Red wine stains: how to remove them?

It's a scenario many of us have experienced (we've seen plenty of sofas ruined by red wine), yet few really know how to deal with it. Luckily, we're here to help.

Want to learn how to get red wine off couches? Here are some of our favorite tips for red wine stains on the sofa.

The original method
As red wine stains gradually penetrate deeper into the fabric, it is a good idea to act as soon as the wine is spilled.

What's up:

• A clean cloth
• liquid/cloth stain spray/carbonated water
• Salt (optional)

How to get rid of red wine stains fast:

Step 1 : To tackle the initial red wine stain on your couch, you'll need to quickly grab a clean cloth or some paper towels (avoid colored or patterned ones) and stain remover/spray .

Step 2 (optional) : If you don't have stain remover/spray , sparkling water will do a similar job.

Step 3 (optional) : If you don't have either, then it's a good idea to sprinkle salt on the stain until you have the means to remove it (salt prevents the stain from setting). The cloth/towel and salt will help absorb any excess liquid, while the spray will help remove the stain before it penetrates the fabric.

PRO TIP : You want to dab, not rub, the stain to avoid pushing it further into the fabric. It's also a good idea to work from the outside in, so it doesn't spread.

The white wine method

What better way to remove wine than to pour more wine into it? No, seriously. The white wine works by removing the dark pigment from the red wine stain, leaving you with a lovely, mark-free couch. But don't just take our word for it, try it for yourself...

What you will need:

• White wine (the amount depends on the depth of the stain)
• Baking soda

How to remove red wine stains with white wine:

Step 1 : Gently pour white wine over the stain and let it sit.

Step 2 : After a few minutes, wipe off the liquid with a cloth. If you can still see the stain, add some baking soda to lift the pigment further.

PRO TIP : For best results, add white wine to the stain before it sets.

The liquid washing method
Liquid detergent is useful for more than just pots and pans – it's also a pretty powerful red wine stain remover.

What do you need:

• Liquid detergent
• Cold water

How to remove red wine stains with detergent:
Step 1: Simply mix one part liquid detergent with two parts cold water.

Step 2: Sponge the stain with the solution until the liquid is absorbed.

PRO TIP : You can also use this method on clothes and carpets.

The vinegar and soda method

White vinegar and baking soda is a versatile cleaning tool and is especially good for tackling tough stains on delicate fabrics.

What do you need:

• Baking soda
• white vinegar

How to remove red wine stains with vinegar and baking soda:
Step 1: Pour baking soda over the stain and dab with vinegar.

Step 2: Wait a few minutes for it to soak in (it will puff up quite a bit - that means it's working), then rinse off with a damp cloth. Repeat the steps until the red wine is removed.

The hydrogen peroxide method

If, like us, you want a quick cleanup solution (as soon as the wine is spilled), hydrogen peroxide is your silver bullet. Don't worry if you can't find it in your kitchen cupboards at the moment – ​​it's often not available in supermarkets but can be found online and in specialist cleaning retailers.

What do you need:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda

How to remove red wine stains with hydrogen peroxide:
Step 1 : Once you have your hydrogen peroxide, it is recommended that you test a patch of it on an inconspicuous area of ​​your upholstery - this helps to see if the fabric runs or fades when treated with the chemical. (Always use caution when handling corrosive liquids at home).

Step 2: Once you're sure it won't react negatively to your fabric, spray enough hydrogen peroxide over the red wine stain to cover it.

Step 3 : Pour baking soda over the hydrogen peroxide.

Step 4 : Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse with cold water.

Remember, while these are common DIY hacks, the methods may not be effective on every sofa, so it's worth speaking to a professional upholstery cleaner before removing red wine stains yourself.