How to Remove a Dried Red Wine Stain From a Fabric

Basic Household Fabrics

• 1

  Soak the fabric in a basin of cold water for 30 minutes.

• 2

  Mix together 1 part gentle dishwashing soap with 2 parts 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

• 3

  Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean, soft cloth, then blot the mixture onto an area of the fabric that is not easily noticeable. Let the mixture rest on the fabric for a few minutes before rinsing it away. If the mixture does not alter the color of the fabric in any way, then proceed. If the mixture does alter the color or the fabric is delicate, such as leather, suede or silk, proceed to Section 2.

• 4

  Sponge the mixture onto the stained area, and let it sink into the stain for several minutes.

• 5

  Rinse the spot, then launder the fabric as you normally would. If it’s safe for the type of fabric, add chlorine bleach to the washing cycle to remove any remnants of the stain.

Delicate or Hard-to-Clean Fabrics

• 6

  Pour enough plain club soda onto the stain to cover the entire area, but do not more pour more club soda onto the stain than is necessary to cover the stain. Doing so can damage other parts of your delicate fabric.

• 7

  Blot up the club soda and stain after the club soda stops bubbling. Always use a soft, dry and clean cloth, such as a terry cloth. After you blot up the stain, check the stain. If you still see some red wine remnants, repeat the club soda and blotting steps.

• 8

  Mix a cup of slightly warm water with a teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent, and sponge the mixture onto the area to remove the rest of the stain and the club soda.

• 9

  Allow the fabric to dry completely by placing a stack of paper towels on the spot. Then, cover the paper towels with a heavy book or weight, and allow it to rest there overnight.

• 10

  Remove the book and paper towels in the morning, and allow the spot to continue to air-dry. Repeat the entire process if any stain remains.