How-to Guide: Removing Red Wine Stains
The worst part of being a wine lover is dealing with the stains. The great thing is that there are home remedies that you can do to remove those red wine stains.
The last thing you need to do is panic. Make sure you are ready to resolve the stain before it gets deeper into the fabric, making it hard to remove later on. Here are some helpful tips that you can follow:
Tips for removing red wine stains
Avoid scrubbing the stain.
I know it’s tempting to scrub it because you’re itching to get rid of the stain. However, this method can make your problem even worse. The scrubbing will make the stain go deeper into the fabric and even destroy the fabric’s quality.
If you’re using a sharp-edged brush, it’s a sure recipe for fabric disaster. The more you scrub the stain on the fabric, it has a higher tendency of smearing all over the fabric, making the stain more noticeable and harder to remove.
Take out the stain ASAP.
The least that you can do in dealing with red wine stains is by waiting it out. It’s a big no-no. You need to take care of the stain before it seeps right through the fabric, making it more complicated to remove. Notice that most stains are easy to take off within the day versus the stains that have been there for more than a day or week.
Do not set aside the stains for tomorrow’s work, or the stain will dry out, making a permanent mark onto the fabric. Ensure you have a remedy on hand to remove it ASAP so the stain won’t stick to the fabric.
Use the magic of Baking Soda.
Baking soda has become an all-time favorite and most effective cleaning remedy we have at home. Not only that, but it’s also a perfect remedy for taking out stains, especially from red wine. The solid material from baking soda helps lift the stain from the fabric.
Liquid stain likes sticking into any type of dry material. When you apply a good amount of baking soda to the affected area, let it sit for an hour. Notice how the stain leaves the fabric and transfers to the baking soda instead.
Use Hot Water
One of the best and easiest remedies you can do is by using hot water. Get a sponge and dip it into the hot water. Make sure you are careful when dealing with hot water. Then blot the sponge onto the affected area, softening the stain away from it.
As you blot the sponge on it, try a mild scrub on the fabric to help remove the stain. Repeat the whole process until the stain has been completely removed. Allow it to dry and keep away from any stain potentials while drying.
Dab with a Dishwashing Liquid
Dishwashing liquid works like wonder, the same as baking soda. All you need is a little water to mix it with and a sponge. Follow the same steps as to how you use it with hot water. Dab a good amount of dishwashing water to the affected area. This will help soften the stain as well.
Then, repeat the step over again until the stain is no longer visible. One tip: do not put too much dishwashing liquid, or it will be too bubbly as you dab it onto the fabric. Let it dry once you successfully remove the stain.
No luck? Call in a professional
If the stain has stayed on the clothes or carpet for a long time and none of these remedies we mentioned above has worked, then it’s time to call for professional help.
Instead of using harmful products in attempts of removing the stain, it might only bring damage rather than good to your items. Make sure you don’t use chlorine or any oxidizing agents. If the stain has deepened into the fabric, it’s best to send it for professional cleaning right away.
There’s still a better chance to remove the stain than keeping it aside in your home. To avoid this from happening, always go back from Tip #2 above, always take out the stain ASAP.
Hopefully, these tips will help you remove red wine stains in your clothes, carpets, or other items. And remember, drink with caution to avoid damaging spills.