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A glass of red wine spilled—oops!
Jeffrey Coolidge/Getty ImagesRed dye has a powerful ability to stain, making it difficult to clean. Here are some simple steps to help you tackle these stains when they strike unexpectedly.
Start by identifying the fabric that has been stained. Then follow these helpful tips to prevent red from taking over your favorite items after an unfortunate mishap.
- Non-washable fabrics such as Acetate, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk Triacetate, and Wool
- Washable fabrics such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Spandex
- Household surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic, Glass/Tile, Glass Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing, and Vinyl Wallcovering
- Alabaster and Marble
- Flooring surfaces such as Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, and Vinyl Tile
- Stone surfaces such as Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, and Terrazzo
- Grout
- Leather and Suede
- Wood
Fabrics that cannot be washed
To remove red dye stains from fabrics like Acetate, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, and Wool, follow these steps:
- Use a damp sponge to gently blot the area, working from the center of the stain outward, to dilute the red dye.
- Apply a stain remover specifically for the spot.
- Mix a wet spotter with a few drops of ammonia and apply. (Be cautious with ammonia on silk and wool.)
- Place an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter over the stained area.
- Allow the pad to remain in place as long as the stain continues to be removed.
- Replace the pad when it becomes saturated with the stain.
- Continue to moisten both the stain and the pad with wet spotter and ammonia as needed.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to flush out any remaining stain remover, and repeat if necessary.
If the stain remains after drying, follow these steps again:
- Prepare a small amount of color remover following the instructions on the package.
- After testing in an inconspicuous area, apply the solution to the stain, using an absorbent pad to blot it. For carpet, sponge the solution on the stain and blot with an absorbent pad.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water and let it dry completely.
Fabrics That Can Be Washed
To remove red dye stains from washable fabrics like Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Spandex, follow these steps:
- Soak the fabric in a mixture of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing or laundry detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
If the stain remains after drying:
- Soak the item in a solution made of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 1 hour. Be cautious when using white vinegar on cotton and linen.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry.
If the stain is set:
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the stained area and gently tamp (gently press down with a brush on the stained fabric) the stain.
- As the stain loosens, blot the area with an absorbent pad to remove both the liquid and stain.
- Keep both the stain and pad damp with alcohol, changing the pad as it absorbs the stain.
- Allow the fabric to dry.
As a final measure for any lingering stain traces:
- Prepare a color remover according to the instructions on the package and apply it to the stained area.
- After testing on an inconspicuous spot, flush the solution through the stain.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let the fabric dry completely.
Surfaces in the Home
Follow these instructions to remove red dye stains from surfaces around the house, including Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic, Glass/Tile, Glass Paint/Flat,
Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing, and Vinyl Wallcovering:
- Act quickly by wiping up the spill using a cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry to finish the cleaning process.
Marble and Alabaster
Follow these instructions to eliminate red dye stains from Alabaster and Marble:
- Quickly blot up the spill using a cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse the area thoroughly and wipe dry with a clean cloth.
If the stain remains:
- Soak an absorbent pad in rubbing alcohol, wring out excess, and place it over the stain.
- Wait for 5 minutes, then replace the pad with one soaked in ammonia and wrung out.
- Alternate between alcohol and ammonia pads until the stain is gone.
- Wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with clear water, then dry it with a clean cloth.
Flooring Types
Follow these instructions to remove red dye stains from Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, and Vinyl Tile:
- Immediately blot up any excess stain using a cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
If the stain persists:
- Cover the stain with an absorbent pad soaked in rubbing alcohol.
- Allow the pad to sit for several minutes.
- Wipe the affected area with a cloth dampened with ammonia. (Avoid using ammonia on linoleum or vinyl tiles.)
- Rinse thoroughly with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water, followed by another wipe using a cloth dampened with clear water and wrung almost dry.
- Let the area dry completely.
Stone Surfaces
Follow these instructions to remove red dye stains from stone surfaces like Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, and Terrazzo:
- Immediately blot up any excess dye.
- Clean the surface with a mixture of washing soda or detergent (avoid soap) and water.
- Use a cloth or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area gently.
- Rinse well with clear water and allow it to dry completely.
Grout
Here’s how to remove red dye stains from Grout:
- Blot the area with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to absorb the excess stain.
If the stain remains after cleaning:
- Moisten a toothbrush with water and dip it into some baking soda or powdered cleanser.
- Gently scrub the stained area to lift the mark.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe the surface dry.
Leather and Suede
Once the dye contacts the hide, it will immediately alter the color of the material. Unfortunately, once this happens, there’s no reversing the color change.
Wood
Follow these steps to eliminate red dye stains from wood surfaces:
- Mix a small amount of dishwashing detergent with hot water and stir until you create a generous amount of suds.
- Soak a cloth in just the foam and apply it to the stained area.
- Afterwards, wipe down with a clean cloth soaked in clear water and lightly wrung out.
- Finish by polishing or waxing the wood as soon as possible.
