How To Get Red Wine Out Of Tablecloth: First Steps, Cleaning With Professional & Natural Remedies, After Care Wash

It is a common problem: someone knocked over their glass and red wine spilled out onto the tablecloth. Unfortunately, it can become a stubborn stain if you don’t take action quickly. Addressing it promptly is key if you want to get red wine out of your linen tablecloth.

You will need to blot the spill with a clean cloth to absorb the excess liquid, then treat the affected area with a dedicated stain remover. Professional cleaning may be needed for a more severe stain, and you can try employing natural remedies like white vinegar or baking soda.

After this focused approach, you will need to wash your tablecloth according to the care instructions. This will ensure thorough cleaning and help preserve the fabric. With quick intervention, you may be able to get a red wine stain out of a white tablecloth for a good outcome.

What General Methods Work Best For Fresh Stains?

A fresh wine stain on a tablecloth needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Your first response should be to blot the stain. Here’s how it works:

1. Grab a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Gently apply it to the affected area, aiming to absorb the liquid without rubbing it deeper into the fabric.
3. Avoid rubbing as this will only spread the stain further.

You can also treat the stain quickly with some common household items like salt, baking soda, or club soda. These can help draw moisture out of the fabric and limit the stain’s impact. Simply sprinkle the chosen substance onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. Afterwards, gently blot the area again with a damp cloth to lift the early stages of the stain.

Once this is done, you can wash or dry clean your tablecloth to attempt to address the stain completely.

Your first priority when you get red wine on a tablecloth should be to act fast. As soon as the wine comes into contact with the fabric, its red pigments adhere quickly and can easily cause a permanent stain. Blotting immediately is essential, and you can use anything you have to hand, such as:

• Paper towels
• Clean cloths
• White bread
• Cornstarch

These will all absorb the excess liquid before it sets into the cloth. Make sure you don’t rub the stain, as this will only spread it further. Instead, you should press down gently on the affected area, aiming to soak up as much wine as possible.

Prompt action and the application of suitable blotting materials should be your first step in how to get red wine out of a tablecloth.

Getting red wine stains out of white tablecloths involves applying effective removal methods that preserve the fabric’s pristine appearance. Home remedies that have been successful for some include:

• Baking soda paste
• White vinegar solutions
• Hydrogen peroxide

For a more stubborn stain, you may want to get a commercial stain remover specifically formulated for white fabrics. If you try this, always test the product first on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage. Follow the product instructions closely.

Bleach alternatives are an option in some cases, but you should opt for oxygen-based or color-safe bleaches to avoid weakening the fabric or causing yellow discoloration. You can order custom bulk white tablecloths from us for a great deal on high-quality bespoke table covers, but you will need to treat them carefully if they are stained with red wine.

There are various tablecloth materials that could fall victim to red wine stains. The best fabric for a table cover depends on your needs and preferences, but any fabric cover can be stained.

Resilient fabrics like linen, cotton, and polyester may be easier to clean than delicate fabrics like silk if you want to avoid damage. It is down to you to determine whether you can use a home remedy, a commercial stain remover, or nothing more than blotting with a damp cloth followed by gentle handwashing.

In this section, we will explore common advice for various fabrics like avoiding hot water or vigorous rubbing. And we will look at some material-specific strategies to get red wine out of your tablecloth.

Linen And Cotton Tablecloths 

When you order from us, you can find common alternatives to custom printed linen tablecloths to enjoy a similar aesthetic personalized to your needs. Both linen and cotton tablecloths are made from natural fibers, and getting red wine out of them requires gentle yet decisive action.

Here is the process for linen:

1. Blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth to lift as much of the wine as possible.
2. Apply a mixture of mild detergent and water to the stain, rubbing it in gently with a soft brush.
3. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

For cotton, the process is similar, but you could use hydrogen peroxide or a stain remover designed for use with cotton to tackle tougher stains. Always follow the product instructions carefully and test cleaning solutions on a small area first to avoid discoloration.

Red Wine Stain Removal From Polyester And Silk

Getting red wine stains out of a tablecloth made from polyester or silk requires different approaches. Polyester has greater stain resistance as it is a synthetic fabric, but swift action is still important. Blot the stain with a clean cloth and cold water, then apply a mixture of water and mild detergent to the area. Rinse thoroughly and air dry and you may find the stain never sets in.

Silk requires extra care as it is a delicate and natural fiber. You would start by blotting the stain very gently to avoid spreading the liquid. Then, apply a solution of water and white vinegar, or a specialized silk cleaner. Rubbing or scrubbing are likely to damage the delicate fibers, so avoid doing either. Silk is a very delicate fabric; our high-quality custom polyester tablecloths offer superior durability and stain resistance, making them a better option all round.

