Club Soda and Red Wine Stains: What You Need to Know

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

For the general approach, see: red wine on silk 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. Friction drives wine into fibers and expands the stain.
• Don’t over-soak with club soda (or anything). Too much liquid can spread dye and cause wicking rings, especially on upholstery.
• Don’t use hot water or heat dry a stained item. Heat can lock in residual pigment.
• Don’t mix random cleaners. Avoid combining vinegar, peroxide, bleach, or other chemicals unless you know they’re compatible and safe for that fabric.
• Don’t ignore the care label. Some textiles (silk, wool, “dry clean only”) can distort or discolor with aggressive wet treatment.

Notes for Common Situations

Consumer concerns about different fabric types: Sturdy, washable cottons and many synthetics usually tolerate careful blotting and cool-water rinsing. Delicates like silk and wool can water-spot and lose dye more easily, and upholstery can trap liquid in padding—use minimal moisture and blot thoroughly.

Possible reactions between club soda and dye: Club soda is mostly carbonated water; it doesn’t typically react chemically with red wine dye. The “worse” effect people notice is usually physical: extra liquid spreads the stain or lifts dye unevenly, leaving a larger wet area or faint ring.

Immediate versus delayed stain treatment considerations: The sooner you blot and rinse, the better. If the stain has dried, rehydrate it with a small amount of cool water (or club soda) and blot before using detergent; expect to repeat cycles and allow time for the cleaning step to work.