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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dishwashing Liquid
• Color-safe Bleach
• Dishwashing Liquid
• Liquid Laundry Detergent
• White Absorbent Cloths
• Coarse Salt

Carpet

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.

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.

3. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.

4. Rinse with cold water. Dab with a clean rag until dry.

Tablecloth

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.

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.

7. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.

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.

[bnw2001]

on 9/4/2008 http://exploringwinecountry.blogspot.com/2008/09/practical-advice-how-to-remove-wine.html

These remedies work.

[bnw2001]

on 9/4/2008 http://exploringwinecountry.blogspot.com/2008/09/practical-advice-how-to-remove-wine.html

These remedies work.

[bnw2001]

on 9/4/2008 http://exploringwinecountry.blogspot.com/2008/09/practical-advice-how-to-remove-wine.html

The most surprising solution? Use white wine to remove red wine stains. I tried it, it works.

[passionofpersia]

on 10/16/2007 We clean all stains from Navajos, orientals, and Persian rugs and carpets. rememeber an improper cleaning will cause damage, and a correct cleaning will prevent damages.
Passion of persia
602 374 6973
www.passionofpersia.com

I have my degree from the University of theran in the rug field, and spent 3 years at the Musuem of fine Carpets in Iran. I was in charge of cleaning and repairing the country's finest rugs, and kilims.

on 3/10/2006 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.