How to Remove Red Wine Stains (Before Panic Sets In)
It’s a classic moment of dread: one enthusiastic toast, one quick spill, and suddenly a linen dress or white tablecloth is wearing merlot. Red wine stains are notoriously stubborn because they're tannin-based and set quickly into fabric fibres, basically performing a magic trick you didn't ask for.
But don't panic! The key is speed—acting fast preserves your fabric and your festive mood.
The Emergency Action Plan: Evicting the Rogue Cabernet
Here's how to fight back against the rogue cabernet:
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Stay Calm and Blot (Don't Scrub!)
Resist the primal urge to scrub furiously; that only pushes the wine deeper into the fibres and effectively massages the stain into your fabric. Instead, use a clean white cloth or paper towel to gently blot and absorb as much excess liquid as possible. The more you soak up now, the less you fight later. -
Pre-treat
Generously spray Truly. onto the stain and leave for 15 minutes. -
Blot again...
For soft furnishings, carpet and upholstery use a new clean cloth or paper towel blot the excess. -
Launder as Usual (with caution)
Finally, wash the garment in the washing machine on a cold cycle. Crucially, do not put the item in the dryer until you are 100% sure the stain is gone, as dryer heat will permanently set any remaining pigment. Trust us, you don't want to explain why your favourite shirt now has a permanent souvenir from the party.
Expert tip: Speed is of the essence. Keep a clean cloth and some common household items nearby at every event. Being prepared for a spill is surprisingly chic.
