How to Remove Set Red Wine Stains From Cotton

Everyone dreads spilling red wine on their cotton clothing or tablecloths, mostly because dark-colored stains are hard to get out. Set stains--those that have had time to penetrate the fibers of the fabric more fully through time or the heat of a dryer--can be even more stubborn. Red wine is a water-soluble stain that, even when set, can be treated with a water-based remedy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small bowl Hydrogen peroxide Dish detergent Sponge or soft cloth White vinegar

1. Soak your cotton clothing or tablecloth in cool water for 10 minutes or longer if the set stain is more than week old. The water will loosen the wine from the fibers and make it easier to treat.

2. Mix equal parts of a mild dish detergent and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. This grade of hydrogen peroxide is generally used for first aid and is available for purchase at pharmacies.

3. Test a hidden seam or another inconspicuous area of your cotton item before treating the red wine stain. Dab a little bit of the peroxide mixture on the test spot to make sure that the solution will not bleach the color of the cotton.

4. Apply your homemade stain mixture to the red wine stain, allowing it to saturate the stain completely. Use a clean sponge or a soft cloth.

5. Rinse the cotton thoroughly with cold water. The stain may either have lightened in color or totally disappeared.

6. Treat more stubborn red wine stains with a water-and-vinegar mixture. Dilute one part white vinegar with two parts water and apply to the stained area.

7. Wash your cotton as you normally would in the washing machine after treating the stain. Tough stains may take several attempts to remove.