I spilled red wine on my white shirt and now it’s really stained. What can I do?
Vinegar is a great solution for removing stains from clothes. Just mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with enough water to make a paste, and apply it to the stain. Rub the paste into the fabric until it’s completely absorbed. Allow the garment to sit for at least 30 minutes before laundering.
If you spill red wine on a white shirt, you may be frustrated with the results. However, there are a few simple steps that will help remove the stain. First, mix one tablespoon of vinegar with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and rub it in until it’s absorbed. Allow the garment to sit for at least 30 minutes before laundering.

Spilling red wine on a white shirt can happen to anyone, but with the right techniques, you can effectively remove the stain. Here are some proven methods to tackle red wine stains and bring your white shirt back to life.
White Vinegar and Laundry Detergent
- Cover the stain in white vinegar, which neutralizes purple and red pigments.
- Immediately after applying the vinegar, rub in liquid detergent to the stained area.
- Launder the shirt in hot water to help remove the stain effectively.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Dishwashing Liquid
- Mix about 3 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dishwashing liquid in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to the red wine stain and let it sit for 20 minutes to an hour.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess liquid before attempting to fully wash out the mixture.
Club Soda
- Pour club soda directly onto the red wine stain.
- The minerals in club soda help absorb and break up the red wine molecules.
- Blot the area with a clean cloth to lift the stain.
- For enhanced results, combine club soda with white vinegar before applying it to the stain.
Baking Soda and Water
- Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water.
- Apply the paste to the red wine stain, covering it completely.
- Let the paste sit on the stain for a few hours before washing the shirt.
Boiling Water
- This method is ideal for removing red wine stains from tablecloths.
- Place the stained area of the shirt over a sink.
- Pour boiling water from a height of at least a foot onto the stain.
- The hot water will help lift the stain out of the fabric.
Considerations for Delicate Fabrics
- Act quickly when removing a red wine stain from delicate fabrics.
- Check the care labels on your garment before treating the stain.
- More delicate fabrics, such as silk or leather, may require professional dry cleaning.
Conclusion
Red wine stains on a white shirt can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can effectively remove them. Act quickly, choose the appropriate method based on the fabric, and follow the instructions provided. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so be cautious while enjoying your wine and take necessary precautions to avoid spills.
FAQs
- Can I use white wine to remove red wine stains? No, contrary to popular belief, white wine is not an effective method for removing red wine stains. Stick to the methods mentioned in this article for better results.
- Will these methods work on colored shirts? These methods are primarily intended for white shirts. If you have a colored shirt, it’s recommended to test the method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.
- How soon should I treat a red wine stain? It’s best to treat a red wine stain as soon as possible to prevent it from setting into the fabric. The longer the stain remains untreated, the harder it becomes to remove.
- Are these methods safe for all types of fabrics? While the methods mentioned in this article are generally safe for most fabrics, it’s essential to consider the fabric’s care instructions. Delicate fabrics like silk or leather may require specialized treatment or professional dry cleaning.
- What if the stain doesn’t completely come out? If the stain persists after using these methods, it’s advisable to consult a professional dry cleaner who may have additional techniques or products to tackle stubborn stains.