How to Treat Red Wine Stains With Hot Water

Red wine stains can be permanent if not treated as quickly as possible.

Red wine stains can be very difficult to remove from clothing, carpet, tablecloths and other surfaces due to the sugars and coloring in the wine. While using hot water alone will not get out a red wine stain and may in fact set the stain deeper into the fabric or material, it is possible to use hot water in combination with other items to help remove a red wine stain. As with most stains, remember to act as quickly as possible when the stain occurs to try to limit the extent of the staining.

Things You'll Need

• Dish-washing liquid
• Salt
• Club soda
• Towels
• Heavy object

Instructions

1. Blot up as much of the stain with a towel that you don't mind staining. Press gently on the towel but do not rub, as this will only force the red wine further into the material.

2. Pour a small amount of table salt onto the red wine stain. This helps pull the sugar out of the wine and will help limit the staining.

3. Blot the stain again to pull up as much of the wine as possible. Again, do not rub.

4. Apply a small amount of club soda to the wine stain to help the stain bubble up. Use enough club soda to cover the stain. Blot up as much of the stain as possible.

5. Mix together barely hot water and a few drops of dish-washing liquid. Dip a clean cloth into the cleaning mixture and blot onto the remaining stain. Repeat until the stain is gone.

6. Set clean, dry towels on the stain and set a heavy object on top to provide additional weight. Leave the towel in place overnight.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: Remove Red Wine Stains