Red Wine on Cotton

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Red wine contains pigments that bond to fibers quickly — act within the first 5 minutes for best results.

checklistTreatment Steps

Step 1: Blot Immediately

Grab a clean white cloth and blot the stain gently. Do not rub — this pushes the wine deeper into the fibers. Absorb as much liquid as possible.

Step 2: Apply Salt

Cover the entire stained area with a thick layer of table salt. The salt pulls the pigment out of the fibers. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the salt turns pink.

Step 3: Flush with Cold Water

Brush away the salt and flush the stain from the back of the fabric with cold running water. This pushes the remaining wine out through the same path it entered.

Step 4: Dish Soap Treatment

Apply a small drop of liquid dish soap and gently massage it in. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

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Critical Warning

Do not use hot water or put the item in the dryer before the stain is fully removed — heat permanently sets most stains into cotton fibers. Avoid bleach on coloured cotton — use it only on whites, and even then test first.