Whether you’re winding down with a glass of merlot or sipping sangria outdoors, a red wine spill can send your stress levels soaring. Few stains feel as stubborn as red wine, but with the right approach, you can rescue your clothes, carpet, or furniture before lasting damage sets in.
The key is acting fast. Red wine pigments cling to fibre quickly, so knowing how to remove wine stains before disaster strikes is essential. Our stain removal experts share the best methods below.
Act quickly
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If you can’t tackle the stain straightaway, pour a little soda water or sparkling water over it as soon as you can. The fizz helps loosen the wine from the fabric, buying you some time until you’re able to treat it properly. Bear in mind, though, that stains are always easiest to remove immediately.
For washable fabrics
An unexpected yet effective trick is hairspray. Spritz the affected area generously and allow it to sit for a few minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary, then wash the item on the hottest setting the care label allows, using a biological detergent (avoid biological detergents on wool, silk or other delicate, protein-based fibres).
Alternatively, try a product designed specifically for tackling wine stains. Wine Away and Dr Beckmann Stain Devils – Fruit & Juice are both reliable options tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Follow the on-pack instructions, then launder the garment according to its care label (usually 40°C for cotton).
For upholstery
When red wine splashes on your sofa or armchair, blot as much of the liquid as possible straightaway using white paper towels or a clean white cloth. Next, spray the area with Wine No More! (or another upholstery-safe stain remover) and leave it for five minutes. Blot again with an absorbent cloth, then rinse away any residue.
For carpet
On carpets, dab the stain with sparkling water and blot repeatedly with white paper towels or a lint-free cloth (never use coloured napkins, as the dye may transfer). You can also apply Wine Away, leave it for a few minutes, and blot again. Repeat until the mark fades.
Don't use salt!
You may have heard that sprinkling salt over a red wine stain helps absorb it. This is a myth in need of some serious busting. In reality, salt often makes matters worse by fixing the stain more firmly into the fabric. We recommend steering clear of this old wives’ tale and using proven stain removal methods instead.
Can you remove dried red wine stains?
Fresh red wine stains are always easier to tackle, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost once they’ve dried, you'll just need a bit more elbow grease (and patience). Dried wine can be more stubborn, as the pigments have had time to bond with the fabric fibres.
Start by soaking the stained area in cold water for at least half an hour to help loosen up the residue. For clothing, wash afterwards with a biological detergent on the hottest setting the care label allows (but avoid biological products on wool, silk or other delicate fibres).
For upholstery and carpets, apply a stain remover designed for tough marks — products such as Vanish Oxi Action, Dr Beckmann Stain Devils or Wine Away are good choices. Always blot, never rub, as rubbing can spread the stain. You may need to repeat the treatment several times for best results.
If the stain is particularly stubborn, an oxygen-based stain remover or professional cleaning service may be your best option. Good luck!
Red wine stain removal
