With all the holiday parties and gatherings, a wine spill was bound to happen. How do I get out red wine stains? I guess I could serve only white wine from now on.
–P. Powers, Chicago
You could play it safe and serve only white wine, but even white wine leaves a residue. So if you and your friends enjoy a glass of merlot or burgundy, go ahead and serve it. Just be prepared for spills.
Timing is everything when it comes to removing a stain. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
To remove red wine from nonwashables, such as upholstered furniture or carpet, dab the stained area with alcohol first, then white vinegar and finally with cool water. If done promptly, the stain will fade.
Another method is to blot the stain with water, vinegar and a half water-half ammonia solution, according to “The Home Answer Book” by Joanna Wissinger (Harper Collins, out of print). Carpet shampoo products also can be used and there are dozens of stain-removal products available.
But with any of these methods, it’s important that you apply the products with a clean white cloth and rinse the cloth often in clean water.
If you don’t have these products on hand, keep the stain damp by blotting it with water so that it doesn’t set while you run out to the store.
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