Yes—baking soda is generally safe to use on red wine stains on cotton, as long as you test a hidden spot first and avoid harsh scrubbing. It works best as a gentle, absorbent paste after you’ve blotted up as much wine as possible.
Is Baking Soda Safe to Use on Red Wine Stains?
Steps to Take Right Away
- Blot immediately. Use a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
What Not to Do
- Don’t rub or scrub hard. This can spread the stain and roughen cotton fibers, making discoloration more noticeable.
- Don’t use hot water early on. Start with cool water; heat can set wine pigments.
- Don’t leave baking soda paste on indefinitely. Let it dry or cap the dwell time, then rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
- Don’t mix baking soda with unknown chemicals. If you’ve used other stain products, rinse them out first before trying a new approach.
- Don’t machine-dry before checking. Dry heat can lock in any remaining stain.
Notes for Common Situations
If stain is fresh: Speed matters most - treat immediately for best results.
Test Winner
Sil 1 für Alles Fleckensalz
Grade 2.4Why Sil works for red wine: Sil excels at tannin-based stains like red wine, with proven effectiveness on organic pigments while protecting fabric colors.
How to use for best results: Pre-treat with 1-2 EL in cold water, soak 30-60 minutes, then wash normally. The oxygen-activated formula targets wine tannins specifically.
🚨 Act Immediately