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How to Get Red Wine Stains Out

Red wine's dark pigments (tannins and anthocyanins) bind fast to fibers, especially once heat or time sets them.

Quick answer

Fresh Red Wine on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Fresh: cover the spill with table salt or baking soda to draw out the wine before rinsing.
  2. Blot up excess — never rub.
  3. Flush the back of the stain with cool running water.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water.
  5. Blot the solution onto the stain and let it sit 15–20 minutes.
  6. Sponge with cold water, then launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
  7. Do not dry until the stain is gone.

Don’t do this

  • Test first — vinegar and dish soap can affect some dyes.

Sources: Apartment Therapy (Martha Stewart Living method); The Spruce; Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine)

For dried stains or other materials, use the lookup tool below.

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Red Wine on specific materials

Red Wine on CottonFresh & dried steps Red Wine on LinenFresh & dried steps Red Wine on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Red Wine on NylonFresh & dried steps Red Wine on SilkFresh & dried steps Red Wine on WoolFresh & dried steps Red Wine on DenimFresh & dried steps Red Wine on LeatherFresh & dried steps Red Wine on SuedeFresh & dried steps Red Wine on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Red Wine on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Red Wine on WoodFresh & dried steps Red Wine on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Red Wine on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Red Wine on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Does white wine remove red wine?

No — that is a myth. Blot the spill and rinse with cool water instead; white wine just adds more liquid.

Can I pour boiling water on a red wine stain?

Only on sturdy, colorfast fabrics like white cotton. Boiling water can set dyes or damage delicate fibers — test first.

What if the stain already went through the dryer?

Heat sets wine stains, sometimes permanently. Try the vinegar–dish-soap soak, but a professional cleaner is your best remaining option.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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