Red wine is a staple of every dinner and party, it can be sipped at practically any special occasion or during relaxing evenings. Although it is considered one of the most popular drinks, it is nevertheless capable of forming the most feared stains. The various methods of eliminating them are much debated; some are quick to swear by some remedies, while others argue that the same are just a lie. This article will help you choose the best solution for your needs. Quickly assess what tools are available to you and follow the instructions in this tutorial before it's too late!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Fresh Stains
Step 1. Act as quickly as possible
Whatever remedy you have available at the time, try to put it into practice as soon as possible. Read the list proposed below and choose the cleaning product you have at hand. Follow the instructions for the remedy you have decided to apply in the next steps.
- Table salt (the best quick fix);
- Sparkling water;
- Milk;
- Soap and hydrogen peroxide;
- Cat litter;
- Hot water.
Step 2. If you have salt on hand, sprinkle it on the stain creating a thick layer
Make sure you completely cover the dirty fabric and wait an hour. The salt will absorb the wine and you can brush it off later.
- This is the removal technique of choice, but it is most effective if done within two minutes of the wine falling on the dress. If the liquid has not yet been fully absorbed by the tissue, the salt crystals should be able to capture it.
- Since most natural fibers, such as cotton, linen and denim, absorb liquids faster than synthetic ones, stains on these fabrics should be treated more quickly.
Step 3. If you have sparkling water available, pour it over the stain
Let the liquid fizz a little and continue pouring in until the stain begins to discolour. When the red wine color is gone, wait for the fabric to dry. You can use kitchen paper to clean up splashes or absorb excess carbonated water.
- This method is much debated, some people claim that regular tap water is just as effective. However, there seems to be a common opinion that the carbonation of the liquid is capable of lifting dirt particles from the fibers.
- Sparkling water has a lower pH than still water. Since weak acids (with a low pH) are known for their stain removal properties, this feature can help.
- Remember not to use flavored soda water to remove stains, even if it is light in color. The dyes, sugars, and other ingredients in the drink can further stain the dress.
Step 4. If you have both carbonated water and salt available, use both
Quickly coat the stain with a thick layer of salt and then pour the water over it. Wait about an hour before brushing off the salt by throwing it in the trash. Eventually you absorb the excess liquid.
Both of these products are effective on their own, but if you use them in combination you double the chances of success. The salt absorbs as much wine as possible, while the sparkling water detaches the particles from the fibers as you tamp the fabric
Step 5. If you have decided to use milk, pour plenty of it directly onto the stain
Let the fabric soak in the milk and then blot the stain with kitchen paper or a tea towel. Remember not to scrub, otherwise the stain will set on the fibers. Within an hour (or less) the stain should be gone. Finally, you can wash the dress as usual to get rid of the odor and excess liquid.
- Alternatively, you can completely submerge the item of clothing in milk by placing it in a bucket or basin. Wait about an hour, depending on the size of the stain. If the fabric is easy to handle and the stain is large, this method is generally the most effective.
- Milk acts in a similar way to carbonated water, absorbing the stain. However, its dense white color hides the red color of the wine.
- Milk is one of the less popular ways to get rid of red wine stains, although some prefer it to salt and carbonated water.
Step 6. If you have decided to use soap and hydrogen peroxide, mix both products in equal parts in a container
Then apply the mixture to the stain with a sponge, spray bottle, or simply pour it onto the fabric. Cover the stain thoroughly and then pat it dry with kitchen paper.
- In general, liquid laundry soap is the best product because it reacts with hydrogen peroxide allowing excellent results.
- If possible, it would be best to use a spray bottle. In this way bubbles are formed that lift the stain from the fibers, a bit like with sparkling water.
- If the stain has been absorbed only by the first layer of fabric of the dress, remember to interpose a clean cloth, to prevent the wine from spreading even to the clean underlying layer when you spray the cleaning solution.
Step 7. Test the cat litter box by covering the stain with a 1.3 cm layer of sand
Apply some pressure with your hands to allow the material to absorb the wine. Once the stain has been removed, vacuum the litter box off.
- The cat litter contains chemicals with high absorbency, which allow you to quickly eliminate wine stains, just like salt but with a slightly higher effectiveness.
- Again, timing is the key to getting a good result, just like with the salt method. Act quickly, preferably within a couple of minutes of the wine being poured onto the fabric.
