Laundry Stains
How to Remove Red Wine from a Cotton Tablecloth
Red wine on a cotton tablecloth can leave a stubborn purple mark, but you can lift it with dish soap, white vinegar, and baking soda. Here's a practical guide for fresh and dried stains, with cotton-specific precautions.
Red wine on a cotton tablecloth is a classic dinner-party disaster. The deep purple color can set quickly, but with the right steps, you can often lift it completely. Cotton is a sturdy, washable fabric, which gives you more options than delicate materials. The key is to act fast for fresh spills and to use the right combination of household products for dried stains.
What to Do First
If the wine is fresh, blot the stain immediately with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Press down to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub, as that pushes the wine deeper into the fibers. If the stain is already dried, skip to the dried stain method below.
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Fresh Red Wine Stain on Cotton
For a fresh spill, you can often remove the stain with dish soap and cold water. Here’s how:
- Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove excess wine.
- Rinse the back of the stain with cold running water to push the wine out from the fibers.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain and gently work it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes to break down the wine.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Wash the tablecloth in the washing machine using the hottest water safe for the fabric (check the care label) with your regular laundry detergent.
If the stain remains after washing, do not dry the tablecloth. Heat will set the stain. Instead, repeat the treatment or try the dried stain method below.