A woman, seeking help after a red wine spill on her pale upholstery, turned to the CleaningTips subreddit on Reddit. She exclaimed, “Please help!” and described the stain as being caused by a “slightly bold and dry Cab Sauv [Cabernet Sauvignon] with a graphite and cassis nose.” She went on to explain that the wine was “fruitier than most” and wasn’t ideal for pairing with a light pink velvet chair.
Ignoring the common myth that white wine neutralizes red stains, Redditors quickly offered a range of solutions. One person shared a success story of soaking a white sweater in water and white vinegar overnight, completely removing a red wine stain. Another detailed how they used a bucket of warm water, Oxi Clean, and scrubbing to remove cranberry and vodka from a friend’s beige carpet.
A third user advised using baking soda to absorb the stain, followed by white vinegar to lift it up and into the baking soda. The clumps can then be vacuumed or carefully picked up. One individual suggested boiling water and pouring it over the stained area while holding the chair upside down over a tub, repeating as needed until the water runs clear.
A more unusual technique was shared: applying salt overnight, followed by Vanish pink foam cleaner to remove any remaining stain. This method was reportedly effective for a wine-loving Redditor who frequently spilled red wine due to their clumsiness.
Meanwhile, the UK wine industry is booming thanks to climate change. Warmer temperatures have led to improved grape growing conditions, attracting international competitors, including Champagne houses Taittinger and Pommery, who have purchased land in the UK. Last year saw the highest yield ever recorded, with over 20 million bottles produced, 30,000 tonnes harvested, and a 60 percent increase compared to the previous record set in 2018.
