How to remove alcohol stains from clothes

Spilling an alcoholic beverage on your clothes can be a frustrating and seemingly difficult situation to deal with. Whether it’s red wine, beer, or cocktail, alcohol stains can be stubborn and tricky to remove. However, with the right techniques and cleaning products, you can effectively remove those pesky alcohol stains and restore your clothing to its former glory.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of removing various types of alcohol stains from different fabric types. We’ll also provide tips and tricks to help prevent alcohol stains in the first place, as well as advice on how to treat set-in stains. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle even the toughest alcohol stains.

Alcohol Stains

Alcohol stains can be particularly challenging to remove because the liquid contains a combination of compounds that can quickly penetrate and set into the fabric. The ethanol or other alcohols in the beverage can dissolve and spread the stain, while the sugars, dyes, and other additives can leave behind discolouration and residue.

The type of alcohol and the fabric of the garment can also affect the difficulty of stain removal. For example, red wine stains tend to be more stubborn than beer or clear liquor stains, as the pigments in red wine can deeply penetrate the fabric. Similarly, delicate fabrics like silk or satin may be more prone to permanent staining compared to sturdy cotton or polyester.

Treating Fresh Alcohol Stains

The key to successfully removing an alcohol stain is to act quickly. The sooner you address the spill, the better your chances of removing the stain completely. Follow these steps for treating fresh alcohol stains:

Blot the Stain: Immediately blot the affected area with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. This will help soak up as much of the spilled liquid as possible before it has a chance to set into the fabric.
Rinse with Cold Water: Once you’ve blotted the excess, rinse the stained area with cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the stain to set further.
Apply Stain Remover: Choose a stain remover specifically formulated for alcohol or grease-based stains. Apply it directly to the affected area, following the product’s instructions. Popular options include enzyme-based cleaners, oxygenated bleaches, or pre-treat sprays.

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover is a popular choice for removing alcohol stains.
Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent contains enzymes that can help break down alcohol stains.

Let It Sit: Allow the stain remover to work its magic for the recommended time, typically 5-10 minutes. This will give the cleaning agents time to penetrate and break down the stain.
Wash as Usual: Once the stain remover has had time to work, wash the garment as you normally would, using the hottest water safe for the fabric. Avoid putting the item in the dryer until you’re sure the stain has been removed, as the heat can set any remaining residue.

Treating Set-in Alcohol Stains

If the alcohol stain has had time to set in, the process may be a bit more involved, but with patience and the right techniques, you can still remove it successfully. Here’s what to do:

Pretreat the Stain: Apply a stain remover or mix a solution of one part dish soap and one part hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing.

Shout Advanced Gel Stain Remover is a popular pretreatment option for set-in stains.
You can also try a mixture of Dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.

Use an Enzyme Cleaner: Enzyme-based cleaners are particularly effective at breaking down the proteins and sugars in set-in alcohol stains. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain and let it sit for the recommended time before washing.

OxiClean MaxForce Laundry Stain Remover contains enzymes that can help remove stubborn alcohol stains.
Biz Stain Fighter is another enzyme-based cleaner that can tackle set-in alcohol stains.

Try Rubbing Alcohol: Surprisingly, rubbing alcohol can be an effective way to remove alcohol stains. Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it with a clean cloth and washing it.

Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) can be found at most drug stores or pharmacies.

Consider Dry Cleaning: For delicate fabrics or stubborn stains, consider taking the garment to a professional dry cleaner. They have access to stronger solvents and techniques that may be able to lift the stain without damaging the fabric.

Find a reputable dry cleaner in your area for the best results.

Repeat as Needed: If the stain is not fully removed after the first attempt, repeat the treatment process until the stain is gone. It may take several rounds of pretreatment and washing to completely remove a set-in alcohol stain.

Preventing Alcohol Stains

The best way to deal with alcohol stains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of alcohol spills and stains:

Use Caution when Drinking: Be mindful of your surroundings and the stability of your drink when consuming alcoholic beverages. Hold your glass firmly and avoid activities that could lead to spills, such as dancing or gesturing.
Wear Protective Clothing: Consider wearing an apron or smock when hosting events where alcohol is being served. This can help shield your clothing from any accidental spills.

