Getting Red Wine And Coffee Stains Out

Illustrated by Anna Sudit.

A red wine spill can be responsible for sending many an unsuspecting victim into a state of panic: "Oh no! My new shirt!" We’ve all experienced it, and perhaps a few of us have had to reluctantly say goodbye to a beloved item due to a spill and cleaning gone wrong. But, it's time to put your worry to rest and relax a little knowing that most of these types of stains (tannin) are completely reversible using an enzyme stain remover or our trusty Stain Solution.

The most common tannin stains include wine, fruit juice, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, chocolate, fruit juice, soft drinks, and soda. Depending on the material, there is a method for removing the stain. Ahead, a breakdown of how to get the most troublesome stains out of your clothing.

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On Cotton, Linen, & Durable Synthetics
-Apply product(s): Apply the stain remover directly to the affected area. For old, stubborn, or large stains, strengthen the formula by sprinkling All-Purpose Bleach Alternative, a completely nontoxic, biodegradable, and fragrance-free alternative to chlorine bleach, on the Stain Solution or remover to create a powerful paste.
-Work the stain: Work the solution into the fabric using your finger or our Stain Brush.
-Pour water on the stain: For added cleaning power, pour boiling water from a kettle onto the affected area. (Be careful to pour from a safe height, so the water won’t splash on you.) The force of the pouring water helps to do the work. You can also use water from a faucet set to its highest water pressure output.
-Soak up to 30 minutes: Soak the item in a basin filled with hot water.
-Reapply or repeat as needed: If the stain is not completely gone, repeat this process until satisfied.
-Launder the item: Wash according to our washing instructions.

Illustrated by Anna Sudit.

On Silk, Silk Blends, Silk-Like, & Delicate Synthetics
-Apply product: Apply Stain Solution directly to the affected area.
-Work the stain: Work the solution into the fabric using your finger or our Stain Brush.
-Pour water on the stain: For added cleaning power, put the affected area under the faucet and let the pressure of the tepid/lukewarm water help work the stain.
-Soak up to 30 minutes: Soak the item in a basin filled with tepid/lukewarm water. Never soak silk for longer than 30 minutes.
-Reapply or repeat as needed: If the stain is not completely gone, repeat this process until satisfied.
-Launder the item: Wash according to our washing instructions.

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Illustrated by Anna Sudit.

On Wool, Cashmere, Wool Blends, & Wool-Like Synthetics
-Apply product: Apply Stain Solution or enzyme-remover directly to the affected area.
-Work the stain: Work the solution into the fabric using your finger. Or, if your item has looser yarns, use our Wash & Stain Bar or similar type cleaning bar. Wet the bar and work the affected area.
-Pour water on the stain: For added cleaning power, put the affected area under the faucet and let the pressure of the tepid/lukewarm water help work the stain.
-Soak up to 30 minutes: Soak the item in a basin filled with tepid/lukewarm water.
-Reapply or repeat as needed: If the stain is not completely gone, repeat this process until satisfied.
-Launder the item: Wash according to our washing instructions.

Spot treat with the Stain Solution or similar enzyme stain removing formula.

Illustrated by Anna Sudit.

Determine If You Can Spot Treat
-Dab a small, inconspicuous area with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of Stain Solution.
-Do not use paper towels and certain types of sponges because they may leave lint or residue behind. We use our Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth for great results.
-Note: Neckties cannot be spot treated. They must be dry cleaned.

Do not continue cleaning if:
-The water or product leaves a mark or creates discoloration
-The treated area is cleaner and brighter than the rest of the fabric
-The fabric ripples or wrinkles

If you see any of the above reactions, stop spot treating. If the item requires further cleaning, take it to the dry cleaner.

How To Spot Treat
-Use Stain Solution on a clean, wet, lint-free cloth. Use lukewarm/tepid water, regardless of the fabric.
-Remove soap and dirt. Dampen cloth (as needed) and repeat the process until satisfied. Be sure to remove all soap.

Upon first glance, it may seem like a lot of steps, but none of them are complicated, and once you get familiar with the way different materials need to be treated, you'll forget you ever pondered stain removal!