Removing Wine Stains

Whether your wine rack holds a rare Bordeaux or inexpensive table wine, you share a common problem with every wine drinker: wine stains.

But don't let that stop you from trying, or serving, wines. Just follow these tips to deal with tricky wine stains.

Treat the wine stain as soon as possible. Most stains are easier to remove when they are fresh.

Immediately blot wine spills on clothing with an absorbent cloth, then sponge with carbonated soda water. The bubbles in the soda water lift the stain out. If the fabric is washable then stretch the effected area over a small saucepan or heat resistant bowl and hold it in place with string or an elastic band. Pour hot water through the fabric, and then wash as soon as possible.

On non-washable fabrics dab the effected area with a sponge that has been dipped in a detergent solution and then wrung out. Follow with clean water.

If red wine is spilled on your carpet sponge it with carbonated soda water. Blot well (do not rub). Then dab the area with a cloth wrung out in detergent solution followed by clean water. If the stain persists, a solution of half glycerin and half water can be left on the stain for up to an hour then rinsed off and blotted well.