Wine stains are one of the most stubborn and disturbing stains you may ever come across. Whether you are at a friend’s dinner party or simply wine tasting, if there is red wine, chances are high that it will end up on someone’s shirt. If you happen to be a victim of such a situation, you will need information on how to remove red wine stains on your shirt. The key for effective removal of red wine stains is quick action.
Removing a fresh stain:
Dry wine stains are harder to remove meaning it is easiest to remove red wine when the stain is still wet. Remember to blot and not rub the stain. Rubbing only pushes the stain deeper into the fabric. The following steps should be used if you are to remove the stain effectively.
You will need the following items:
– Boiling water
– Club Soda
– Talcum Powder
– Baking Soda
– Slat
– White wine
Removal process:
The following techniques are safe for most fabrics. All the same, it is advisable to test a small inconspicuous spot to make sure there is no damage or discoloring to the fabric’s fibers.
1) Start by blotting using a clean cloth to remove most of the wine. It is important to avoid scrubbing and use blotting throughout the process. Work from the outside moving inwards as this will prevent the stain from spreading.
2) Use white wine to dab the stain and blot using a clean cloth
3) If the stain is still present, try dabbing it with some club soda and blotting afterwards
4) If the stain is still there, try pouring talcum powder, baking soda or salt (all these are readily available in most Singapore food or supply stores) on the stain and let it set. Any one of the items should remove the stain by soaking it up
5) The following methods should only be used if your shirt can withstand boiling water:
– Lay the stain across a large bowl
– Boiling water should be poured on the stain. The water will draw out the stain as it runs through
Wash the stain using the detergent recommendations on the shirt’s care tag only after the stain has been removed
You may decide to air dry the shirt to make sure the stain is hidden when it is dry. Avoid using the dryer as it will make it almost impossible to remove the stain if it is not completely removed by the above process
Removing an old stain:
As much as dry wine stains are difficult to remove, they are not impossible to remove. Keep in mind that during the process you should not rub the stain, instead you should blot it.
You will need the following items:
– Water
– Tartar Cream
– Paper towels or white towels
– Towel
– 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
– A Non – Alkali / Non Bleach detergent
The following techniques are safe for most fabrics. All the same, it is advisable to test a small inconspicuous spot to make sure there is no damage or discoloring to the fabric’s fibers.
1) It is important to make sure you blot outwards going inwards if this process is to work
2) A towel should be placed on the inside of the garment as it will prevent the stain from spreading to the other side
3) Blot the stain with a 2 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dish detergent solution
4) Try applying a paste made using water and tartar if this does not work
5) After it has settled for a few minutes, you can rinse by blotting using a towel that is damp and clean
6) Wash the stain using the detergent recommendations on the shirt’s care tag only after the stain has been removed
7) You may decide to air dry the shirt to make sure the stain is hidden when it is dry. Avoid using the dryer as it will make it almost impossible to remove the stain if it is not completely removed by the above process
When you follow these tips, you will be able to know how you can effectively remove a red wine stain from your shirt. Furthermore, you will avoid spreading the stain to other areas of the shirt as well as maintain the condition of your shirt. A shirt that has a red wine stain can only be effectively handled using the methods above. If you do not want to use them, you should take your shirt to a reputable laundry / dry cleaning service.
