Three Hard-core Ways to Remove a Wine Stain

July 1, 2018 -- OK if you are going to drink at parties and  be also very opinionated, you are going to need to know this.

Not that I really need this all that often, just saying. 

Three Hard-core Ways to Remove a Wine Stain 

1. Dish-washing Liquid & Hydrogen Peroxide

A mixture of (approximately) 3 parts Hydrogen Peroxide to 1 part dish-soap. The trick is to pour the solution on and let it sit for a little while and continue adding solution (and letting it sit again) until the stain magically disappears. No need to rub or scrub, just wait.

Mixing Hydrogen Peroxide and liquid dish soap (many swear by Dawn brand soap) is perhaps the most popular and trusted DIY solution I found. While the proportions vary from 1 to 1 to 3 to 1 (above), this seems to combine the lifting effect and an agent that effectively breaks up the red color in the wine. Many of the product stain removers build on this.

2. Bicarb Soda & Vinegar

Absorb as much of the spill as possible with paper towels. Dab don't rub! Sprinkle a little bicarb soda. Stain will change from red to pale grey. Don't use too much though. Wring out a cloth in white vinegar, wipe, leave to dry and vacuum. Never ever use soda water or salt!


3. Hot Water Through the Fabric
Stretch the stained area over a bowl and then pour boiling or near-boiling water right through it. Works like a charm! The stain disappears before your eyes.

Obviously, this technique only works on fabrics that are reasonably sturdy and colorfast (like a white cotton or linen tablecloth).