Is The Trick For Removing Red Wine Stains Actually ... Adding White Wine? Here's How It Works - Tasting Table

"Red wine stains are no joke. Even red wine is, itself, stained. In order to produce red wine, the anthocyanins in the grape skins are macerated and fermented, thereby producing a heavy pigment. The length of maceration and aging determines how red, pink, or deep purple a wine becomes. For this reason, lifting a light-bodied Pinot Noir stain from a favorite sweater might be easier than removing a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot."

"Tannins - the natural compounds that come from grapes' seeds and skin - give wine its unique dimensionality and character. Alas, those same tannins also give red wine its infamous staining power. The anthocyanin pigments are the color, and the tannins are the binder. However, in a feat of scientific ingenuity, we've learned that the tannic structure of white wine effectively counteracts the tannins of the red wine, helping to neutralize the stain at its fundamental base level."

"To remove a red wine stain, soak the stained area in white wine. This method works fabulously for submersible fabrics like clothing, napkins, or tea towels. If full submersion is not possible - like stains on area rugs or couch cushions - then that white wine can be poured directly from the bottle onto the stain."

"For a more precise application, dampen a clean cloth or sponge in white wine, then dab (don't rub) it onto the stained area. Allow the area to soak in the white wine for several minutes before gently cleaning once more with soap and cold water. To treat particularly stubborn red wine stains, add a little baking soda power to the soaking action."

Red wine stains are difficult because grape-skin anthocyanins and tannins create strong pigments and binders. The color comes from anthocyanin pigments, while tannins help the stain adhere. White wine contains tannic structure that counteracts the tannins in red wine, neutralizing the stain at its source. Red wine stains can be removed by soaking submersible fabrics such as clothing, napkins, or tea towels in white wine. For items that cannot be fully submerged, white wine can be poured directly onto the stain. For more control, dampen a clean cloth or sponge with white wine and dab the stain without rubbing, then soak briefly and clean with soap and cold water. Baking soda can be added for stubborn stains.

Read at Tasting Table