How to Remove Red Wine Stains From Clothing
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Red wine stains can seem difficult to remove, but with the right approach, they’re actually quite easy to treat. Follow this simple two-step process to effectively remove any red wine stain from your clothing.
Step 1: Pre-treat the stain to remove as much red wine residue as possible.
Step 2: Remove the pigmentation stain using oxygen bleach, or hydrogen peroxide.
SKIP TO:
- Part 1 - Pre-Treat the Stain
- Part 2 - Remove Red Wine Stains
Part 1: Pre-Treat the Red Wine Stain
The goal of pre-treatment is to remove as much of the red wine from the garment as possible before moving on to a stain removal method.
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Flush with cold water: Flush the stained area under cold running water, or submerge the garment in cold water and allow it to soak for several minutes.
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Apply a spot cleaner: Choose a cleaning agent:
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Enzyme cleaner (Biokleen Bac Out)
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Lightly agitate: Apply gentle agitation with a soft bristle brush like a Horse Hair Brush. Agitation can be done while the fabric is submerged underwater so as not to spread the stain to other parts of the fabric.
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Rinse: Rinse the stained area with cold water.
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Repeat: Repeat as needed until stain removal progress stalls.
Part 2: Remove Set-In Red Wine Stains
Even after pre-treating the stain, red wine may leave a violet-colored stain behind. This is caused by anthocyanin pigments in the red wine that bind to the fabric fibers. Thankfully, these pigments can be broken down using an oxidizing agent such as oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide, both of which are effective, color-safe stain removers.
OPTION 1- Using Oxygen Bleach (OxiClean) for Red Wine Stain Removal
Oxygen bleach works by oxidizing the yellow curcumin pigments, breaking them down into colorless compounds.
If you're in North America, oxygen bleach is most commonly sold under the brand name OxiClean™. Similar products may be sold under different brand names in other parts of the world. Throughout this guide, the terms "oxygen bleach" and "OxiClean" are used interchangeably.
Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is generally safe for most washable fabrics and colors when used according to product directions.
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Mix the oxygen bleach: In a bucket or basin, mix hot water with the recommended amount of powdered oxygen bleach (follow the instructions on the product).
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Soak the stained fabric: Submerge the wine-stained item in the solution and let it soak up to 6 hours, or until the stain disappears. It typically takes about a 1 hour soak for a red wine stain to completely disappear.
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Rinse and wash: Once the wine stain is gone, rinse the garment thoroughly. Then, wash it as usual in the washing machine, or run a rinse and spin cycle to remove any remaining oxygen bleach.
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Repeat if needed: If the stain persists, repeat the soaking process until it’s completely gone.
Note: Oxygen bleach is safe for most fabrics, including colored and dark fabrics, and won’t damage the color.
OPTION 2- Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Red Wine Stain Removal
Hydrogen peroxide is another form of oxygen bleach that can break down red wine pigments.
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Apply the Hydrogen Peroxide: Lightly spray the red wine stain with 3% or 6% hydrogen peroxide. While 6% hydrogen peroxide typically produces faster results, both concentrations are effective at removing red wine stains.
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Cover the stain with and iron: Place the garment on an ironing board and, using a clothing iron on the lowest heat setting, iron the stained area until the hydrogen peroxide has completely evaporated. The gentle heat from the iron speeds up evaporation, causing the hydrogen peroxide to break down into oxygen and water. This creates an oxidation reaction that breaks down the red wine pigments that have set into the fabric.
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Repeat as needed: Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the red wine stain has completely disappeared.
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Allow the garment to dry: Once the stain is gone, allow the garment to dry completely. Hydrogen peroxide leaves no residue behind, so once the garment is dry, it is safe to wear or put away.
Note: Always use the lowest heat setting on your iron. The purpose of the iron is simply to aid evaporation. High heat is unnecessary and could possibly damage the fabric.
Remove Set-In Red Wine Stains From Clothing Video Instructions
Final Tips
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Follow Product Directions: Always follow the instructions on stain removal agents, including mixing concentrations and application methods, for optimal results.
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Handle Delicates with Care: Avoid using these methods on delicate materials such as wool, silk, or other natural fibers. For these fabrics, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner to avoid damage.
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Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Always test cleaning products on a small, hidden area of the fabric, or on a sample piece of fabric, to ensure compatibility with the material before applying them to the stain.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Do not use oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) outdoors or in direct sunlight, as the sun can accelerate the bleaching effect and may cause fabric damage.
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Use at Your Own Risk: These methods are offered for informational purposes, and we recommend using them at your own risk. Always exercise caution and, if unsure, consult a professional.