- A vacuum cleaner is the simplest tool to remove litter from your clothing, as this material can clog drains and give off a foul odor if left in the trash.
Step 8. If you have no other alternative, use boiling water
Bring a pot of water to a full boil and spread the stained fabric over another pan inside the sink. Stand on a chair and pour boiling water over the stained fabric by dropping it 1-1.2 meters. Pour plenty of water over the stain until it disappears. Finally, soak up the excess liquid with kitchen paper.
- Although hot water fixes some stains in the fibers, it has been shown to be very effective with red wine stains, as they are fruit-based.
- Do not use boiling water on wool or silk clothing as it weakens these fabrics.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Dry Spots
Step 1. If the stain has already dried, search your home for one of the following products
In the next steps you will be able to read the instructions on how to use them.
- Shaving foam;
- Vodka;
- White wine and baking soda.
Step 2. If you have decided to use shaving cream, spray some of it all over the stain
Then flatten it on the fabric using the back of a spoon and finally wash the garment as usual.
Shaving foam is a very dense and foamy product, with very effective cleaning ingredients on stubborn stains. It is able to saturate the fibers and detach dirt particles
Step 3. If you have vodka on hand, pour it over the stain
Blot the fabric with a cloth and continue pouring the liquor. Wait for the liquid to be completely absorbed and check for the stain to disappear. At the end of the treatment, wash the dress as usual.
Red wine contains anthocyanins, natural pigments that dissolve with alcohol. For this reason, vodka, gin and any other clear spirits are able to eliminate red wine stains
Step 4. Try white wine in combination with baking soda if you have these products at home
First wet the fabric with wine. Some people believe that in this way it is possible to dilute the red color and prevent the stain from setting in the fibers (read the warnings below).
- Make a dough with three parts of baking soda and one part of water. Mix both ingredients until you get a thick, doughy mixture.
- Spread a thick layer of the paste over the stain and let it sit for about an hour. Spray the surface with water from time to time to keep it moist and prevent the stain from sticking to the fibers. Finally, when the stain is gone, wash the fabric as usual.
- The white wine method is certainly the most debated. Although some people swear by its ability to dilute the color of the stain, others believe that mixing more wine only makes the situation worse. If you are concerned that this may happen, you can replace white wine with tap water.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Stains with Cleaning Products
Step 1. Evaluate if the fabric is resistant to strong detergents
Check the label on which types of fibers are indicated, as well as washing instructions and warnings.
- Silk and wool are particularly delicate fabrics that weaken in water and cannot be bleached. On the contrary, linen and synthetic fibers are more resistant, while cotton has intermediate characteristics.
- If there are no special warnings on the label, do an online search to make sure the fabric is resistant to the detergent of your choice.
- Garments that need to be dry cleaned should be dry cleaned as soon as possible, preferably within a day or two of the stain forming. Don't try to wash them yourself.
Step 2. Choose an aggressive yet material-safe cleaner
- There are active oxygen stain removers that have been shown to be effective in removing red wine stains without damaging fabrics. Search online.
- These products essentially act like the home remedies described above. They generally absorb the wine and the chemicals detach the dirt particles from the fibers. However, these cleaners are more reliable as they have been designed and tested to consistently and effectively remove stains.
- Stain removers contain bleach. Do not use them on wool, silk, leather, elastane and mohair.
Step 3. Blot the fabric with a sponge and very hot water
Continue like this to get as much liquid out as possible before applying the cleaner.
This operation simplifies the cleaning process, because it absorbs as much wine as possible. By doing this, the detergent will be more effective and will act only on that portion of the stain that has now begun to set into the fabric
Step 4. Apply the stain remover following the instructions on the label
The product may be available in different formats, such as liquid, spray or soap. To obtain a good result, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Some stain removers are sold in spray bottles and must be sprayed directly onto the stain. Then you have to wait for them to act for 15 minutes before washing the garment as usual
Advice
- Work as fast as possible. The longer the stain remains on the fibers, the harder it will be to remove it.
- Always blot the fabric and never rub it. Otherwise you would make the wine penetrate even more into the fibers and the stain could permanently set.
Warnings
- Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, so you shouldn't use it on colored garments.
- Do not apply heat (iron or dryer) to the area until the stain is gone.
