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| Meta Title | How to Get Red Wine Stains Out of Clothing |
| Meta Description | Removing red wine from fabric isn't easy. Prompt treatment is best, but even old stains can be helped. Learn how to deal with wine stains on clothing. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | How to Get Red Wine Stains Out of Clothing
Even if the stains are old, these tried-and-true methods can save your clothes
By
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
Updated on 12/03/25
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for
Housewife How-Tos.
She is the author of several books about homemaking.
5 Secret Stain-Busting Fixes for Red Wine Stains
2:25
Red wine stains can be challenging to erase from clothing, especially if not treated right away. Quickly addressing a fresh stain is crucial, as older stains become more persistent. Fortunately,
most wine stains
can be significantly reduced or completely removed using everyday household cleaning products. Always avoid putting a wine-stained item in the dryer, since heat will set the stain permanently. We'll guide you on how to tackle both fresh and "aged" wine stains effectively, including tips on when to use hot or cold water.
Credit:
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
Keep reading to learn how to get red wine out of clothes, including when to wash clothes using hot or cold water, and how to
remove stains
that have "aged" on your favorite clothes.
Stain Type
Tannin-based
Detergent Type
Household stain removers, laundry detergent
Water Temperature
Cold or Boiling
Cycle Type
Varies depending on the type of fabric
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Paper towels or clean cloths
Dull plastic knife or credit card
Materials
Kosher salt
Club soda
White vinegar
Laundry detergent
Dishwashing liquid
Hydrogen peroxide
Commercial stain remover (optional)
Baking soda
White distilled vinegar
Instructions
How to Treat a Fresh Red Wine Stain
Begin by blotting the stain with a
clean cloth
or
paper towel
. Press gently and dab—do not rub as scrubbing will set the stain. Once the stain is blotted, you're ready to treat it using one of the following
non-toxic home cleaning solutions
.
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
Use Kosher Salt
Sprinkle salt generously onto the stain (kosher salt has bigger, flatter grains than table salt with more surface area for absorption). Then, try one of the following options:
Leave the salt overnight to soak up as much wine pigment as possible.
If the fabric of your clothing is sturdy, like denim jeans or heavy linen, place the fabric over a bowl so the stain is centered. Then slowly pour boiling water over the wine spot from about 8 inches above to allow the force of the water to help push out the stain.
If the stain has vanished, launder the clothing as usual.
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
Try Club Soda
Pour a generous amount of club soda over the stain and allow it to sit overnight. Do not replace club soda with seltzer or any other carbonated beverage.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Combine White Vinegar and Laundry Detergent
Cover the stain completely with white
vinegar
and as many drops of
liquid detergent
as needed. Vinegar's acidity dissolves the bond between the dye and the fabric fiber, making it easier for the detergent to clean away any remaining pigment. Let the fabric sit overnight.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Pair Dishwashing Liquid and Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix
hydrogen peroxide
and dish soap (3 parts peroxide to 1 part soap).
Test a small amount of the solution on an inconspicuous area, as hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. If your test spot looks fine after drying, pour the mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
Wash the garment immediately or rinse it with cold water.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Try Laundry and Cleaning Products
Soak clothing in OxiClean powder mixed with the
warmest water your fabric can handle
. Other choices include Biokleen's Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover, Ecover Stain Stick, and Spot Shot. Several sprays are made specifically for removing red wine stains, such as Chateau Spill and Wine Away. Always read the labels for correct soaking times and other directions.
Tip
You may need to resort to
chlorine bleach
for red wine spills on pure white clothing and other all-white linens. Cover the item in bleach for 10 minutes then launder it in hot water to remove the stain.
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
Use Baking Soda
Pour a liberal amount of baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the wine.
When the baking soda becomes damp from the wine, use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to remove it.
Replace it with another liberal amount of fresh, dry baking soda to continue soaking the wine up.
Another method is to pour baking soda over the fresh wine stain followed by white vinegar. The bubbling action of the baking soda and white vinegar may dislodge the wine stain from the fibers. Blot or rinse out the baking soda and vinegar in cold water after the bubbling stops and repeat if necessary.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
How to Treat an Old Red Wine Stain
If you have a red wine stain that you did not treat immediately, you may still be able to remove or reduce it with a long soak in cold water.
