You’re having a great night — maybe dinner with friends or a cozy night in — when it happens. A splash of red wine lands on your favorite white shirt. Panic sets in. But don’t worry — that stain isn’t permanent if you act fast.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get red wine out of clothes, even if the spill has already dried. From home remedies to expert-approved cleaners, these practical tips will help you save your outfit (and your night).
Why Red Wine Stains Are So Tough to Remove
Red wine stains are notorious because they contain tannins and natural dyes, which quickly absorb into fabric fibers. The longer the wine sits, the harder it becomes to remove — especially if the fabric dries or is exposed to heat.
The key to success? Act quickly and use the right cleaning agents to break down those pigments before they set.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Red Wine Out of Clothes
Follow these simple steps to treat a red wine stain the moment it happens.
Step 1: Blot, Don’t Rub
As soon as the spill happens:
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Grab a clean cloth or paper towel.
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Blot the area gently to soak up as much liquid as possible.
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Avoid rubbing — that can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
If you’re out at a restaurant, even a napkin or a slice of white bread can help absorb the excess wine temporarily!
Step 2: Apply Salt (Yes, Really!)
Salt works wonders because it absorbs moisture and pulls the wine out of fabric.
Here’s how:
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Sprinkle a generous layer of table salt directly over the damp stain.
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Let it sit for 5–10 minutes (you’ll see the salt turning pinkish).
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Rinse with cold water and gently blot the fabric again.
Pro tip: If salt isn’t available, baking soda or cornstarch can do the trick too.
Step 3: Rinse with Cold Water or Club Soda
Cold water is your best friend here — never use hot water, which can set the stain.
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Rinse the back of the fabric (to push the wine out instead of deeper in).
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If you have club soda, pour it over the stain. The carbonation helps lift pigment from the fibers.
Step 4: Treat with a Stain Remover or Home Cleaner
Once most of the wine is gone, use a stain remover or DIY solution to finish the job.
Option 1: Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide (Best for Light Fabrics)
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Mix 1 part dishwashing liquid with 2 parts hydrogen peroxide.
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Apply the mixture directly to the stain.
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Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Option 2: White Vinegar and Laundry Detergent (Safe for Colors)
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Pour white vinegar directly onto the stain.
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Immediately add a small amount of liquid detergent.
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Rub gently, then rinse with cold water.
Step 5: Wash as Usual
Once the stain is mostly gone:
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Wash the garment in cold water using your regular laundry detergent.
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Check the stain before drying — heat can permanently set any remaining marks.
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If needed, repeat the treatment before tossing it in the dryer.
How to Remove Dried Red Wine Stains
Didn’t catch it in time? No worries — there’s still hope for old stains.
Here’s how to get dried red wine out of clothes:
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Soak the stained area in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
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Apply a mixture of baking soda and water (3:1 ratio) directly to the spot.
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Let it sit for 1 hour.
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Rinse and apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar before washing.
For stubborn stains, use an oxygen-based cleaner like OxiClean or The Laundress Stain Solution and follow the product instructions.
How to Get Red Wine Out of White Clothes
White clothes are tricky but easier to restore since you can use mild bleaching agents.
Try this method:
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Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
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Dab gently on the stain with a clean cloth.
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Let sit for 10 minutes.
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Rinse and launder as usual.
You can also use lemon juice or oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach) to brighten white fabrics safely.
What About Red Wine on Delicate Fabrics (Silk, Wool, Linen)?
Delicate fabrics require a gentler touch.
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Blot carefully with a damp cloth — no scrubbing.
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Use cold water and a small amount of mild detergent or white vinegar.
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Never use hydrogen peroxide or strong chemicals.
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For expensive garments, take it to a dry cleaner as soon as possible.
Bonus: Quick Fixes When You’re Out
If you’re at a party or restaurant when disaster strikes:
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Club soda or white wine (yes!) can neutralize red wine pigments temporarily.
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Dab gently with a napkin until you can treat it properly later.
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Avoid using hot air dryers in restrooms — that will only set the stain.
FAQs About Removing Red Wine Stains
1. Can I use hot water to remove a red wine stain?
No. Hot water sets the pigment, making it harder to remove. Always start with cold water.
2. Will vinegar remove red wine from clothes?
Yes. Vinegar helps break down the wine’s natural dyes and works especially well with detergent.
3. Does white wine really help remove red wine stains?
It can help neutralize red pigments temporarily but should be followed by a proper cleaning method.
4. What’s the best commercial cleaner for red wine stains?
Products like Wine Away, OxiClean, or Shout Advanced Gel are highly effective.
5. Can red wine stains come out after drying?
It’s harder but not impossible. Try soaking in cold water with baking soda and reapplying a stain remover.
Conclusion
Red wine spills are frustrating, but they don’t have to ruin your favorite outfit. The key to mastering how to get red wine out of clothes is acting fast, using cold water, and choosing the right cleaning solution for your fabric type.
Whether you’re using salt, vinegar, or a powerful stain remover, a little patience goes a long way in saving your clothes — and your night.
