How to Get Red Wine Out of a Couch

Written by Alessandra Mendes | Edited by Emily Liu

Last Updated: May 6, 2024 References

Enjoying your night in with some TV and red wine, but had a little accident? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there. The stains from your red wine may look scary on the couch fabric, but they’re not as permanent as they seem. We’ve compiled a list of methods you can try with easily accessible household items—including lots of different combinations, depending on what you own—so grab those towels, head to your kitchen, and get started!

1

Salt

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-1.jpg\/aid12654207-v4-728px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
Rub a generous amount of salt into the stain. The salt will dry the stain and leach the red wine from the couch. Vacuum up the salt once it’s dry⁠—you can even let it sit to the next day. You can repeat this method as needed. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- The salt method tends to work better on fresh stains.
- Make sure to blot up or flush the wet stain with cool water before applying the salt ⁠—this will help the salt sink in better.
- Patch-test this solution on an inconspicuous part of the couch first to avoid any possible damage.

2

Baking soda

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-2.jpg\/aid12654207-v4-728px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
Baking soda can assist in cleaning the stain. It works similarly to salt, as it is a dry substance that can help leach the red wine from the couch. Rub a generous amount of baking soda into the stain and leave it alone to let it settle in. The next day—or once it’s dry—vacuum up the baking soda. Repeat this method as needed. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- You can either apply just baking soda or make a paste. To make a paste, mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water.

3

Baking soda with white vinegar

Download Article

White vinegar is a good cleaning agent for wine. This is because it removes the acidic portion of the wine. You can make a paste by combining 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white vinegar with 1/4 cup (57.6 grams) of baking soda. Rub the paste thoroughly into the stain and allow it to settle in.0 4/24/24 Vacuum up the salt once it’s dry⁠, or on the next day. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t have baking soda, you can replace it with salt!

4

Dishwashing liquid

Download Article

Dishwashing liquid is an effective detergent that can carry away the acid. Just combine 0.5 teaspoons (2.5 mL) of liquid dishwashing detergent with 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Apply the solution to a sponge and soak the stain with it. Then, blot up the stain before sponging again with cool water and blotting dry. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Though this method is liquid based, you will still want to blot up the wet stain before applying the detergent.

5

Dishwashing liquid with hydrogen peroxide

Download Article

Combine dishwashing liquid with hydrogen peroxide for extra potency. This combination is easy to make: mix 3 parts of hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dishwashing liquid and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for up to an hour, and then wipe it up with a cloth or paper towel. The stain may wash out more easily after this. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Because hydrogen peroxide is a powerful and corrosive chemical, handle it with care and wear gloves!
- Hydrogen peroxide is also a mild bleach, so perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the couch first if possible. Check to make sure that the fabric doesn’t fade.

6

Club soda

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-6.jpg\/aid12654207-v4-728px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Pour the club soda onto the stain and let it sit for a couple minutes. Then blot it up, and repeat as needed until the stain is lighter or gone. Make sure to dry the area completely to prevent any water damage or streaking. ^{[6]
X
Research source}

7

Club soda with hydrogen peroxide

Download Article

Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties, which can help lift the color. Mix together 2 parts club soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide to boost stain removal. First, spray or apply the hydrogen peroxide over the stain. Then, sprinkle the baking soda on top. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. ^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Consider performing a patch test on a more hidden area of the couch.
- If your couch is made of silk, use hydrogen peroxide as a last resort, as silk is an especially delicate fabric. ^{[8]
  X
  Research source}

8

Rubbing alcohol

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-8.jpg\/aid12654207-v4-728px-Get-Red-Wine-Out-of-a-Couch-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
If a stain remains stubborn, sponge it with rubbing alcohol. Blot from the outside towards the center of the stain. Then, rinse the area well. If you are able to remove the couch covers or upholstery, launder the fabric. Otherwise, let it air dry. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Patch-test a hidden area of the couch first.

9

Special wine stain remover

Download Article

These will be formulated with specialized chemicals that may do the trick for really stubborn spots.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Before applying solutions, soak up as much of the wet stain as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or scrub the stain, as this might cause it to spread and make it even harder to remove! Use a white cloth to more easily see if the method is working. ^{[10]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Clean the stain as soon as possible, as stains become harder to clean as they get older. ^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Smithsonian Institution
Leading group of museums and research institution funded by the U.S. government
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Stains will also oxidize with heat and set faster, so rinse off solutions with cool water. ^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Smithsonian Institution
Leading group of museums and research institution funded by the U.S. government
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

Trustworthy Source

Go to source

[12]

Log in

How to Get Red Wine Out of a Couch

Steps

Salt

Baking soda

Baking soda with white vinegar

Dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing liquid with hydrogen peroxide

Club soda

Club soda with hydrogen peroxide

Rubbing alcohol

Special wine stain remover

Expert Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories