Enjoying a Glass of Wine on the Couch? Here’s What to Do If It Hits Your Clothes Too

Those quiet, simple moments on the couch are actually those we remember the most. They’re not flashy or Instagram-worthy, but they matter. And yet, we bet that one glass you poured to unwind didn’t feel so relaxing once it landed on your shirt or trousers. Whether it was a clumsy reach for the remote, a surprise sneeze, or just a little too much enthusiasm during your story, now you have a red wine stain front and center.

That splash of wine may have surprised you, but we’re not about to let it stick around. The key is understanding what’s safe for your fabric and what’s only going to make things worse. So let’s get into the simple, proven methods to tackle that stain before it sets in for good.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Red Wine Spill

Red wine stains are difficult to remove due to their high tannin content and deeply pigmented nature. When spilled on clothing, red wine can bond with the fibers within seconds, especially on absorbent textiles like cotton, wool, or linen.

Immediate action is critical, but even if you didn’t catch it right away, there are still effective at-home options for minimizing or reversing the damage, and these are the following:

1. Start by blotting the area gently with a clean white towel or napkin. Avoid rubbing as it can push the wine deeper into the weave of the fabric.
2. Apply a generous amount of salt or baking soda to the wet stain. Both will begin drawing moisture and pigment out of the fibers. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then shake or gently brush it off.
3. Rinse the stain with cold water from the reverse side of the fabric, ideally from the inside of the garment. This pushes the wine back out instead of deeper in.
4. Create a stain-fighting solution of mild liquid detergent, white vinegar, and cold water. Dab it onto the area with a clean cloth and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
5. Air dry the garment away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not use the dryer until you're confident the stain is gone.

Red wine requires prompt, targeted treatment, but with the right materials and process, most stains can be managed effectively from home.

White Wine Can Leave a Mark - Here’s How to Handle It

White wine may not leave a vivid stain, but don’t be fooled. It can still affect the color, texture, and smell of your clothing if not addressed. The sugars and acidity in white wine can degrade fabric over time, especially in natural fibers like silk, cotton, and linen. In addition, if not treated, any residual sugar may attract dirt, causing yellow or brown stains later.

Try these steps as soon as the spill happens:

1. Blot up as much wine as possible using a clean, dry towel or paper towel. Blot gently and don’t rub, as the fabric may already be weakened by the liquid.
2. Rinse the affected area with cold water immediately, ideally from the inside out. This helps flush sugars and acids out of the weave.
3. Use a small amount of gentle detergent or dish soap diluted in cold water and apply it to the stained area. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly again to ensure no soap or sugar residue remains in the fabric.

How to Lift Rosé Wine Stains from White Clothes

Rosé wine combines two stain culprits light red pigmentation and sugar content making it particularly problematic on white or pastel fabrics. While it may not look severe at first glance, rosé can leave behind faint pinkish marks that deepen with heat or time. That’s why prompt attention and the right approach are key.

Here’s exactly what you need to do to make sure your white or light-colored clothes stay pristine after a rosé spill.

1. Blot gently but thoroughly to lift as much of the rosé as possible without spreading it. Use a white towel or napkin to avoid dye transfer.
2. Apply baking soda or talcum powder while the fabric is still damp. These dry agents will help lift out any excess moisture and sugar.
3. Use a pretreatment solution made from mild laundry detergent and white vinegar. Gently dab or soak the affected spot and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water to flush away loosened particles and cleaning agents.

Champagne on Your Clothes? Here’s How to Fizz Out the Stain

Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava might look less threatening when spilled, but they bring their own unique challenges. The carbonation can drive liquid deeper into the fabric fibers, and the high sugar content can leave behind sticky residue that attracts dirt. Left untreated, these spills can yellow or stiffen delicate garments.

1. Start with a thorough blot using an absorbent cloth to soak up both the liquid and carbonation bubbles before they settle into the material.
2. Flush the stain with cold water to dilute the sugar and remove any carbonation left behind. This is particularly important for structured garments like blouses or jackets.
3. Mix a simple solution of water and gentle dish soap, then lightly sponge the area without oversaturating the fabric. Let it sit for up to 10 minutes.
4. Rinse again with cold water and pat the fabric dry with a clean towel.

Always avoid applying heat until you’re sure that the stain, and more importantly, the sugar, is fully removed. Otherwise, sticky residue may harden and discolor your clothes during future washes.

When Treating Dessert Wine Stains

Dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, Moscato, and Ice Wine are rich, dark, and incredibly sugary, making them some of the most difficult stains to handle, especially on delicate garments. If you spill this type of wine on fabrics like silk, lace, chiffon, or anything lightweight and unlined, you’ll need a more delicate, cautious approach. These fabrics absorb quickly and show discoloration easily, so avoid anything aggressive.

1. Begin with a very gentle blot using a soft cloth, such as a microfiber or cotton baby towel. Don’t use paper towels they can snag lace or leave behind fibers.
2. Sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch or baking soda to begin lifting the sugar and moisture. Let this sit for up to 15 minutes.
3. Create a diluted cleaning solution using one part white vinegar and three parts cold water, with a drop of mild baby shampoo or gentle laundry detergent. Dab this carefully onto the stained area with a sponge or soft cloth do not scrub.
4. Allow the fabric to rest flat while the solution does its work, then rinse the area slowly using cool water and light pressure.

Let the item air dry flat, away from heat or direct sun. Delicate garments may take longer to fully dry, but this gentle method preserves their texture and shape while effectively removing the stain.

From Red Wine to Real Clean – Bring Your Garments to McLendon Cleaners for Expert Stain Removal!

You never know when a stain will strike, whether it’s a splash of red wine on a quiet night at home, a coffee mishap on the way to work, or a sauce stain from your favorite family dinner. That’s why it pays to have a trusted cleaner in your corner.

At McLendon Cleaners, we’ve spent nearly 80 years perfecting the art and science of stain removal, treating everything from delicate silks to everyday workwear with advanced techniques and environmentally friendly dry cleaning solutions tailored to each fabric and stain type. Our centralized, state-of-the-art workshop in Longview gives us complete control over every step cleaning, spot treatment, pressing, inspection, and packaging so you can count on consistent, high-quality results every single time. 

Call our customer service team at (903) 485-1356, reach out via email at care@mclendoncleaners.com, or drop by one of our three convenient drive-thru locations in Longview or Kilgore, Texas.