How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Leather

Co-authored by Mallika Sharma

Last Updated: December 19, 2024 References

Whether you spilled a tiny drop or a whole glass, red wine on your leather jacket, couch, or boots is not fun. The good news is that all hope is not lost. We've compiled 4 different methods you can use to get out even the most stubborn red wine stains. The best part? You probably already have all of these cleaners at home.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Download Article

Use a clean paper towel to blot up as much of the liquid as you can. Do not rub, or press too hard. Just blot gently.
Dip another piece of clean paper towel in hydrogen peroxide, and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping wet. Place the towel over the stain, and use a heavy object to apply pressure, pressing the peroxide into the leather.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Wait and see. Let the hydrogen peroxide do its work for half an hour. Remove it, and see how it looks. If the stain is still there, wet a new paper towel with hydrogen peroxide, and repeat the process for another half hour.
- Keep in mind that the moisture from the paper towel will temporarily leave a wet mark on the leather. Be sure not to confuse this with the stain itself.
Use a soft cloth to rub a small amount of leather conditioner into the affected area. This will help restore the leather’s texture. Let it dry again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Baking Soda

Download Article

This step will only work if the stain is still wet. Sprinkle on a light coating of baking soda. Let it sit and absorb as much as possible. Give it fifteen minutes or so.^{[2]
X
Research source}
Gently massage the baking soda into the stain with a clean rag or towel, using more pressure as you determine the leather’s ability to endure it.
3
Add hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda if the stain remains. Measure a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide into a small bowl, and add enough baking soda to create a paste. Gently work this into the leather with a clean paper towel.
- Use quick circular motions, and keep at it for at least a minute for each square foot or smaller.
- Work inward from the outermost part of the stain.
Wet a washcloth or lint-free paper towel, and wring it out so that it is damp, but not too wet. Gently wipe off the baking soda. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Use a soft cloth to rub a small amount of leather conditioner into the affected area. This will help restore the leather’s texture. Let it dry again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Vinegar

Download Article

1
Dilute the vinegar. Make a solution of roughly equal parts water and white vinegar. If in doubt, err on the side of too much water.
- If you have it, add a few drops of leather cleaner to the solution.
Gently massage a thin layer of the mixture into the stain with a clean rag or towel. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, up to an hour.
Wet a clean rag, and gently blot away the vinegar solution with one corner. Then use another clean corner to do a second wipe, to ensure the mixture has been completely removed. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Use a soft cloth to rub a small amount of leather conditioner into the affected area. This will help restore the leather’s texture. Let it dry again.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Shaving Cream

Download Article

Shake the bottle well. Squirt a small amount of white, foaming shaving cream on the stain.^{[3]
X
Research source}
Gently massage the shaving cream into the stain with a clean rag or towel. Do not be too rough.
Blot the shaving cream off with a clean paper towel. Do not rub, just dab it gently. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.^{[4]
X
Research source}^{[5]
X
Research source}
Use a soft cloth to rub a small amount of leather conditioner into the affected area. This will help restore the leather’s texture. Let it dry again.

EXPERT TIP

Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician
Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.

Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician

Large leather stains should be handled by professionals. Large discolored areas or stains that have fully set into leather furniture cannot be spot treated and removed. lf it has fully set, professional leather cleaning and repair experts can correctly color match the original shade and seamlessly blend the affected area back into the surrounding material.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Check the care tag on your leather for specific cleaning and care instructions.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician

Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

If you are nervous about harming the leather further in your attempts to remove a red wine stain, do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to see how a substance affects the leather.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If your leather is unfinished, have it cleaned by a professional so you don't damage it. To test if it's unfinished, let a drop of water fall onto it—if it soaks into the leather instantly, it's not finished.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0