How to Remove Red Wine Stains (Carpet, Clothes and Sofas)

Red wine spills are common at holiday parties. The faster you act, the better the result.

First steps for any surface

1. Blot, don't rub: use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much as possible.
2. Work from the outside in so the stain doesn't spread.
3. Rinse with cold water — hot water can set the stain.

Clothes and tablecloths

• Cover the stain with salt or baking soda to draw out liquid, then rinse.
• Treat with a stain remover or a little washing-up liquid.
• Wash on the warmest temperature the label allows.
• Check the stain is gone before drying — heat sets stains.

Carpets

1. Blot thoroughly.
2. Mix 1 tablespoon washing-up liquid, 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 2 cups warm water.
3. Sponge onto the stain and blot again.
4. Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

Sofas

Check the care label code. Water-safe fabrics can be treated like carpet. For delicate or dry-clean-only fabrics, blot and call a professional cleaner.