How to Handle Red Wine Stains on a Linen Dress

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

For the general approach, see: red wine on linen 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 aggressively. It can push pigment deeper and roughen linen fibers.
• Don’t use hot water. Heat can set wine pigments and make the stain harder to remove.
• Don’t put the dress in the dryer or iron it until the stain is completely gone; heat can lock in any remaining color.
• Don’t apply multiple products at once. Rinse between attempts so you can tell what’s working and avoid buildup.
• Don’t let the stain dry untreated if you can help it; dried wine is more stubborn.

Notes for Common Situations

The stain is fresh and wet. Keep blotting and flushing with cool water right away. The more you remove before it dries, the less likely you’ll get a lingering shadow or ring.

You have access to basic cleaning supplies. Mild liquid detergent and cool running water are usually enough for a fresh spill on linen. If you’re at a sink, flushing from the back of the fabric is one of the most helpful small details.

You’re planning on wearing the dress soon. Prioritize fast blotting, flushing, and a short detergent treatment, then air-dry with good airflow. If a faint tint remains, it’s better to keep treating and air-drying than to use heat to “finish” it.

About rings on linen. A ring often happens when the stain isn’t evenly rinsed or the area dries unevenly; flushing well and blotting with clean towels helps prevent tide marks.