Forget the old myths! Why white wine won’t remove red wine stains

Ever spilled red wine at a dinner party and watched it creep across your pristine tablecloth?

The panic sets in, and suddenly someone appears with a bottle of white wine, ready to pour it over the stain.

'Trust me,' they say confidently, 'white wine cancels out red wine.'

But is this infamous trick science or just an expensive gamble with your favourite fabrics?

Why red wine stains are so stubborn

Red wine stains are notorious because of their chemical composition.

Anthocyanins—compounds responsible for the deep red colour—act like permanent markers on fabric fibres.

These natural pigments bind strongly, making removal difficult.

Red wine also contains tannins, an organic substance used in some inks, effectively turning the spill into a bottle of dye molecules.

Acids such as acetic, malic, tartaric, and pyruvic contribute to the deep red colour by controlling the pH, increasing the stain’s intensity.

Once spilled, red wine begins to sink into fibres, moving downward and outward, which is why acting immediately is critical.

The white wine controversy: Miracle cure or myth?

The theory behind the white wine method is that it can dissolve anthocyanins, the compounds that give red wine its colour.

Some swear by it, claiming a chemical phenomenon allows white wine to neutralise the red pigment.

Professional cleaners, however, are sceptical.

Carpet specialists have labelled it a 'mythical Old Wives' Tale', warning that it may only dilute the stain temporarily, leaving a dark patch months later.

Proven alternatives for red wine stains

After blotting the stain, sprinkle salt or baking soda over it.

The salt absorbs the wine and prevents it from setting.

Avoid leaving salt overnight, as it may complicate removal.

Hydrogen peroxide is effective on white fabrics and tablecloths, breaking down the chemical structures that cause discolouration.

Cold sparkling water lifts pigment from fibres mechanically. Pour it over the stain, let it fizz, then blot.

The role of pH in stain removal

Baking soda and salt alter the pH of the stain, shifting acidic anthocyanins towards blue, which is more easily lifted.

White wine, by contrast, has inconsistent acidity and cannot reliably target the chemical bonds responsible for staining.

When professional help is needed

Persistent stains, particularly on carpets and delicate fabrics, may require professional cleaning.

Tannins and anthocyanins can form strong bonds over time that only professional-grade solvents can remove.

The verdict

White wine may occasionally dilute a stain, but it is a risky method that can worsen the problem.

Science favours hydrogen peroxide, salt, and club soda, which directly target the compounds that cause staining.

For entertaining, keep hydrogen peroxide and salt on hand—they are cheaper than white wine, more effective, and won’t leave your tablecloth looking like a two-wine experiment.

Next time someone reaches for white wine at a dinner party, suggest they save it for drinking and grab the salt instead.

If you want to explore another effective and budget-friendly way to tackle stubborn stains at home, there’s a great DIY method worth checking out.

This approach shows how you can get professional-level results without spending money on specialised carpet stain removers.

It’s a practical example that complements the techniques we’ve discussed for removing red wine and other tricky spills.

Read more: CHOICE proves you don't need to buy carpet stain remover - this DIY option is a better choice!

What's your go-to method for tackling wine stains—have you tried the white wine trick, or do you swear by one of the proven alternatives?