StainLookup

Home › Red wine › Upholstery fabric

How to Get Red wine Out of Upholstery fabric

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

How old is the stain?

Fresh Red wine stain on Upholstery fabric

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. 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)

Dried / set Red wine stain on Upholstery fabric

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. soak in the vinegar–dish-soap solution before laundering.
  2. Mix 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water.
  3. Blot the solution onto the stain and let it sit 15–20 minutes.
  4. Sponge with cold water, then launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
  5. 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)

Look up a different stain
How old is the stain?

Pick a stain and material above, then press “Show treatment”.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get red wine stains out of upholstery?

Blot up as much wine as you can with a clean white cloth, working from the outside in. Dab on 1 tablespoon dish soap, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water, let it sit 15–20 minutes, then sponge with cold water and blot dry. Use as little liquid as possible so it doesn't soak into the padding, and let the fabric air-dry completely.

Can I use water-based cleaners on any couch fabric?

No. Check the cleaning code on the furniture tag first: W or W/S means water-based cleaners are fine, S means solvent cleaners only, and X means vacuum only. For S or X fabrics, call a professional upholstery cleaner. Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.

Is a fresh Red wine stain easier to remove than a dried one?

Almost always. Treat Red wine as soon as possible — dried stains need rehydrating and longer treatment times, and some stains set permanently with heat or age.

Should I test the treatment on Upholstery fabric first?

Yes. Always test any treatment in an inconspicuous area of the Upholstery fabric first, and check the care label before you begin.

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.

Related stain & material guides