Rub Stain with Soap
Start by rubbing a liberal amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap on the stained area.
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Soak Item
Next, submerge the clothing in a bowl or bucket of cold water to soak for 30 minutes or overnight.
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Apply Stain Remover
Apply a stain remover (per the label's directions) to the wet stain and wash the piece of clothing on a normal cycle.
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Air Dry
Allow the garment to air dry and then inspect the stain. If the stain remains, try the method again.
Additional Tips for Handling Red Wine Stains
Wine stains are tough to remove, so be prepared to try—and try again.
Know what makes wine tough to remove:
Red wine contains tannins, a natural substance found in plants, like red grapes, that stains anything it touches, including absorbent fibers (it's also used in leather dyes and inks). Fresh tannin-based stains are somewhat easier to clean than set-in tannin-based stains.
Know the fabric type:
Fabrics differ in their fiber types
and permeability, so multiple methods—and repeated steps may be more successful.
Try table salt:
If you don't have kosher salt, try iodized salt to soak up fresh red wine.
When to Call a Professional
If a red wine stain is on silk, vintage upholstery, or a garment that is labeled dry clean only, take it to your
dry cleaner
as soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to help your professional cleaner choose the proper treatment. |
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# How to Get Red Wine Stains Out of Clothing
Even if the stains are old, these tried-and-true methods can save your clothes
By
[Sarah Aguirre](https://www.thespruce.com/sarah-aguirre-1900091)
[Sarah Aguirre](https://www.thespruce.com/sarah-aguirre-1900091)
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
Learn more about The Spruce's [Editorial Process](https://www.thespruce.com/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines)
Updated on 12/03/25
Reviewed by
[Katie Berry](https://www.thespruce.com/katie-berry-5208008)
![Katie Berry]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/KatieBerry-7a8f6a87738d4a528cbbc91cce84eca5.png)
Reviewed by [Katie Berry](https://www.thespruce.com/katie-berry-5208008)
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for *Housewife How-Tos.* She is the author of several books about homemaking.
Learn more about The Spruce's [Review Board](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-cleaning-review-board-5211979)
5 Secret Stain-Busting Fixes for Red Wine Stains
2:25
In This Article
Expand
- [How to Treat a Fresh Red Wine Stain](https://www.thespruce.com/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019#toc-how-to-treat-a-fresh-red-wine-stain)
- [How to Treat an Old Red Wine Stain](https://www.thespruce.com/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019#toc-how-to-treat-an-old-red-wine-stain)
- [Additional Tips](https://www.thespruce.com/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019#toc-additional-tips-for-handling-red-wine-stains)
- [When to Call a Professional](https://www.thespruce.com/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019#toc-when-to-call-a-professional)
Back to Top
Project Overview
- Working Time: 10 - 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins - 12 hrs
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Estimated Cost: \$0 to \$10
Red wine stains can be challenging to erase from clothing, especially if not treated right away. Quickly addressing a fresh stain is crucial, as older stains become more persistent. Fortunately, [most wine stains](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-alcohol-stains-8763339) can be significantly reduced or completely removed using everyday household cleaning products. Always avoid putting a wine-stained item in the dryer, since heat will set the stain permanently. We'll guide you on how to tackle both fresh and "aged" wine stains effectively, including tips on when to use hot or cold water.
![How to Remove Red Wine Stains From Clothing]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019_color-0145560182e2465282fc8118ae459835.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
Keep reading to learn how to get red wine out of clothes, including when to wash clothes using hot or cold water, and how to [remove stains](https://www.thespruce.com/stain-removal-guide-3893802) that have "aged" on your favorite clothes.
| | |
|---|---|
| **Stain Type** | Tannin-based |
| **Detergent Type** | Household stain removers, laundry detergent |
| **Water Temperature** | Cold or Boiling |
| **Cycle Type** | Varies depending on the type of fabric |
## What You'll Need
### Equipment / Tools
- Paper towels or clean cloths
- Dull plastic knife or credit card
### Materials
- Kosher salt
- Club soda
- White vinegar
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwashing liquid
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Commercial stain remover (optional)
- Baking soda
- White distilled vinegar
## Instructions
## How to Treat a Fresh Red Wine Stain
Begin by blotting the stain with a [clean cloth](https://www.thespruce.com/best-dish-towels-4160951) or [paper towel](https://www.thespruce.com/best-bath-towels-4067661). Press gently and dab—do not rub as scrubbing will set the stain. Once the stain is blotted, you're ready to treat it using one of the following [non-toxic home cleaning solutions](https://www.thespruce.com/diy-cleaning-solutions-4799139).
