You may be wondering how to clean wine stains... The stubborn little splatters of juice that get on your clothes, carpet, couch, etc.
Believe it or not, there is only ONE product you need to efficiently clean those stubborn wine stains. No one really wants you to know about it...
Not only is it economical, it's ECO FRIENDLY! So, wipe those tears because your favorite shirt is going to survive this catastrophe.
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The one product that actually cleans wine stains was the only thing we used in the winery. I soaked EVERYTHING in this stuff!! It's unreal!
You will learn the one tried and true product that will save your carpets, couch, and clothes from permanent damage, and the step-by-step process on how to use it!
This post is all about how to clean wine stains.
How to Clean Wine Stains
Why are wine stains so hard to remove?
Wine stains can truly ruin your day, a good shirt, even your couch. But, why?! How?!
Wine has three nefarious aspects: tannins, alcohol, and anthocyanins (especially in red wines). Each one of these plays a role in making that disastrous stain we hate so much!
Tannins: This compound is from the grape skin, seeds, and stems. It's what gives that almost bitter mouthfeel in most red wines. Though, tannins act as a natural dye! These little rascals bind tightly to fabric fibers (especially cotton, wool, or silk).
Maybe we can try to use old red wine as a natural dye...? Hmmm.
Anthocyanins: These other little rascals are what gives red wine that beautiful ruby and even deep purple hue. So, you could guess it only makes this problem even worse! They have an amazing ability to soak into porous surfaces and are very resistant to basic cleaning methods.
Alcohol: Believe it or not, alcohol acts as a villainous solvent! It carries the tannins and anthocyanins deeper into the fabric causing the stain to spread like wildfire. If not taken care of quickly, the alcohol evaporates leaving the stain to oxidize and bond more firmly... Making removal extremely difficult!
Avoid these 3 common pitfalls at all costs!
Some people panic and fall back to the common, or logical, solutions to the problem. For example, using vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, etc. So, let's take a look at why these don't work and how we can quickly avoid them!
1. Using vinegar
The myth here is that vinegar can effectively neutralize or lift the stain. Some say to soak your garments in vinegar as step one (along with lots of other steps...). However, vinegar is acidic and does not target the specific chemical structure of the tannins or anthocyanin.
Instead of properly lifting the stain, it will simply just dilute it and spread it around... Plus, many so called "recipes" will use vinegar in addition to various other chemicals. Even Martha Stuart uses this method with an abhorrent amount of chemicals!
2. Use hot water
Using hot water on a wine stain will only make it worse. Do not do this! It will set the tannins in place (the dye part of wine). Bonding them in place only makes them stronger, and therefore, extremely more difficult to remove.
3. Pour white wine over the stain
The myth here is that the white wine will neutralize the stain. The reality is simple, white wine simply dilutes the stain and does not actually remove it. This could be a good temporary fix... If that! So, stay away from adding more wine to the problem!
4. Baking soda
Usually used in conjunction with vinegar, baking soda can help minimize the wine stains. Though, used alone or in certain cases it will not lift the entire stain.
Are you interested in natural wines?
For all my natural-loving ladies out there, I created this FREE guide to help you discover the art of ancestral wines!
It highlights the 3 top ancestral methods of making natural wines we still use today that you can go out and find! Trust me, you’ll love it!
The ONE product that actually works
Ok, you are seriously ready for the one product that actually works and we are not gatekeepers here! The one product that actually works is called sodium percarbonate.
Sodium percarbonate is used in wineries around the world, and trust me, it's THAT good!! It is called "oxygen bleach", but don't worry it is totally safe and eco-friendly.
DISCLAIMER: You probably already have sodium percarbonate in your home because it is added to many brand name cleaners, along with boat loads of other chemicals. For example, OxiClean has sodium percarbonate!
1. Oxygen based cleaner
When dissolved in water this cleaner releases hydrogen peroxide which then breaks down into oxygen, water, and "soda ash".
2. Eco-friendly and safe
Unlike most cleaners (ammonia, chlorine bleach, etc) sodium percarbonate is non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for most colored fabrics and surfaces. I'm telling you, this product is a hidden gem!
3. Odorless and residue free
A perfect product for wineries who can't have any mishaps next to their precious wine! No odors and no weird residues. Believe it or not, this product is GREAT in your household cleaner cabinet for its versatility in cleaning!
Pure sodium percarbonate has SO many uses including,
- Removes stubborn stains and dirt from carpet and clothes
- Cleans bathrooms, toilets, etc
- Freshens up your garbage disposal
- Cleans couch cushions, curtains, etc
- & more!
How to use it for wine stain removal
Make sure to use protective gear when using sodium percarbonate.
Here is the overview on how to use sodium precarbonate for wine stain removal, though, see my in depth step-by-step guide on how to use this product, plus get the gear you need to be successful!
For use in the laundry machine:
- Use 1-2 tablespoons for bit tougher stains
- Add your regular laundry detergent
- Run the washer as usual
For strong red wine stains:
- Grab a bucket, fill with lukewarm-warm water
- Leave enough head space for sodium percarbonate to bubble
- Add 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate
- Soak 6-8 hours
- Wash in the washer machine as usual
For simple spots that need a quick fix:
- Mix warm water with enough sodium percarbonate to make a paste, being cautious
- Apply to the stain, use small scrubber to work in the product
- Allow to sit for 20 minutes
- Wash normally
Real Life Success Stories and Testimonials
When I worked in Napa Valley in a huge winery this was the ONE tried and true product we used over and over and over again. I even took some home with me multiple times to clean stained coffee mugs, clothes, floors, etc.
Though, many other people have had great success with this product and here is what they have to say:
5 stars from Amazon: "Glad I stumbled upon this product when I was actually looking for something else. We had been using OxyClean and I thought we'd try this. Sure glad we did. It works great on whites and colors and seems like it makes the clothes a little brighter. We have a septic system so I researched it before buying and it is supposed to be harmless to septic systems. What a great product!"
5 stars from Amazon: "I’m about to order my third container of this wonderful stuff. Cleans my farmers clothes really well."
5 stars from Amazon: "This is the only product that cleans the coffee stains out of my cups. Even bleach didn't work. I love using it in the laundry as well. Highly recommend!"
Sodium percarbonate is perfect for a non-toxic household cleaner! Use it for stubborn wine stains, grimy white clothes, weathered wood deck, and more!
You will be so surprised by the amount of uses you will find with this product and you will be happy to know your couch, carpet, and clothes can be saved from the catastrophe of wine stains!