How to Remove a red wine stain from a dry clean only item

Did you spill red wine on a dry clean only item? Spilling red wine on a dry-clean-only item of clothing doesn't have to mean the end of your favorite dress or jacket. Here's how to get a head start on dissolving the stain, before dropping the item at the dry cleaner. Learn how to remove a red wine stain with the folks from Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE.

What You Need

Water, oil-based solvent, cotton swabs, vinegar, water, dry cloth, stained item

Follow These Four Easy Steps

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain From Dry Cleaning Step 1

Dab on an oil solvent like Carbona

Use a cotton swab to dab an oil-based solvent onto the stain as soon as possible. Don't rub. Let dry.

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain From Dry Cleaning Step 2

Remove residue

With a dry cloth, gently remove any residue from the stain area.

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain From Dry Cleaning Step 3

Dab with diluted vinegar

Make a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water. Dab solution onto spot with a cotton swab.

How To: Remove a Red Wine Stain From Dry Cleaning Step 4

Dab with cold water

Using a clean cotton swab, dab the area with cool water. Send item to the dry cleaner.