Red wine stain removal guide: How to and how not to remove red wine stains

Red wine: a moment on the lips, a lifetime on your cushion, blanket, carpet… you know the drill. But don’t panic — red wine stains might be stubborn, but they’re not invincible. Here's your ultimate guide to removing red wine stains from just about anything.

Why Are Red Wine Stains Different?

White wine is nearly clear, so pigment stains are less of an issue. Red wine, however, contains anthocyanins — compounds responsible for its deep red colour (and your new blotchy cushion). These pigments make red and rosé wine stains more urgent and tricky to treat.

But don’t ignore white or rosé spills either. All wines contain tannins, which can also stain. So treat all wine spills promptly — red, pink or otherwise.

Red Wine Stain Myths: What Not to Do

❌ White Wine

Contrary to popular belief, pouring white wine on a red wine stain won’t cancel it out. You’ll just end up with two wine stains instead of one.

❌ Bleach or Hydrogen Peroxide

These might work — but at a high cost. They can bleach the fabric, damage fibres, and release harsh chemicals. Not worth the risk, especially on coloured or delicate items.

❌ Baking Soda

Good in some cases, but not ideal here. It’s abrasive, which can damage fabric, and often too slow-acting to be effective on a fresh red wine spill.

What To Do Instead: A Step-by-Step Guide by Material

General Rules for Red Wine Stain Removal

• Act fast. Time is everything.

• Blot, don’t rub. Use a white cloth or paper towel.

• Cold sparkling water is your friend — the bubbles help lift the pigment.

Clothes & Fabric

1. Blot the stain with white paper towels or a lint-free cloth.

2. Pour sparkling water onto the stain. Let it fizz for a minute.

3. Gently dab with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Repeat if needed, then wash on the hottest setting the fabric allows.

5. Air dry only — heat sets stains, so don’t use a tumble dryer until the stain is gone.

Leather

1. Blot gently with a white cloth.

2. Use sparkling water sparingly — leather doesn’t like excess moisture.

3. Dab carefully with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Repeat as necessary and condition the leather afterwards to keep it supple.

Silk

1. Blot very gently — silk is delicate.

2. Use a small amount of sparkling water.

3. Dab with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Hand wash or use the delicate setting. Avoid heat drying.

Polyester

1. Blot, pour sparkling water, and dab as above.

2. Wash on the hottest temperature recommended on the label.

3. Air dry only until stain is gone.

Wool

1. Blot the stain thoroughly.

2. Pour sparkling water and allow it to fizz.

3. Dab gently — don’t rub, especially on chunky knits.

4. Wash by hand or on a delicate wool cycle.

Set-In Stains

1. Pour sparkling water on the stain and let sit.

2. Blot and dab repeatedly with a damp cloth.

3. Soak washable items in warm water with laundry detergent.

4. Wash on the hottest recommended setting.

5. Repeat the process if needed.

Carpets

1. Cover the stain with table salt and leave for 5–10 minutes.

2. Sweep up the salt — it should lift some pigment.

3. Pour sparkling water and blot.

4. Dab gently with clean, damp cloths until the stain lifts.

5. Repeat if needed.

Upholstery & Furniture

1. Apply salt to absorb liquid, then sweep up.

2. Use sparkling water and blot.

3. Dab carefully with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Repeat process as necessary.

5. For removable covers, wash according to fabric instructions.

Marble

1. Blot with a soft white cloth — do not rub.

2. Pour cold sparkling water onto the stain and let it sit briefly.

3. Dab gently.

4. Repeat with lukewarm water if necessary.

5. Avoid harsh cleaners — they may etch the surface.

Wood

1. Blot thoroughly.

2. Use a small amount of cold sparkling water.

3. Dab gently with a damp cloth.

4. If the stain persists, try lukewarm water with a mild detergent.

Final Tips

• Always test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area first.

• Never apply heat (hairdryers, tumble dryers, hot water) until you’re sure the stain is gone.

• Be patient — older or deeper stains may take a few tries.

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Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.