Removing red wine from cotton

A cozy dinner sometimes ends with a spilled glass of wine and the heartbreaking moment when you realize your white blouse is turning purple. Don't panic: with the right steps and a little patience, you can remove even the deepest red wine stain from cotton. In this article, we'll show you how to combine classic home remedies with modern wax strips for lasting and effective results.

Step 1: Act immediately

If the wine is still wet, acting quickly is essential. Blot the stain with a clean cotton cloth or paper towel. Never use hot water, as this can set the dye. Then immediately sprinkle a generous amount of salt or baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The crystals will draw the moisture and dye out of the fibers. After a few minutes, you can carefully remove the salt.

Step 2: Treat with sparkling water or shaving foam

Carefully pour sparkling water (club soda) or carbonated mineral water over the stain. The bubbles will help loosen the wine from the fabric. Then take a clean cloth and blot gently again. For stubborn stains, you can apply a layer of shaving cream. Let the cream sit for up to an hour; the potassium soap will help dissolve the dye. Then rinse with cold water.

Step 3: Home remedies for extra strength

If the stain is still visible, there are several alternative remedies you can try:

• Lemon juice and gall soap: Apply a few drops of pure lemon juice to the stain and then gently rub in some gall soap. This combination is effective for many stubborn stains.
• Glass cleaner: For very stubborn stains, you can use a clear glass cleaner. Spray the stain and let it sit briefly before rinsing.
• Cornmeal or potato starch: These starchy products absorb moisture and color. Apply it dry to the stain, let it dry, and then gently brush it away.

Whichever method you use, always rinse the fabric with cold water and avoid rubbing the fibers. If the stain is still slightly visible, repeat one of the steps above.

Step 4: Washing with wax strips

Once most of the dye has been removed, it's time for the main wash. Use a wax strip in your washing machine. Wax strips dissolve completely, leave no residue, and ensure fresh and clean laundry. They also save space and are plastic-free, so you contribute to a more sustainable world. Always check your garment's care label for the correct temperature.

Alternative methods for old stains

Old or dried red wine stains require extra attention. Here are a few options:

• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂): Mix hydrogen peroxide with a little dish soap and apply it to the stain. Let it fizz, then rinse. Test this method on a hidden area of ​​fabric first.
• Milk or buttermilk: Soak the garment in milk for a few hours; the enzymes in milk will help remove the stain.
• Baking Soda: Soak the stain in a solution of cold water and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). The solution neutralizes dyes and loosens the stain.

With these alternatives, pay close attention to the washing instructions and test for colorfastness first. Sometimes it's better to have delicate fabrics professionally cleaned.

Fresh versus dried stains

A fresh wine stain reacts differently than one that has been set for hours or days. Fresh stains can be treated with salt, baking soda, or sparkling water, and can often be removed within minutes. For dried-on stains, you need to re-saturate the fibers with liquid. Soak the garment in a bath of cold water with a dash of vinegar or milk. This will loosen the dried wine, and you can then use one of the previously mentioned products to further treat the stain. If the stain has already been washed several times, try a combination of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap; this has a bleaching effect, but be careful with colored fabrics.

What not to do

There are also a few pitfalls when removing wine stains:

• Do not use hot water: Hot water sets the dye into the fibers and makes the stain permanent.
• Do not iron or tumble dry: Heat can set stains even deeper. Always air dry the garment until the stain is completely gone.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Chlorine bleach and strong solvents can damage fabric. Instead, use natural products like lemon juice, vinegar, or mild bleach specifically designed for stains.

Professional help and prevention

For very valuable garments or delicate fabrics like silk and velvet, it's often best to consult a professional dry cleaner. They have specialized products that can remove the stain without damaging the fabric. To prevent future wine stains, you can use protective sprays on fabric tablecloths and napkins, pour them carefully, and keep a small cleaning kit on hand with salt, baking soda, and a few wax strips for aftercare.

Prevention is better than cure

Although accidents can easily occur, you can take steps to prevent red wine stains. Use washable tablecloths and napkins during dinner parties, keep a small set of cleaning supplies handy, and always keep wax strips on hand for a quick touch-up. If something does go wrong, you'll now know exactly what to do.

Finally: sustainable after-treatment

Removing red wine stains from cotton doesn't have to be stressful. With a combination of simple home remedies and modern wax strips, you can get your clothes sparkling clean again. Always use cold water, test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area of ​​the fabric, and then wash with a wax strip . For more tips and a complete stain guide, read our stain guide . Looking for a sustainable detergent? Order your wax strips here and experience the convenience of this plastic-free solution.