Blot the red wine immediately with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward, and keep pressure light so you don’t spread it. Then flush the back of the stain with cold water to push wine out of the linen before it sets. Avoid heat and rubbing until the stain is gone.
What to Do Immediately After Red Wine Stains on Linen Table Runners
Steps to Take Right Away
- Blot immediately. Use a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
What Not to Do
- Don’t rub or scrub. It frays linen fibers and can spread the stain outward.
- Don’t use hot water. Heat can help set red wine pigments into fabric.
- Don’t use a hair dryer or iron. Any heat can make the stain harder to remove later.
- Don’t wait and “deal with it later” while it’s wet. Letting it sit increases the chance it sets.
- Don’t over-soak the whole runner. Focus on flushing the stained area to reduce water marks and dye spread.
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