How to Remove Red Wine Stains From Painted Walls

Red wine can be extremely difficult to remove from painted walls.

Red wine stains are notoriously difficult to remove from all kinds of surfaces, but especially painted walls. Part of the problem results from the fact that red wine acts as a dye, and porous surfaces soak up the wine readily. If your painted walls have older or large red wine stains, you may have to prime and repaint your walls in order to completely remove the red wine. That option is a last resort, especially if you are dealing with small or fresh stains.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Soft cloth
• Bleach
• Towel

Instructions

1. Wipe the wine stain with a damp sponge. If the wine stain is still fresh, you may be able to remove the stain at this stage.

2. Apply a small amount of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide directly to a clean cloth or sponge. Dab the peroxide onto the red wine stains. Do not scrub as this can cause the stain to spread.

3. Mix 1 part bleach with 4 parts water if the red wine stains are still present.

4. Wash the stained area of the painted wall with the bleach and water solution. Rinse the area well with fresh water. If any red wine stains remain, continue to wash the wall with the bleach solution.

5. Dry the wall with a clean, dry towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean red wine stains as soon as possible to avoid the possibility they will set and become permanent.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning"; Mary Findley, Linda Formichelli; 2009
• "Girls Just Wanna Have Clean"; Vicki Christian; 2004