use on all fabrics, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your clothing. You can find this stain remover in grocery stores or online.
TLC Cleaning: Tricks to Clean Wine Stains
If you’ve spilled wine, you know how difficult it can be to get the stain out. Good housekeeping is the key to clean wine stains. To remove wine stains from any kind of fabric, use a clean cloth and blot the stain until it disappears. If the stain persists, try using a vinegar and water solution.
For tougher stains, call in the professionals at TLC Cleaning. We have over 20 years of experience with tough stains. Our trained technicians are equipped with the latest cleaning solutions for hard-to-remove wine stains and other types of spills or messes in your home or office.
Call us today for same-day service, or schedule an appointment online, and we’ll come to your home or office tomorrow!
