30p staple cleaning experts swear by to ‘lift’ stubborn red wine stains – not baking soda (Image: Getty)
Red wine’s bold colour comes from chromogens, so it tends to be immediately noticeable when spilt.
However, the experts at urged Britons not to panic by scrubbing it instantly as this can make the much worse.
They said: “It can even push it [the stain] deeper into the fabric. Stay calm, grab a clean, dry cloth, and gently fab to lift the wine.
“Too much pressure, especially on carpets or furniture, just presses the wine further in. So, remember, gentle dabbing is your new best friend.”
Ideally, you should tackle the stain straight away, but if that isn’t an option, don’t worry. Revisit the stain when you can with some salt.
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The cleaning experts explained: “First, sprinkle a generous layer over the stain. The salt works by soaking up moisture, helping to stop the dreaded stain from setting.
“Let it sit for five to 10 minutes. When it’s time to handle the stain, grab some bicarbonate of soda and pour a little onto the spot.
“Then, gently blot away. The carbonation helps lift the wine from the fabric’s fibres, making clean-up much more effective.
“This trick buys you some time but remember, the sooner you deal with a wine spill, the better your chances of saving your fabric.”
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If you’ve split red wine on a top, all it needs is a little TLC. Start by filling a basin with lukewarm water and a capful of laundry detergent.
Gently swish the fabric around to let the solution get to work. Let it soak for at least an hour, or overnight if the stain is being extra stubborn.
The experts noted: “The cool water combined with the detergent loosens the wine from the fabric’s fibres, giving you a head start on stain removal.
“When you’re ready, toss the item straight into your washing machine. Add a little more of your trusty detergent and select a gentle cycle.”
It’s best to stick with cold water for the first wash and then switch to warm water for a final clean.
Before drying, check the stain has completely gone. The cleaning pros added: “If there’s still a trace of wine, repeat the process.
“Once heat sets the stain, it’s much harder to remove, so it’s worth the extra rinse to make sure your fabric is spotless.”
For furniture and carpets, blot the stain carefully before using a gentle cleaning spray to lift the stain.