How to Eliminate Wine Stains From a Rug or Tablecloth
A good time was had by all, but now you're seeing red over a carpet spotted with Beaujolais Nouveau or a tablecloth spilled with vintage merlot. Relax. You can have your carpet and table linens looking fresh by the next uncorking. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Color-safe Bleach
- Liquid Laundry Detergent
- White Absorbent Cloths
- Coarse Salt
Instructions
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Carpet
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1
Move fast! To keep red wine stains from setting in carpets or linens, quick blotting or rinsing with cold water is key. On a wet stain, dab the carpet or tablecloth with a dry, white absorbent cloth to remove the excess liquid. If it's the next morning or the stain has dried, skip to step 2.
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2
Apply a small amount of detergent solution--1/4 tsp. dishwashing liquid and 1 cup (8 fl oz/250 ml) lukewarm water--to a white cloth and gently blot, working from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent spreading. Let it sit for several minutes.
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3
Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.
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4
Rinse with cold water. Dab with a clean rag until dry.
Tablecloth
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5
On a new, wet stain, sprinkle coarse salt to absorb liquid from the fabric. Then blot with cold water or rinse under cold water to remove excess sugars and prevent oxidation.
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6
For an older, dry stain, rub a bit of liquid laundry detergent into the stained area. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric with laundry detergent and color-safe bleach.
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7
Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If at first you don't succeed, blot, blot (or wash, wash) again. It often takes several times for the remedy to do the trick.
To remove wine stains from clothing, see How to Remove Clothing Stains.
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Comments
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Mar 10, 2006
The quickest and easiest way to remove red wine stains is by pouring on it a bit of milk or white wine - the result will be visible immediately. You should then follow with a bit of water and soap to prevent any bad smells the following morning. -
Mar 10, 2006
The quickest and easiest way to remove red wine stains is by pouring on it a bit of milk or white wine - the result will be visible immediately. You should then follow with a bit of water and soap to prevent any bad smells the following morning.
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Jan 18, 2006
Try pouring white wine and blotting. There is a chemical reaction of the red and white wine that happens. Then wash with soap and water.
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Jan 18, 2006
Try pouring white wine and blotting. There is a chemical reaction of the red and white wine that happens. Then wash with soap and water.
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Nov 22, 2005
Keep club soda on hand to douse a red wine stain immediately after it happens. The red wine will turn clear, and can be blotted up with a clean white cloth. Wash normally. If the stain isn't fresh, soak it overnight in an enzyme solution (such as Oxyclean) and hot water. Wash normally. It may be necessary to treat really old stains more than once.
