You’re having a romantic night in. You and your partner pour each other a glass of red wine and turn on your favorite tunes. But before you can even settle into the calming vibes you’ve created, you spill your glass all over your clothes! Try not to panic. We’ve got the answers for how to get that stain out as effectively as possible. Learn how to remove wine stains quickly and effectively with products you already have in your home!

What Causes Wine Stains?

Does anyone else have nightmares about spilling red wine at a party? Red wine stains look serious–especially when on white or light colored fabrics–but they aren’t the end of the world. Red wine’s color is naturally occurring without any artificial dyes. Red wine contains chromogens, the pigment-creating substance that occurs in many plants such as tea, coffee, and berries. Wine also contains tannins, which are used as a naturally occurring dye due to their rich color. Red wine may be made up of naturally occurring dyes, but the end result is just as shockingly pigmented as artificial coloring.

Luckily, wine stains can be removed. It’s best to act as quickly as possible when dealing with a wine stain, to prevent the stain from setting. Ready to learn how to remove wine stains? Read on!

How to Remove Wine Stains

What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Hydrogen Peroxide or White Vinegar, Oxi Booster Pods.

Step 1: Remove Excess Liquid

To start the red wine stain removal, dab the stain with a paper towel or cloth to remove any excess liquid. Do not scrub at the stain, as this will cause the stain to spread or permeate more deeply into the fabric. A gentle dabbing to absorb any excess liquid is enough! A Swedish Dish Cloth is great for absorbing excess liquid–just be sure to use one that is dark colored or you don’t mind getting stained itself.

Step 2: Make a Solution

Put on your scientist hat, because we’re making a stain fighting potion! Make a solution of three parts hydrogen peroxide and one part laundry detergent. We recommend our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Detergent. Our Stain & Odor Detergent contains enzymes designed to break down the sources of stains, while its pump makes it easy to dispense. Pour the solution on the stain and let sit for at least ten minutes. You should see the stain begin to fade almost immediately. This works best on light colored clothing, as hydrogen peroxide does have a tendency to bleach. If you are working on a darker fabric, swap out the hydrogen peroxide for white vinegar, which neutralizes red and purple pigments.

Step 3: Treat the Stain

After allowing the solution to work its magic, soak the stain in cold water. Gently rub at it every few minutes to help free the wine from the fabric. Repeat these steps until the stain is completely gone.

Step 4: Wash

Once the stain is lifted, wash the item in the warmest water recommended by the care label. Consider adding an Oxi Booster Pod for extra stain removal power and brightening!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about how to remove wine stains? We’re here to help.

How Do You Get Wine Stains Out Of Clothes?

When it comes to how to get wine out of clothes, the best thing to do is act fast. The sooner you tackle a stain, the less likely it is to stick around. Treat the stain as soon as possible using our guide above to keep your wardrobe fresh and stain-free.

Does Wine Stain Permanently?

Wine doesn’t need to stain permanently, but it can if not treated in time. Treating the stain as soon as it occurs will help remove it quickly and efficiently. It is also important to remember not to put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely removed, as the heat can cause stains to set permanently.

Does Vinegar Remove Red Wine Stains?

White vinegar is a great stain remover! White vinegar neutralizes red and purple stains, making it an ideal stain remover for red wine. Combine white vinegar with a laundry detergent containing enzymes, like our Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, and use as a pre-treatment stain fighting solution.

Can Old Wine Stains be Removed?

Red wine stain removal is easier when acted upon quickly, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up hope with older stains. Appy a solution of either hydrogen peroxide and laundry detergent or white vinegar and laundry detergent to the stain. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes to an hour, when gently blot with a cool wet cloth. This may take a few repetitions–and a bit of patience–but you should see the stain fade.