How to Remove red wine stains with Martha Stewart REAL SIMPLE

Nothing worse than the dreaded red wine stain. No need to panic if someone spills red wine on your crisp white shirt, tablecloth, or other washable fabric. In a few easy steps, the fabric can look as good as new. Learn how to remove a red wine stain with the folks from Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE. Removing stains has never been this easy.

What You Need

Large bowl, clean cloth, cool water, salt, pot holder, boiling water, vinegar

Follow These Five Easy Steps

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain Step 1

Blot the stain

Drape the stained fabric over an empty bowl, centering the stain within the rim. Using a clean, dry cloth, dab at the stain to absorb excess liquid. Don't rub, which can set the stain.

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain Step 2

Pour cool water on stain

Be sure you cover the entire stain with water.

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain Step 3

Cover with salt

Saturate the stain with a generous amount of salt and let sit until the salt begins to absorb the stain (it will start to turn pink). The sooner salt is applied, the easier it will be to lift the stain.

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain Step 4

Boil water and pour

Slowly—and carefully—pour boiling water onto the stain from a height of about six to eight inches. Let sit until the stain lifts.

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain Step 5

Soak in vinegar mix and wash

If the stain doesn't come out after following the steps above, soak the cloth in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water. Once the stain lightens, launder the item as usual.

Tip: Avoid putting the cloth in the dryer until the stain is completely removed. The heat will cause the stain to set.