How to Remove Red Wine Stains from a Wedding Dress

No one expects to spill red wine on their wedding dress! But, honestly, accidents don’t check the calendar.  

Between all the love, laughter, and epic celebrations, things can get a little messy. Maybe it happened during the reception, maybe it snuck during a crazy dance floor moment. 

However, before you start panicking, take a deep breath - your gown can absolutely be saved. There are safe, smart, gentle, and practically fabric-friendly tricks to take red wine stains out of your gown with ease. 

Whether the stain is fresh or set-in, let’s walk you through how to fix it right with this effective wedding dress stain removal guide.

Know Your Fabric First!

Before you jump straight into “how to get red wine out of a dress," the first step is to find out what fabric your wedding dress is made from.

You might wonder why that is so important. 

Well, it is because different fabrics react differently to water, heat, friction, and cleaning agents. 

And, using the wrong method may cause the stain to set deeper, discoloration, or even damage the delicate texture or its lustrous finish. So, look for a care label inside; it will have all the details you need to understand things better. Common bridal fabrics include:

• Silk – Very delicate and prone to water damage.

• Satin – Smooth but can absorb stains quickly.

• Chiffon – Lightweight and porous, prone to tearing.

• Lace – Fragile and intricate, avoid rubbing or scrubbing too hard.

• Tulle – Delicate and thin, requires careful handling.

What You’ll Need: Basic Red Wine Stain Removal Kit

It’s time to gather a few essentials before you begin the process of tackling the red wine stains on your wedding gown’s fabric. Check out the list:

What You’ll Need

• White cloth or microfiber towels
• Cold water
• Mild dish soap or gentle fabric detergent
• Club Soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (ONLY for white dresses, be super careful!)
• Baking soda or salt
• Spray bottle (optional)
• Soft-bristled toothbrush or cotton swabs
• A clean surface or towel

What to Avoid

• Colored towels or napkins
• Hot water
• Bleach or harsh stain removers
• Hairdryers or irons
• Excessive scrubbing or rubbing
  

Step-by-Step: How to Treat a Fresh Red Wine Stain

Caught the red wine spill just in time? You are already a step ahead, girl! 

Fresh wine stains are easier to tackle than dried ones. The key is to act quickly, stay gentle, and know which is the correct method according to your dress’s fabric! 

Below are some effective methods you can try at home:

1. The Quick Salt Fix

Step 1: Blot as much wine as possible using a clean white cloth. 

Step 2: Sprinkle a thick layer of salt directly on the stain.

Step 3: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the wine.

Step 4: Gently brush off the salt.

Step 5: Repeat if needed. 

2. The Club Soda Magic

Step 1: Blot the excess wine. 

Step 2: Slowly pour or mist club soda over the stain. 

Step 3: Blot with a clean white cloth until the stain fades.

Step 4: Continue blotting until the stain disappears or lightens.

Step 5: Let the area air dry.

3. Mild Detergent and Water Solution

Step 1: Mix a small amount of gentle detergent into cold water.

Step 2: Soak the stained area for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Blot with a clean cloth dampened with plain water; don’t rub.

Step 4: Rinse with cold water and lay flat to dry.

4. Baking Soda Sprinkle

Step 1: Blot the stain.

Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the damp area.

Step 3: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Lightly brush or shake it off.

Step 5: Blot again if needed.

Set-In Stains: How to Handle Older or Dried Wine Spots

If the red wine stains dried before you noticed it, don’t panic! Undoubtedly, set-in stains are trickier than fresh ones; however, they can still be treated with the right approach. 

1. The Hydrogen Peroxide + Soap Duo

[Warning: Only safe for white dresses—may bleach colored fabric!]

Step 1: Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and clear dish soap.

Step 2: Apply gently with a cotton swab or cloth.

Step 3: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Use a clean cloth dampened with cold water to rinse gently.

Step 5: Repeat if needed.

2. The White Vinegar + Baking Soda Mix

Step 1: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain.

Step 2: Carefully pour a little white vinegar all over it. It will fizz.

Step 3: Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Gently dab with a damp cloth to remove residue.

Step 5: Rinse the area with cold water.

3. The Baking Soda Paste Method

Step 1: Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of cold water.

Step 2: Apply directly to the dried stain.

Step 3: Let it sit for 30-50 minutes.

Step 4: Brush off the dried paste gently and blot with a damp cloth to clean up any residue.

Step 5: Rinse the area with cold water.

What Not to Do?

• Do not rub or scrub, as it spreads the stain.

• Do not use hot water at all.

• Don’t oversoak the fabric.

• Do not use bleach unless your dress is 100% white and fabric-safe.

• Do not iron, blow-dry, or heat the area.

• Do not delay action because the older the stain sets, the harder it becomes to remove.

When to Call a Professional Cleaner?

Tried everything? Yet the stains are still there, peaking at you? Well, rather than DIYing every other random method, it’s time to go for the safest move – hand it over to the expert dry cleaners!

Call the professionals if:

• You have tried multiple DIY methods, but they have failed!

• The wedding dress is made of extremely delicate fabric or is heavily embellished.

• The stain is stubborn - too dark and large.

• You are unsure of the fabric type.

• You plan to preserve your gown for the long term.

• If you are running out of time to clean the dress yourself.

Wrapping It Up

A red wine stain might sound a bit horrifying, but it doesn’t have to be your worst wedding memory! 

Whether it happened mid-toast or went unnoticed until the next day, knowing how to remove red wine stains from fabric gives you a head start in saving your gown.

But remember, not all stains and not all dresses can or should be treated at home. And when you’re dealing with something as special (and delicate) as a wedding gown, the stakes are just too high for guesswork. So, trust our wedding gown cleaning and preservation experts at DressPreservation.com to make sure those stains are tackled with utmost care and attention!