A Guide To Removing Stubborn Wine Stains From Any Surface

With holiday party season approaching, you may find yourself wondering how to remove that stubborn wine smudge from an heirloom tablecloth or white living room sofa. Fear not: it’s not as impossible as it seems! Though it’s tempting to try DIY options for a quick solution, we always recommend researching natural yet effective products that won’t permanently damage fabrics or surfaces.

Follow our guide to wine stain removal using natural cleaners that won’t harm sensitive skin but still effectively neutralize and get rid of blemishes. By following these tips, you’ll be raising your glass to a stain-free home in no time.

Wine Stain Removing Options (And What To Expect)

A simple online search will yield a multitude of DIY options for removing wine marks, but which ones can you trust? Here’s a rundown of popular stain removing options, and what to be aware of when applying them to your favorite fabrics.

Hot Water

You can apply hot water to dilute a spot, and the temperature can also work to loosen the stain a bit from fabric as well. However, water alone won't effectively remove a tough wine mark, and you will usually need to pair it with something stronger to effectively prevent a stain from setting.

Club Soda

Maybe you've heard that the carbonation from club soda can help dissolve the red pigment from a wine stain, but this DIY option is not always the most effective way to remove tough wine remnants. Be aware of the fact that club soda contains sugar that can caramelize and leave a yellow stain if left on a fabric for too long.

White Vinegar

Soaking a fabric in detergent and distilled white vinegar can help remove wine without damaging clothing, but its effectiveness is limited. It shouldn't be used on countertops or flooring, as it can damage or further blemish the surface.

Natural Stain Removers

For the most effective clean, turn to our Natural Stain Remover, powered by six plant-based enzymes and safe to use on clothing, linens, carpets, and other washable fabrics. Its 98.95% natural formula is also perfect for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

Why are Wine Stains So Hard To Remove?

When it comes to food and drink stains, red wine stains are notoriously difficult to remove with simple soap and water. As both a color and an alcohol stain, red wine requires special attention and specialized products to remove it from different fabrics and surfaces.

There's a reason wine is tough enough to even stain our teeth; wine contains a chemical that is related to anthocyanins, which is often used in dyes and paints. In short, this liquid is meant to leave a mark, but don't worry, it doesn't have to be permanent.

Immediate Steps For Removing a Wine Stain

If you’re staring down a considerable wine stain on your favorite scarf or rug, immediate action is key. The longer wine is allowed to sit, the tougher it is to remove, especially if it has been exposed to heat. (Avoid putting any stained clothes in the dryer!) So what should you do the minute that a wine glass is knocked over?

Remove As Much as Possible

With a dry towel for clothing or carpet, gently lift the stain away from the surface. This will prevent the mark from permanently seeping in and you won't be rubbing the stain deeper into the material.

Dilute and Blot the Stain

Avoid scrubbing the stain, as that will just set it in deeper. Instead, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently yet firmly blot the stain. Continue until the cloth stops picking up color. Now you can begin the deeper cleaning process.