Red wine is delicious to drink but notoriously difficult to remove from fabric without the right treatment. As with any other serious staining agent, the sooner you attack the stain, the better. The vino experts at Hidden Lake Winery & Banquet Center in Aviston, IL, know all about removing red wine stains since the weddings and other private events they host include the occasional spilled beverage. Here are some of their most trusted tips for ridding fabrics and carpeting of red wine quickly and effectively.

5 Ways to Get Rid of Red Wine Stains

1. Blot Rather Than Rub

Blot wine or any other stain with clean paper towels or cloths. This lifts the stain instead of scrubbing it into the carpet or fabric. Add small amounts of water as you go to dilute the stain and make it easier to remove.

2. Use Salt

Soak up as much of the wine as possible by blotting it with paper towels, then cover any remaining stain with table salt. Use the salt until you no longer see red. Let the salt absorb the stain for at least five minutes before vacuuming it up. This trick is especially effective on carpeting.

3. Soak With Bleach

Soak white clothing with bleach for about 10 minutes before washing the fabric. Use the hottest washer setting for best results. If the stain is still apparent after laundering, wash the fabric again before placing it in the dryer. The heat causes wine stains to set.

4. Mix Hydrogen Peroxide & Liquid Dish Detergent

Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish detergent and pour the mixture over the stained clothes or tablecloth. Allow the mixture to penetrate the fabric before adding it to your wash. The stain should lift by the time the wash cycle is over. Only use this mixture on white clothing, tablecloths, or carpets due to its bleaching properties.

5. Make a Baking Soda Paste

Create a baking soda paste with a three-to-one ratio of soda to water. Apply the mixture to the carpet or tablecloth and let it dry completely to absorb the entire wine stain. Vacuum or sweep away the dried mixture with a coarse dustpan brush.

For more wine stain removal tips, contact Hidden Lake Winery & Banquet Center. They have the best red wine selections in the region, as well as craft beer and seasonal, locally-sourced food. Cabin rentals with Jacuzzi® tubs, fireplaces, and many other amenities are also available. Call (618) 228-9111 to book your private event or visit the wine destination online for more information about their services. Like the Facebook page for the latest news and reviews.