Crate and Barrel Striped Apron is a stylish option for protecting your clothes.
Williams Sonoma Organic Cotton Apron provides full coverage and is machine washable.

Clean Spills Immediately: If you do happen to spill, act quickly to blot and rinse the affected area before the stain has a chance to set.
Avoid Wearing Light Colors: Opt for darker or more muted colours when drinking, as they are less likely to show stains as readily as lighter fabrics.

Everlane The Relaxed Chino in black is a great option for avoiding visible stains.
Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans in a dark wash can also help conceal any spills.

Check Labels and Pretreat: Before washing any clothing that may have been exposed to alcohol, check the garment labels for specific cleaning instructions. Pretreat the area with a stain remover before washing to give it the best chance of coming out clean.

Always refer to the care label before attempting any stain removal techniques.
Shout Color Catcher Sheets can help protect your clothes during the washing process.

Dealing with Different Types of Alcohol Stains

While the general principles for removing alcohol stains remain the same, the specific approach may vary depending on the type of alcoholic beverage involved. Here’s a breakdown of how to tackle different alcohol stains:

Red Wine Stains:

Red wine stains can be particularly stubborn due to the pigments in the wine. To remove a red wine stain, start by blotting the area with a clean, absorbent cloth. Then, apply a solution of one part dish soap and one part hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing the garment in hot water. If the stain persists, try an enzyme-based cleaner or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.

Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover is specifically formulated to tackle stubborn red wine stains.
Folex Carpet Spot Remover can also be effective on red wine stains, even on delicate fabrics.

Beer Stains:

Beer stains, while not as stubborn as red wine, can still be tricky to remove. Begin by blotting the area to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Then, apply a small amount of dish soap or stain remover directly to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. You can also try using a mixture of warm water and baking soda to help lift the stain.

Clorox Laundry Stain Remover Pen is a convenient option for treating beer stains on the go.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda can be an effective and gentle stain-fighting solution.

Liquor Stains:

Alcohol stains from clear liquors, such as vodka, gin, or rum, are generally easier to remove than stains from red wine or beer. Start by blotting the area and then applying a stain remover specifically formulated for grease-based stains. If the stain is still visible, try rubbing a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the affected area before washing.

Zout Laundry Stain Remover is designed to tackle grease and oil-based stains, including those from clear liquors.
Rubbing Alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) can be found at most drugstores or pharmacies.

Cocktail Stains:

Cocktail stains can be a bit more complex, as they often contain a combination of alcohol, juices, and other mixers. To remove a cocktail stain, begin by blotting the area and then applying a pre-treat solution of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing. You may also want to use an enzyme-based cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to help break down the various components of the stain.

Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent contains enzymes that can help tackle complex cocktail stains.
Distilled White Vinegar can be a versatile stain-fighting ingredient for cocktail spills.

Maintaining Fabric Health

When dealing with alcohol stains, it’s important to take care to protect the overall health and longevity of the fabric. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Avoid Excessive Scrubbing: While it’s tempting to vigorously scrub the stained area, this can actually damage the fabric and push the stain deeper into the fibers. Instead, gently blot and dab the area to lift the stain.
Check Fabric Care Instructions: Always refer to the garment’s care label before attempting any stain removal techniques. Some fabrics, such as silk or wool, may require gentler handling or specialized cleaning methods.

The Clothing Care Label Guide can help you decipher garment care instructions.

Prevent Discoloration: Exposure to sunlight or heat can cause discolouration of the fabric around the stain, even after it has been removed. If possible, dry the garment in the shade or on a flat surface to avoid this issue.
Treat Stains Promptly: The longer an alcohol stain sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove. Act quickly to give yourself the best chance of success.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While powerful cleaning agents can be effective in removing stubborn stains, they can also be damaging to delicate fabrics. Use caution and follow product instructions carefully.

Woolite Delicates Laundry Detergent is a gentle option for washing delicate fabrics.

By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to tackle even the toughest alcohol stains and keep your clothes looking their best. Remember, prevention is key, but with the right approach, you can restore your garments to their former glory, even after an accidental spill.