Professional products can be very effective solutions for how to treat red wine stains on tablecloths, particularly with more stubborn stains. You should look for commercial stain removers designed specifically for fabric stains - two of the most popular options are:

• OxiClean
• Wine Away

Compatibility with your material is all-important, so check carefully. Enzyme-based cleaners are very effective for breaking down wine molecules, while oxygen bleach is particularly powerful yet gentle enough even for colored or delicate fabrics.

Always follow the manufacturer instructions carefully and remember to spot test before applying to the entire stain. With careful product selection and application following the instructions, professional products can be very effective in lifting red wine stains from tablecloths to restore their pristine appearance.

After you have treated a red wine spill on a tablecloth, the job is not complete. Some people use placemats with tablecloths, along with coasters, to prevent spills from ever getting onto the table covers. But if you need to address a spill that has already happened, here’s what to do after immediately treating the affected area.

1. Thoroughly rinse the treated area with cold water to ensure no residue remains.
2. Launder the tablecloth according to its normal care instructions.
3. Use a gentle detergent and cool water to help prevent the stain from setting. Hot water can further embed the stain in the fabric, so avoid it.
4. Check the tablecloth after washing to ensure the stain is fully removed.

If you can still see remnants of the red wine in the tablecloth, repeat the stain removal process or consider turning to a professional cleaning service to tackle the most stubborn stains.

Caring For Your Tablecloth After Stain Removal 

Once you have treated and washed your tablecloth to remove the wine stain from it, the next priority becomes avoiding shrinkage or fabric damage. Start by gently wringing out the excess water, taking care not to twist or stretch the fabric. You can then lay it out on a clean, flat surface, preferably on top of a towel to absorb excess moisture.

Hanging the tablecloth out to dry may not be the safest option, depending on the fabric, as it can cause stretching and distortion. You should allow the tablecloth to air dry fully, preferably away from direct sunlight which could bleach colors or weaken the fabric. Once it is completely dry, carefully fold the tablecloth and place it in storage to prevent creases and wrinkles.

Does Temperature Affect The Red Wine Stain Removal Process?

Temperature is a crucial consideration when it comes to removing red wine stains from tablecloths. Cold water is the better choice for the initial treatment, as hot water can actually set the stain.

When it comes to laundering the table cover afterwards, here are some guidelines for different materials:

• Cotton and linen: Warm water is suitable after treating the stain as it could help lift any remaining residue.
• Polyester: This synthetic fabric can withstand warmer temperatures, so use warmer water for the washing phase.
• Silk: With its delicate nature, silk should only be washed with cool water to avoid damage.

Always check the care label on your table cover for recommendations regarding temperatures and detergents. This will enable you to get the best results from the stain removal processes.

All but custom waterproof tablecloths are vulnerable to red wine stains if there is a spill. Natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be effective for tackling these stains. The acidic nature of vinegar and lemon juice can break down the stain, while the abrasive properties of baking soda can help lift it from the fabric.

You can use these kitchen pantry staples to create a spray-on solution or a paste to apply to the stain. You would then let it sit for a while before rinsing thoroughly. Another key benefit of these homemade solutions is that they are eco-friendly and safe for the majority of fabrics, so they are definitely worth trying in most cases.

Baking Soda And White Vinegar

To treat and remove a red wine stain from a tablecloth using baking soda and vinegar, begin by blotting the stain thoroughly with a clean cloth. Then, follow this step-by-step approach:

1. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the affected area to absorb remaining liquid.
2. Pour white vinegar over it to create a fizzing reaction.
3. Leave the mixture to sit for a few minutes, allowing it to penetrate the stain.
4. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth, working from the outer edges inward.
5. Rinse the tablecloth thoroughly with cold water then launder as usual.

This method has proven to be effective for both fresh and dried red wine stains, and it is safe for most fabric types.

Lemon Juice And Salt

You can create a mixture of lemon juice and salt to get red wine stains out of a tablecloth. To do it, follow this method:

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt to cover the entire stain.
3. The acidity of the lemon juice breaks down the wine pigment, while the abrasive salt helps to draw moisture out.
4. Leave the mixture to sit for around 30 minutes to fully penetrate the stain.
5. Rinse the tablecloth thoroughly with cold water then launder as usual.

This method is known to be particularly effective for natural fabrics like cotton and linen.

Can Salt And Boiling Water Really Remove Red Wine Stains?

Salt and boiling water are a traditional combination for removing red wine stains on tablecloths, but we urge caution with more delicate fabrics. Begin by blotting the excess wine with a thin cloth. Then, generously cover the affected area with salt to absorb moisture.

1. After 5 minutes, carefully pour boiling water over the salt-covered area.
2. Take care not to scold yourself.
3. After soaking the fabric, rinse thoroughly with cold water.
4. Launder the tablecloth as usual.

This method can be effective, but the hot water could be damaging to certain types of fabrics. Consider testing it first on a small area to ensure it is safe.