Red Wine on Cotton & Clothing

Medium·⏱ 10–20 min

  1. Act immediately — blot (never rub) with a clean white cloth to absorb as much wine as possible.

  2. Pour a generous layer of table salt over the stain and leave for 2 minutes to draw out remaining liquid.

  3. Rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric to push the stain out.

  4. Apply one drop of dish soap, work in gently with your finger in small circles.

  5. Rinse again with cold water. If color remains, dab white vinegar, wait 5 minutes, rinse.

  6. Machine wash on cold. Do not put in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.

What you'll need

  • Cold water
  • Table salt
  • Dish soap
  • White vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide (optional)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ✗Never use hot water — heat sets wine permanently.
  • ✗Never rub — rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into fibres.
  • ✗Avoid white wine or club soda myths — plain cold water works as well or better.

Pro tip

For a stubborn set stain, a commercial enzyme cleaner (OxiClean, Carbona Stain Devils) left overnight gives better results than home remedies alone.

⚠ Warning

Hydrogen peroxide can bleach dark or coloured fabrics. Test on a hidden seam (inside hem) and wait 5 minutes before applying to the main stain.

Always check the garment's care label and test any solution on a hidden area first. StainsGone provides general household guidance, not professional textile or restoration advice.