What to Do When Red Wine Spills on Cotton Napkins

⚠️ Time-sensitive stain: See our emergency stain treatment guide for immediate first steps.

For the general approach, see: red wine on cotton fabric.

Steps to Take Right Away

1. Blot immediately. Use a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.

What Not to Do

• Don’t rub or scrub the stain; it can push pigment deeper and fray cotton fibers.
• Don’t use hot water or heat (iron, dryer, hot air); heat can set the stain permanently.
• Don’t let the stain sit without blotting or rinsing if you can help it; time makes removal harder.
• Don’t use bleach unless the napkin is confirmed bleach-safe and you’re certain it won’t damage the fabric or any trim.
• Don’t dry the napkin until the stain is fully removed; drying can lock in remaining discoloration.

Notes for Common Situations

Act quickly to blot the stain: If you’re at a table and can’t rinse right away, keep blotting with fresh, dry material and avoid spreading the stain. Even partial blotting buys time.

Use cold water as a first reaction: Cold water is the safest default for wine on cotton. Flushing from the back is often more effective than pouring water directly onto the front.

Determine if professional cleaning is needed: Consider professional help for heirloom napkins, embroidered/colored trims, “dry clean only” labels, or if repeated gentle treatment isn’t improving the stain.

If you’re unsure about colorfastness, test any detergent/cleaner on an inconspicuous area first and rinse well.