How To Remove Wine From A Tablecloth

A clean-looking table is important to achieving a great-looking event. Most formal events such as weddings, however, would serve wine that may increase the chance of stains on linens, especially on white tablecloths.

In this article, we will tackle how to remove red wine stains from table linens when unfortunate things like this happen.

How To Remove A Red Wine Stain

This task may seem impossible for some but there are multiple effective ways to get rid of wine stains on linens.

However, it is important to note that acting quickly should make these methods more effective. At a wedding, caterers should act fast and have some cleaning solutions ready and spot clean a spill right after the party. At home, quickly remove the cloth right after it happens and try the methods mentioned below instantly. Act fast before the wine dries up on the linen.

Method 1: Boiling Water

Before you grab the hot water, dab the stain with a clean cloth to soak up as much wine as possible. Rubbing will spread the stain further, making it bigger and harder to remove.

1. Boil water. Small stains would make this method easier. The larger the area the spill is on the sheets, the harder it would be to remove them.
2. Get your linen ready and flat above the sink.
3. Pour the boiling water directly into the spill until the wine stains dissolve with the hot water.
4. If it’s getting too difficult, add some cleaning solution and repeat steps 1 to 3.

Method 2: Salt

Salt is a great absorber and is one of the best ways if you’re looking for a way on how to remove wine stains. Just like a sponge, salt sucks up liquids. That's why it's perfect for soaking up wine before it sets into your tablecloth. It is important to note that you should not rub the stain but rather blot it. Grab a clean cloth and dab the stain to remove as much wine as possible.

1. Pour a generous amount of salt directly onto the stain. The salt will soak up the wine like a magic trick!
2. Be patient and let the salt sit on the stain for 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more wine it will absorb.
3. After 30 minutes, brush off the salt. You might need to repeat steps 1-4 if the stain is really bad.

Method 3: Baking Soda

Just like salt, baking soda does the same concept of sucking up the wine stains on tablecloths, table runners, and even any type of fabric rolls. When mixed with water, it forms a gentle paste that can help lift stains.

1. In a small bowl, mix baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste.
2. Gently spread the baking soda paste onto the stain. Make sure the entire stain is covered.
3. Leave the baking soda paste on the stain for several hours, or even overnight, to allow it to absorb the wine.
4. Once the paste is dry, brush it off the fabric with a clean, dry brush. You might see the lifted wine come away with the paste.

Method 4: White Vinegar and Dish Soap

White vinegar helps loosen the stain, while dish soap cuts through grease (which can be in wine). Together, they're a powerful cleaning team!

1. In your bowl, combine equal parts of white vinegar and dish soap. For example, if you use 1 tablespoon of vinegar, use 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
2. Dip a clean cloth into the vinegar and dish soap mixture. Then, gently dab the stained area with the cloth. Don't scrub, as this can spread the stain.
3. Give the solution a few minutes to work its magic on the stain. You can leave it for 5-10 minutes.
4. After letting it sit, rinse the stained area thoroughly with cold water. This removes the cleaning solution and any leftover wine.

Method 5: Commercial Stain Removers

Different stain removers have different instructions. Always read the product label carefully before using it on your tablecloth. It will tell you how to pre-treat the stain, how much product to use, and what wash cycle to choose.

The usual steps are to pre-treat the stain, spray the solution, let it sit, and wipe it off.

How To Remove Old Red Wine Stains

Red wine stains can be a nightmare, especially when they've had time to set in. But fear not, there are still ways to remove them.

1. Rehydrate and Repeat

Sometimes, dried wine can be rehydrated to make it easier to remove. Here's what to do:

• Soak the stained area in cold water for 30 minutes to loosen the dried wine.
• Pick one of the stain removal methods we mentioned earlier (salt, baking soda, vinegar & soap). Apply the chosen method following the instructions.
• Repeat if necessary.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle bleaching agent that can help break down red wine stains. Here's how to use it:

• Always test hydrogen peroxide on a small, hidden area of your tablecloth to make sure it doesn't cause any discoloration.
• Make a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.
• Dip a clean cloth into the solution and dab the stain gently. Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water after a few minutes.

3. Professional Help

If all else fails, consider seeking help from a professional cleaning service. They have the expertise and stronger cleaning solutions to tackle tough stains.

No matter which method you choose, rinsing your tablecloth thoroughly is crucial. After following the steps for each stain removal technique, flush the stained area with cold water for a good few minutes. This will remove any leftover cleaning solution or stain residue.

You can use a spray bottle or hold the fabric under a running faucet to rinse effectively. Aim for the back of the stain to push the loosened wine further away from the fabric. Once you're sure the stain removal solution is gone, you can proceed with washing your tablecloth according to the care instructions on the label.

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