How to Remove Red Wine from White Cotton
This stain sets quickly. Start treatment as soon as possible for the best results. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to remove completely.
Removal Method
Rinse the stain immediately under cold running water from the back of the fabric (water pushes the wine out instead of through).
Cover the stain generously with table salt. The salt absorbs the wine. Let sit 5 minutes.
Rinse out the salt. Apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and gently work it in with your fingers.
Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric (check the care label). For white cotton, hot water is fine.
Check the stain BEFORE putting in the dryer. If any stain remains, repeat steps 2-4. Heat from the dryer will set the stain permanently.
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) applied directly to the stain, let sit 10 minutes, then wash. Only use on white fabrics.
- Do not put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics (it bleaches)
Oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) soak for 4-6 hours, then wash.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026