![immediately blotting a red wine stain]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-03-9522dff8208b499fae5e1158158abb2a.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
1. ### Use Kosher Salt
Sprinkle salt generously onto the stain (kosher salt has bigger, flatter grains than table salt with more surface area for absorption). Then, try one of the following options:
- Leave the salt overnight to soak up as much wine pigment as possible.
- If the fabric of your clothing is sturdy, like denim jeans or heavy linen, place the fabric over a bowl so the stain is centered. Then slowly pour boiling water over the wine spot from about 8 inches above to allow the force of the water to help push out the stain.
- If the stain has vanished, launder the clothing as usual.
![applying kosher salt to a wine stain]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-05-64e08d3f5b7b4690b86154027d7e2e46.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
2. ### Try Club Soda
Pour a generous amount of club soda over the stain and allow it to sit overnight. Do not replace club soda with seltzer or any other carbonated beverage.
![Pouring club soda on a napkin with a red wine stain]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-07-7d99c33df8304d598b03fdf85bae535b.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
3. ### Combine White Vinegar and Laundry Detergent
Cover the stain completely with white [vinegar](https://www.thespruce.com/surprising-uses-for-vinegar-1708690) and as many drops of [liquid detergent](https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-he-laundry-detergent-do-you-need-it-2145975) as needed. Vinegar's acidity dissolves the bond between the dye and the fabric fiber, making it easier for the detergent to clean away any remaining pigment. Let the fabric sit overnight.
![Adding detergent to a red wine stained item]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-09-6c0e859dc06341dc973d01adf3a8e873.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
4. ### Pair Dishwashing Liquid and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Mix [hydrogen peroxide](https://www.thespruce.com/reasons-to-use-hydrogen-peroxide-2145991) and dish soap (3 parts peroxide to 1 part soap).
- Test a small amount of the solution on an inconspicuous area, as hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. If your test spot looks fine after drying, pour the mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wash the garment immediately or rinse it with cold water.
![Hydrogen peroxide and soap next to a wine-stained item]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-08-51d9b1b6c5554c73bbb31887eb088a66.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
5. ### Try Laundry and Cleaning Products
Soak clothing in OxiClean powder mixed with the [warmest water your fabric can handle](https://www.thespruce.com/laundry-and-water-temperature-1900646). Other choices include Biokleen's Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover, Ecover Stain Stick, and Spot Shot. Several sprays are made specifically for removing red wine stains, such as Chateau Spill and Wine Away. Always read the labels for correct soaking times and other directions.
### Tip
You may need to resort to [chlorine bleach](https://www.thespruce.com/better-laundry-results-with-chlorine-bleach-2145786) for red wine spills on pure white clothing and other all-white linens. Cover the item in bleach for 10 minutes then launder it in hot water to remove the stain.
![oxygen bleach soak]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-10-cc0c304eadd34521b0163a07d0a2bf8b.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
6. ### Use Baking Soda
- Pour a liberal amount of baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the wine.
- When the baking soda becomes damp from the wine, use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to remove it.
- Replace it with another liberal amount of fresh, dry baking soda to continue soaking the wine up.
Another method is to pour baking soda over the fresh wine stain followed by white vinegar. The bubbling action of the baking soda and white vinegar may dislodge the wine stain from the fibers. Blot or rinse out the baking soda and vinegar in cold water after the bubbling stops and repeat if necessary.
![Person sprinkling baking soda onto the stained item]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-06-4b0448d1407b479fb47e6226b49c58ed.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
## How to Treat an Old Red Wine Stain
If you have a red wine stain that you did not treat immediately, you may still be able to remove or reduce it with a long soak in cold water.
1. ### Rub Stain with Soap
Start by rubbing a liberal amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap on the stained area.
![Working detergent into a dried red wine stain]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-old-01-a8eca6b6e82942a09c759c235e352239.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
2. ### Soak Item
Next, submerge the clothing in a bowl or bucket of cold water to soak for 30 minutes or overnight.
