Housekeeping

How to remove red wine stains

How to remove red wine stains

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Housekeeping

How to remove red wine stains

How to get your red wine-stained table linens party-ready again.

 

Red wine can leave its mark on your table linens. Our resourceful research editor, Mary Levitski, reveals how to get them party-ready again.

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How to remove stains

Step 1: Time is of the essence when you're faced with red wine stains. As soon as possible, blot the area with a paper towel to remove as much of the wine as you can.

Step 2: Fight wine with wine. As crazy as it may sound, white wine helps dilute red's bold pigment (club soda or vinegar works, too). Pour a bit of white wine over the stain and blot with a paper towel. If the stain is more orless gone, launder as usual in cold water. Air dry; the head from the dyer will set any leftover stains.

Step 3: For any remaining traces of red wine, stretch the fabric over a colander with the stain in the centre. (Keeping the fabric taut is key, so you may need to ask for an extra pair of hands.) Flush the stain with a potful of boiling water, pouring from at least a foot above. Repeat as necessary before laundering in cold water.
 

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Stylish solution

Pretty coasters catch guests' attention and encourage use. We can't wait for our invite to the dinner party that boasts these printed marble Pinwheel ones by Ontario-based Dan Fallak of VersaTile. One of a Kind Online Shop, $32 (per set of 4).


Launder wonders

Check out our favourite picks for stain-fighting laundry detergents.

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Trusted brand

The cap on Tide's latest liquid detergent is equipped with rubber bristles that make it easy to target and pre-treat marks. Liquid Ultra Stain Release laundry detergent, tide.ca, $14.

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Oxygen-powered

Powder packets remove even set spills. OxiClean Unit Dose laundry detergent, walmart.ca, $8 (per 27 packs).

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Natural

Natural detergent that will rid your linens of stains and scent them with non-synthetic fragrance. Better Life Liquid Spin-credible Natural laundry detergent, target.ca, $20.


TIP: Can't deal with a spill right away? Cover it liberally with salt, which will absorb much of the liquid, preventing it from setting and spreading.

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Housekeeping

How to remove red wine stains