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How do I Choose the Best Wine Stain Remover?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Choosing the right wine stain remover is sometimes tricky. The good news is that you can utilize commercial as well as homemade stain removers to lift the wine stains out of your carpeting or garments with relative ease. One important thing to keep in mind is that the sooner you address the stain, the better chances you have of completely removing the wine from the material. Ideally, this means beginning the cleaning process immediately after the spill takes place. When the stain is fresh, just about any type of wine stain remover will take up the stain in two or three quick applications.

With commercial products, you can make use of carpet foam cleaners or carpet stain removers to quickly remove wine stains. Spray the stain, then allow a moment for the product to work into the carpet fibers. Blot the area with a damp cloth. One to two applications is often enough to remove a fresh stain. However, if the stain has set, you may have to apply and blot several times before the stain comes up.

Glass of red wine spilled on a white carpet.
Glass of red wine spilled on a white carpet.

You can also use laundry stain removal products as a wine stain remover. Apply the product directly to the stain and allow it time to soak into the carpeting. Use a damp cloth to gently blot the area. As with the carpet cleaner, it will take more than a single application for the wine stain to disappear, although you should see some difference with each application.

The tannins in red wine is what gives it its dark red color and it is also what makes red wine stains so difficult to remove.
The tannins in red wine is what gives it its dark red color and it is also what makes red wine stains so difficult to remove.

If there is not any type of carpet or laundry stain remover products in the house, it is possible to create an effective wine stain remover using items you have in the home. One approach calls for combining equal parts of dishwashing detergent and hydrogen peroxide. Apply directly to the stain, then use a damp cloth to blot the area. Like the commercial products, this homemade stain remover will probably require several applications in order to lift the stain.

Another recipe for homemade wine stain remover involves the use of white vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of the soda directly on the stain. Pour a small amount of the white vinegar on the baking soda. The result will be a foam that works into the carpet fibers and gently lifts the red wine, making it possible to blot the area and remove the stain.

Both homemade stain removers can also be used for wine stains on garments. However, keep in mind that it is important to check the cleaning instructions on the garment before attempting to remove the wine stain. Depending on the combination of fibers used in the weave of the fabric, it may be to your advantage to have the garment professionally cleaned.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Glass of red wine spilled on a white carpet.
      Glass of red wine spilled on a white carpet.
    • The tannins in red wine is what gives it its dark red color and it is also what makes red wine stains so difficult to remove.
      By: Oleg Zhukov
      The tannins in red wine is what gives it its dark red color and it is also what makes red wine stains so difficult to remove.