Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to Get Rid of Wine from Clothes

Image used with permission by copyright holder

You’re relishing a glass of your favorite wine, and then the unexpected happens: You spill the content of your favorite wine glass on your treasured shirt. Just your luck that you’re drinking red wine instead of a glass of white burgundy wine. Well, you don’t need to worry about it. When you act quickly, you can easily get rid of the wine stains from your clothes. The trick is to wash your cloth before the stains settle deeply into the fabric. Here are the best ways to tackle wine stain problem and save your favorite clothes.

Related Guides

3 DIY Wine Stain Removers

For these three DIY wine stain removers you can repeat the process until the stains are completely removed. And before using any stain remover, do not rub your cloth or you’ll spread the stain.

Recommended Videos

Baking Soda to Remove Wine Stains

Baking soda is a do-it-all solution for a variety of DIY issues.

  1.  Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to soak up the stains.
  2.  Sprinkle some water on the stains and dab the area with a paper towel.
  3.  Create a paste using one part baking soda and three parts water.
  4.  Apply the paste to the stains and allow it to dry.
  5.  Once dry, remove the paste using clean water.
  6. The stains should clear once you wash your clothes.

White Vinegar and Laundry Detergent to Remove Wine Stains

Vinegar neutralizes the stain while the detergent cleans the fabric. Be sure to get cleaning vinegar, which is 20% more acidic than regular food vinegar.

  1. Soak up the spilled wine as much as possible.
  2. Apply the cleaning vinegar to the stains.
  3. Cover the stain with liquid detergent.
  4. Allow it to dry, and then wash it off with clean hot water.

Rubbing Alcohol to Remove Wine Stains

For a stubborn wine spot, apply rubbing alcohol to the stained area. The wine stains should begin to clear as you soak the area with rubbing alcohol.

  1. Use a clean sponge to soak the stained area with rubbing alcohol.
  2. Wipe the area dry using a damp cloth.
  3. Be sure to wash your clothes once the stains have cleared.

Red Wine Stain Removers

Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are several commercial stain removers you can use:

  • Wine Away
  • Gonzo Wine Out
  • Chateau Spill

How to Remove Old Red Wine Stains

If you have a red wine stain that you didn’t clean in time or you didn’t know about, you may still have luck getting rid of it. While old stains tend to be difficult to remove, you can use a bleaching agent. Non-chlorine oxygen bleach will make an ideal option for colored clothing. Follow these steps:

  • Rub dish soap or laundry detergent into the stained area.
  • Soak the clothes in cold water for about 1 to 2 hours.
  • Apply a stain remover to the stained area.
  • Wash the cloth on a normal cycle.

Does Red Wine Stain Permanently?

A wine spill can stain your clothes permanently if you heat them in a dryer while the stains haven’t been completely removed. The stains shrink into the fibers, making it difficult for stain removers to dilute and wick them away.

Nate Swanner
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nate is General Manager for all not-Digital-Trends properties at DTMG, including The Manual, Digital Trends en Espanol…
Champion and Harley Davidson make moto style comfortable in new collection
Ride a Harley like a Champion
champion x harley davidson group

There is nothing cooler than sitting on the back of a Harley Davidson and cruising along one of the best motorcycle road trips in the country. There is nothing more comfortable than lounging in a set of Champion sweats and watching Netflix. But what if you can be doing both at the same time? Of course, we don't mean watching Netflix in sweats while you're riding a Harley. We mean a collaboration between the iconic sportswear company Champion and the legendary motorcycle company Harley Davidson.

"This collaboration captures the best of both worlds, blending Harley’s rebellious spirit with Champion’s athleticwear heritage. It’s a collection built for those who live boldly—whether on the open road or the city streets," said Erica Bullard, Senior Vice President of Harley-Davidson.
Icons come together

Read more
Hender Scheme, Pendleton reveals the coziest new collection
Hender Scheme, Pendleton new collaboration
dark brown loafer with wool pattern on top

In their first collaboration, Japenese-based Hender Scheme and Oregan-based Pendleton combine the best of their craft to create the perfect winter shoe collection. Unveiling two new distinct designs in two colorways, this collaborative shoe is a unique offering that will have a place in your closet long after this season. Pendleton, known for its identifiable wool pattern, delivers its distinct touch for a design as timeless as modern. Also offering Hender Scheme’s quality leather, there’s no doubt of the craftsmanship behind this partnership. 
Hender Scheme x Pendleton

In their inaugural collection, the collaboration’s SKM design comes in the form of a comfortable hybrid model. Made of pebble leather uppers and a patterned wool fabric over the toe box. The bulky Vibram lug sole adds extra traction and sturdiness to the design, giving the wearers more freedom to move around on any terrain. Complete with classic laces on the top, these derby-style shoes are an instant classic that can serve in casual dressier settings. Also included in this collection is a classic clog wrapped in a classic Pendleton wool design with leather handles. The first hybrid model comes in Pendleton’s Harding pattern and black, as well as, Riorancho and dark brown. The same colorways are available for their clog option. 

Read more
SF icon Wilkes Bashford doubles down on retail space with new flagship
San Francisco legend proves brick and mortar isn't dead
WB PA store

Online shopping has brought an entirely new approach to shopping. The consumer no longer had to jump in the car, drive to the store, and speak to a salesperson. They could pick up their laptop or phone, log on, peruse, and buy at will. This made the brick-and-mortar business a dangerous proposition. But legendary retailer in San Francisco Wilkes Bashford is shaking off all fear of the online trend and doubling down with a new flagship brick-and-mortar store.

"We have always had a healthy customer base in Silicon Valley, and it has grown tremendously over the last 20-plus years," said Bob Mitchell, Co-CEO of Wilkes Bashford. "As most retailers are closing their doors and doing business exclusively online, we are thriving and growing as a multi-brand luxury player in the brick-and-mortar space as a result of our unparalleled selection of merchandise and commitment and loyalty to our customers.”
Iconic store designed by iconic San Francisco designer

Read more