Materials (exact amounts)
- Paper towel or a white cloth
- 30 g fine salt
- 500 ml cold water
- 15 ml 3% hydrogen peroxide (10 volume)
- 15 ml liquid dish soap
- 5 ml laundry detergent
Step by step
1.- Act as soon as possible. Absorb the excess wine by pressing with paper towel, without rubbing so you do not spread the stain.
2.- Cover the stain with 30 g of fine salt and leave 5 minutes: it absorbs some of the liquid. Remove it with a spoon.
3.- Rinse the area from the back of the fabric with cold water to push the stain out.
4.- Mix 15 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 15 ml of dish soap, apply it to the stain and leave 10 minutes.
5.- Rinse with cold water and wash the garment with 5 ml of detergent at the temperature on the label (30 to 40 °C).
6.- Do not put it in the dryer until you check the stain is gone: heat would set it.
Why it works
Salt and paper absorb the wine before it sets in the fibres. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild oxidiser that helps lighten wine pigments, and dish soap breaks down grease and improves cleaning.
Safety and precautions
Always test the hydrogen peroxide mix on a hidden area of the garment, because it can lighten coloured fabrics, silk and wool. Do not use hot water at first, because it sets the stain, and do not mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar.
Common mistakes and when to get help
Rubbing spreads the stain. If it has already dried, dampen the area and repeat the treatment. For delicate or expensive garments, take them to a dry cleaner and say what the stain is.
You may also like: How to clean the oven with baking soda and vinegar, How to remove limescale from taps and the shower head, How to clean and care for a wooden cutting board.