Red wine stains 'can be removed from anything' without scrubbing if you act fast

Woman holding red wine glass
-Credit: (Image: DekiArt)


If you've ever spilled a glass of red wine on cream carpets, rugs or a sofa, you'll know the instant panic that sets in.

However, going into a frenzy and scrubbing at the stain is not the solution, according to wine experts at La Crema; in fact, it could make things worse, leading to a permanent mark.

The specialists explain that acting swiftly with the correct technique is key, as red wine stains can be completely removed if addressed promptly.

Attributing the difficulty of removing red wine spills to tannins natural compounds in grape skins, seeds, and stems they emphasise these are what cause the beverage's dark colour to adhere to fabrics.

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The chromogens present in red wine, which are also found in other vibrant staining liquids such as coffee and tea, contribute to its deep, robust hue and noticeable appearance on fabrics when spilled, reports the Express.

They caution: "Scrubbing will help pull some of the red wine out, but actually negatively impacts the stain as it causes it to spread outward even more. And, if you're applying too much pressure, you're actually pushing more red wine down into the fabric. This is especially true if you're dealing with a red wine stain on the couch or on the carpet."

Close up of spoiled red wine on white background
Tackle red wine stains with salt first -Credit:Getty Images/Tetra images RF

To add to their advice, the wine connoisseurs advise against using any form of dry heat like a hairdryer on the stain, as it may result in "a permanent or nearly permanent stain."

Instead of these common mistakes, the wine gurus suggest opting for a dry, powdery substance that can draw the liquid out efficiently.

"Like any liquid, red wine will move toward anything dry that it comes into contact with. Your best move right after you get a red wine stain is to grab a dry, powdery material and apply it generously on the red wine stain," they explained.

How to clean up a red wine stain

Acting swiftly is key when dealing with a red wine spillage on any surface. Scour your kitchen for a porous substance, such as ordinary table salt, that could do the job.

Here's your strategy:

  1. Liberally sprinkle the salt or substitute powder over the affected area, allowing it to absorb for a short time. The experts say this tactic should lift the mark if you were prompt enough.

  2. The connoisseurs of wine caution you should "never" scrub at a stain. Instead, use the dabbing technique with something absorbent like kitchen roll or a tea towel to mop up surplus salt or powder.

  3. Should the salt approach not do the trick, consider switching to an oxi cleaner which relies on sodium percarbonate. This divides into water and hydrogen peroxide once water is added.

If an oxi cleaner isn't to hand, you can turn to dish soap blended with hydrogen peroxide. Combine three parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap and treat the stained area with this solution.

Give it some time anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour before blotting it away meticulously.