The majority of the population is aware that wine is made from grapes, but most may lack the tips for treating stains from wine and other alcoholic beverages. To successfully treat a red wine spill on your sofa or area rug, it is best to understand tannin stains — which includes wine stains.
About Tannin Stains
Tannin stains can be very troublesome and persistent.Tannin stains have plant origins and are capable of leaving permanent reminders of themselves without quick and proper treatment. So why is prompt treatment essential?
Tannin represents some of mankind’s first dyes and paints used hundreds of years ago. The word ‘tannin’ comes from the centuries-old practice of tanning leather by using plant compounds to preserve and water proof it.”, explains Deborah L. Martin in her book, “Natural Stain Removal Secrets.
Examples of tough-to-treat tannin stain sources are beets, soy sauce, beer, cola, coffee, tea and red wine. And while these stains can be potentially devastating, they are water-soluble and very often can simply be flushed out of garments with clear, cool water or cool water with a small amount of vinegar added.
If the spot is on the carpet, dilute the spill with white wine. Flush the area with cold water before covering with salt for 15 to 20 minutes, then vacuum up the salt. No white wine or care not to “waste” it on the carpet? Simply pour ample amounts of club soda over the spill, blotting with clean dry towels until the stain no longer “bleeds” onto the blotting cloth. Change or rotate the blotting cloth frequently to prevent recontaminating the area. Repeat the process until the spill is lifted.
Spilled your favorite Cabernet on your linen skirt or other linen item? Place the entire stained item in a stock or cooking pot. Cover with milk. Bring the milk to a boil, remove from heat and allow to set until the stain is lifted.
Wine on washable fabrics can be treated by pouring or sponging white wine onto the spill to dilute the red wine. Cover the spot with salt to assist in lifting the stain by absorbing it. Once dry, shake off the salt and follow-up by blotting the stain with club soda. Launder as usual.
Another option when the stain is on washable fabrics is to either pour or sponge club soda on the stain, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is lifted or until color is no longer transferring to the blotting cloth. Launder as usual and be sure to examine the garment prior to drying. If the stain is stubborn and still present, sponge with a solution of 1 cup of vinegar, 1 tbsp clear dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup of water. Allow to set for 20 minutes. Launder again as usual. Re-inspect and repeat if needed.
White Wine
Red wine is not the only wine to cause stains. White wine can stain, as well, if spills are not handled promptly and appropriately.
On washable fabrics, blot the spot to absorb the excess. Sponge or rinse with cool water or club soda until all the wine is flushed from the garment. Launder with detergent (not soap) in warm water and examine to ensure the stain is lifted prior to drying to avoid setting the stain.
Beer
Accidentally spilled beer on the recliner? Soak up the spill with a clean cloth or paper towels. Sponge the area with cool water. Thoroughly blot the area once the stain is lifted. Gently sponge the dried area with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Next, blot thoroughly again and rinse with warm water. Firmly blot with clean, dry cloths until the area is completely dry.
For beer spills on clothing and washable fabrics, rinse the stain with cool water. Sponge with a mixture of 2 tbsp of white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 1 tsp of Dawn dishwashing liquid. Launder as usual. Inspect the area prior to drying with heat.
When the cat knocks your beer of the coffee table and onto the floor, don’t worry. Your carpet isn’t ruined. Soak up the spill with a cloth or paper towels, then sponge the area with warm water or club soda until the stain disappears. For stubborn stains, sponge on a solution of 1 tbsp of ammonia in 1/2 cup of warm water. Blot them rinse with clean, clear water. Dilute 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 cup water to neutralize the ammonia. Blot and rinse again. Finish by drying the area with a fan.
More from Associated Content
“How to Remove Grass and Ballpoint Ink Stains Naturally”
“How to Remove Protein Stains Naturally”
Sources:
Personal Experiences
Natural Stain Removal Secrets”, Deborah L.Martin
