How to Remove Wine Stains From Upholstery

There you are in your living room, laughing with your friends and enjoying snacks and a glass of wine. Then it happens: Someone stands up to answer a ringing smartphone and accidentally knocks over her glass. In a split second, red wine splashes across the couch. The entire glass.

Breathe. Keep the worry in check. The couch will be just fine. Red wine stain removal is possible. With these easy steps, that spilled wine will be a distant memory. Though red wine looks dramatic, it’s actually an easy fix.

• Grab a clean towel or washcloth and soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Be sure to blot the stain rather than rub. (Rubbing will only push the color deeper into the fabric.)

• Mix a tablespoon of dish soap, a tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 cups of water.

• Use a towel or washcloth to cover the stain with the mixture.

• Wet a second towel or washcloth and blot the area clean.

If you don’t have the items handy at the moment of the spill, absorb as much of the wine as you can (blotting only!) and then cover with table salt and run to the store. The salt has absorbing qualities and will help keep the stain from spreading.