How to Remove Wine Stains

We all have a love-hate relationship with red wine: We love the bold, fruity taste but hate when a glass of Merlot ends up staining our carpets, rugs, furniture, and clothes. If you're drinking wine, the occasional spill is inevitable.

When it happens, act fast and start blotting (not rubbing!) the stain with an absorbent cloth ASAP.

How to Get Red Wine Out of Carpet

You knew beige carpet was risky but now, well, it's a nightmare. Start by blotting as much spilled wine as possible, even standing on absorbent cloths if necessary. Saturate the stain with Wine Away and let sit for up to five minutes. Blot the area until the stain is completely gone and remove extra residue with a damp cloth.

For stubborn stains, mix one tablespoon each dish liquid and white vinegar with two cups warm water. Sponge carpet with mixture and blot dry. Then, spritz or sponge with cold water to rinse and blot until dry.

How to Get Red Wine Out of Upholstery

Once you notice a spill on your furniture, blot up as much spilled wine as possible. Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water, and sponge the stain with the solution. Blot with an absorbent cloth until the liquid is absorbed. Then sponge with cold water and blot dry.

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If it's a common occurrence at your house, try treating your upholstery and fabrics with Scotchgard to make stain removal easier in the future.

How to Get Red Wine Out of Clothes

Your favorite white shirt isn't a goner just because it has a red wine stain. At least, not until you give Wine Away, a Good Housekeeping Institute favorite, a chance to work its magic. If you're still wearing the garment, place a cloth between the garment and your skin. Then saturate the stain with the stain remover, and let sit for up to five minutes. If the stain still remains, soak the fabric for 15 minutes in cold water, apply laundry stain remover, and wash in warm water with fabric-safe bleach.