Fabric

1. Sponge the spot with cool water or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water.

2. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover.

3. Launder. If it's safe for the fabric, add chlorine bleach to the wash.

Upholstery

1. Blot up as much of the spilled wine as possible.

2. Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water.

3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.

4. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.

6. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

OR

1. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent.

2. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the stain disappears.

Carpet

1. Blot up as much of the spilled wine as possible.

2. Use plain water or mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.

3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with plain water or the detergent/vinegar solution. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.

4. If using a detergent/vinegar solution, sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Worth a Try

If all else fails to remove the red wine stain (especially on a white carpet), mix one part hand dishwashing detergent with two parts hydrogen peroxide. Sponge on; blot off. Rinse well. Be sure to test first in an inconspicuous spot to make sure the solution doesn't harm the color of the carpet.