![Soaking a red wine stained item in cold water overnight]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-old-02-e4c8b2e1139f4a63bd5e89f352b658bd.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
3. ### Apply Stain Remover
Apply a stain remover (per the label's directions) to the wet stain and wash the piece of clothing on a normal cycle.
![Applying stain removal stick to a dried red wine stain]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019-old-03-287b16352b76489ab3df17e9c6d5e588.jpg)
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
4. ### Air Dry
Allow the garment to air dry and then inspect the stain. If the stain remains, try the method again.
## Additional Tips for Handling Red Wine Stains
Wine stains are tough to remove, so be prepared to try—and try again.
- **Know what makes wine tough to remove:** Red wine contains tannins, a natural substance found in plants, like red grapes, that stains anything it touches, including absorbent fibers (it's also used in leather dyes and inks). Fresh tannin-based stains are somewhat easier to clean than set-in tannin-based stains.
- **Know the fabric type:** [Fabrics differ in their fiber types](https://www.thespruce.com/guide-to-common-fabric-patterns-and-types-3862921) and permeability, so multiple methods—and repeated steps may be more successful.
- **Try table salt:** If you don't have kosher salt, try iodized salt to soak up fresh red wine.
## When to Call a Professional
If a red wine stain is on silk, vintage upholstery, or a garment that is labeled dry clean only, take it to your [dry cleaner](https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-dry-cleaning-2145885) as soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to help your professional cleaner choose the proper treatment.
[How to Remove Mud Stains From Clothing](https://www.thespruce.com/remove-mud-stains-from-clothing-1901047)
Explore more:
- [Cleaning & Organizing](https://www.thespruce.com/cleaning-and-organizing-4127927)
- [Laundry](https://www.thespruce.com/laundry-4127892)
- [Stain Removal](https://www.thespruce.com/stain-and-odor-removal-4127886)
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| Readable Markdown | ## How to Get Red Wine Stains Out of Clothing
Even if the stains are old, these tried-and-true methods can save your clothes
By
[Sarah Aguirre](https://www.thespruce.com/sarah-aguirre-1900091)
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
Updated on 12/03/25
Reviewed by
[Katie Berry](https://www.thespruce.com/katie-berry-5208008)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/KatieBerry-7a8f6a87738d4a528cbbc91cce84eca5.png)
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for *Housewife How-Tos.* She is the author of several books about homemaking.
5 Secret Stain-Busting Fixes for Red Wine Stains
2:25
Red wine stains can be challenging to erase from clothing, especially if not treated right away. Quickly addressing a fresh stain is crucial, as older stains become more persistent. Fortunately, [most wine stains](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-alcohol-stains-8763339) can be significantly reduced or completely removed using everyday household cleaning products. Always avoid putting a wine-stained item in the dryer, since heat will set the stain permanently. We'll guide you on how to tackle both fresh and "aged" wine stains effectively, including tips on when to use hot or cold water.
Credit:
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
Keep reading to learn how to get red wine out of clothes, including when to wash clothes using hot or cold water, and how to [remove stains](https://www.thespruce.com/stain-removal-guide-3893802) that have "aged" on your favorite clothes.
| | |
|---|---|
| **Stain Type** | Tannin-based |
| **Detergent Type** | Household stain removers, laundry detergent |
| **Water Temperature** | Cold or Boiling |
| **Cycle Type** | Varies depending on the type of fabric |
## What You'll Need
### Equipment / Tools
- Paper towels or clean cloths
- Dull plastic knife or credit card
### Materials
- Kosher salt
- Club soda
- White vinegar
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwashing liquid
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Commercial stain remover (optional)
- Baking soda
- White distilled vinegar
## Instructions
## How to Treat a Fresh Red Wine Stain
Begin by blotting the stain with a [clean cloth](https://www.thespruce.com/best-dish-towels-4160951) or [paper towel](https://www.thespruce.com/best-bath-towels-4067661). Press gently and dab—do not rub as scrubbing will set the stain. Once the stain is blotted, you're ready to treat it using one of the following [non-toxic home cleaning solutions](https://www.thespruce.com/diy-cleaning-solutions-4799139).
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
1. ### Use Kosher Salt
Sprinkle salt generously onto the stain (kosher salt has bigger, flatter grains than table salt with more surface area for absorption). Then, try one of the following options:
- Leave the salt overnight to soak up as much wine pigment as possible.
