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Accidentally spilling wine on your clothing can be frustrating, but if you act quickly, you can remove the stain completely. Follow these steps for the best way to remove wine stains.

Step 1: Blot the Stain Immediately

As soon as wine is spilled, take a clean, dry cloth and gently blot the stain. This helps to soak up excess wine, reducing the amount that sinks into the fabric. Remember to dab gently rather than rub to avoid pushing the wine deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Rinse with Cold Water

Immediately after blotting, rinse the stain under cold running water. Direct the stream of water onto the back of the fabric where the stain is. This helps push the wine out instead of deeper into the fabric. Cold water is essential at this stage as it prevents the stain from setting, which can happen with warmer water.

For tougher or dried-in stains, soak the garment in a mixture of cold water and laundry detergent before proceeding with the regular washing steps.

Step 3: Apply Enzyme Laundry Detergent

After rinsing, coat the stained area with a generous amount of L'AVANT Collective Laundry Detergent. The detergent contains enzymes that break down the organic compounds in wine, such as tannins, which are responsible for the color of the stain. Let the detergent sit on the stain for about 15-20 minutes to allow these enzymes to work on breaking down the stain.

Step 4: Wash in Warm Water

Wash the garment in warm water if the fabric’s care label permits. Warm water enhances the effectiveness of the enzymes in the laundry detergent, helping them to fully break down the stain. Make sure to follow the washing instructions specific to the type of fabric.

You may want to test any laundry product on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.

Step 5: Air Dry the Garment

After washing, hang the garment up to air dry. Avoid using a dryer because the heat can permanently set any remnants of the stain if they are not completely removed in the wash.

Step 6: Check and Repeat If Necessary

Once the garment is dry, inspect the area where the stain was. If any part of the stain remains, apply more detergent and repeat the washing process. Some stubborn or dried-in stains might need several treatments to be fully removed.

By following these steps closely, you can increase your chances of completely removing wine stains from your clothing, keeping your favorite garments in good condition.