- If the fabric of your clothing is sturdy, like denim jeans or heavy linen, place the fabric over a bowl so the stain is centered. Then slowly pour boiling water over the wine spot from about 8 inches above to allow the force of the water to help push out the stain.
- If the stain has vanished, launder the clothing as usual.
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
2. ### Try Club Soda
Pour a generous amount of club soda over the stain and allow it to sit overnight. Do not replace club soda with seltzer or any other carbonated beverage.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
3. ### Combine White Vinegar and Laundry Detergent
Cover the stain completely with white [vinegar](https://www.thespruce.com/surprising-uses-for-vinegar-1708690) and as many drops of [liquid detergent](https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-he-laundry-detergent-do-you-need-it-2145975) as needed. Vinegar's acidity dissolves the bond between the dye and the fabric fiber, making it easier for the detergent to clean away any remaining pigment. Let the fabric sit overnight.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
4. ### Pair Dishwashing Liquid and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Mix [hydrogen peroxide](https://www.thespruce.com/reasons-to-use-hydrogen-peroxide-2145991) and dish soap (3 parts peroxide to 1 part soap).
- Test a small amount of the solution on an inconspicuous area, as hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. If your test spot looks fine after drying, pour the mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wash the garment immediately or rinse it with cold water.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
5. ### Try Laundry and Cleaning Products
Soak clothing in OxiClean powder mixed with the [warmest water your fabric can handle](https://www.thespruce.com/laundry-and-water-temperature-1900646). Other choices include Biokleen's Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover, Ecover Stain Stick, and Spot Shot. Several sprays are made specifically for removing red wine stains, such as Chateau Spill and Wine Away. Always read the labels for correct soaking times and other directions.
### Tip
You may need to resort to [chlorine bleach](https://www.thespruce.com/better-laundry-results-with-chlorine-bleach-2145786) for red wine spills on pure white clothing and other all-white linens. Cover the item in bleach for 10 minutes then launder it in hot water to remove the stain.
Credit:
The Spruce / LetĂcia Almeida
6. ### Use Baking Soda
- Pour a liberal amount of baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the wine.
- When the baking soda becomes damp from the wine, use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to remove it.
- Replace it with another liberal amount of fresh, dry baking soda to continue soaking the wine up.
Another method is to pour baking soda over the fresh wine stain followed by white vinegar. The bubbling action of the baking soda and white vinegar may dislodge the wine stain from the fibers. Blot or rinse out the baking soda and vinegar in cold water after the bubbling stops and repeat if necessary.
Credit:
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
## How to Treat an Old Red Wine Stain
If you have a red wine stain that you did not treat immediately, you may still be able to remove or reduce it with a long soak in cold water.
1. ### Rub Stain with Soap
Start by rubbing a liberal amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap on the stained area.
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
2. ### Soak Item
Next, submerge the clothing in a bowl or bucket of cold water to soak for 30 minutes or overnight.
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
3. ### Apply Stain Remover
Apply a stain remover (per the label's directions) to the wet stain and wash the piece of clothing on a normal cycle.
Credit:
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
4. ### Air Dry
Allow the garment to air dry and then inspect the stain. If the stain remains, try the method again.
## Additional Tips for Handling Red Wine Stains
Wine stains are tough to remove, so be prepared to try—and try again.
- **Know what makes wine tough to remove:** Red wine contains tannins, a natural substance found in plants, like red grapes, that stains anything it touches, including absorbent fibers (it's also used in leather dyes and inks). Fresh tannin-based stains are somewhat easier to clean than set-in tannin-based stains.
- **Know the fabric type:** [Fabrics differ in their fiber types](https://www.thespruce.com/guide-to-common-fabric-patterns-and-types-3862921) and permeability, so multiple methods—and repeated steps may be more successful.
- **Try table salt:** If you don't have kosher salt, try iodized salt to soak up fresh red wine.
## When to Call a Professional
If a red wine stain is on silk, vintage upholstery, or a garment that is labeled dry clean only, take it to your [dry cleaner](https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-dry-cleaning-2145885) as soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to help your professional cleaner choose the proper treatment. |
| Shard | 81 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 6913343299420803281 |
| Unparsed URL | com,thespruce!www,/remove-red-wine-stains-from-clothing-1901019 s443 |