A glass of red wine is perfect for watching tv, reading a book, or catching up with friends, that is until it tips over and stains your favorite leather couch or chair. Unlike fabric, leather doesn’t simply absorb and release liquid. The combination of its natural oils, collagen fibers, and the chemistry of red wine can make red wine stains on leather particularly stubborn.
The tannins in red wine bond directly to the collagen, the anthocyanin pigments cling to proteins, and the wine’s acidity opens pores for deeper penetration. All of this causes the stain to set rather than wipe away. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can remove wine stains without damaging leather’s finish or suppleness.
Here’s how to get red wine stains out of leather furniture including couches and chairs.
Supplies You’ll Need To Remove Red Wine Stains
You’ll need the following supplies to remove wine stains:
- White, lint‑free cloths or paper towels (white lets you see once the color from the stain is removed)
- Mixing Bowl
- Distilled Water
- Clear Dish Soap (find a mild and non-harsh one)
- Leather Conditioner
To create the foam mix for step 2 you’ll need to mix the following in the mixing bowl:
- 1 cup distilled water
- A couple of drops of clear non-abrasive dish soap
Steps To Remove New Red Wine Stains From Leather
Now that you know why red wine clings so stubbornly to leather, let’s get into how to get it out. Acting quickly and using the right approach makes all the difference, since leather can be damaged by too much moisture or harsh cleaners.
Before you try to remove the red wine stain, look at your manufacturer's website for any chemicals, soaps, or materials to avoid so you do not accidentally cause permanent discoloration or damage.
Always test a non-visible spot before trying any cleaning method like the back of the sofa, an in-between area on a sectional couch, or the area between the cushion and inside arm on a sleeper sofa.
Removing the stain is a 6-step process:
- Blot immediately and don’t rub.
- Use a foam mix of distilled water and a clear, gentle dish soap.
- Rinse.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Dry.
- Re-oil and protect.
Step 1: Blot Immediately
Press a dry and lint free dishcloth onto the spill, lift and rotate to a clean section, and repeat until non-absorbed wine transfers to the cloth. Do not rub, because rubbing spreads the pigment and drives it into the grain.
Step 2: Use A Foam Mix
Dip a new and clean, soft white cloth (microfiber or a soft cotton can be good) into the foam, squeeze out the excess, and gently dab from the outside in. Watch the pigment transfer to the cloth, and keep the area only slightly damp.
White is preferred because you’re looking for the color to lift, once no more color lifts, the stain is likely gone.
Step 3: Rinse
Wipe away the residue with a separate cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, and avoid wetting seams or saturating the leather.
Step 5: Repeat If Needed
Alternate between applying suds and giving a light rinse until almost no color lifts into the white cloth.
Step 6: Dry
Blot the area with a dry towel, then let it air-dry at room temperature.
Step 7: Re-Oil and Protect
Once the leather dries completely, apply a thin, even coat of leather conditioner to restore suppleness and reduce any faint halos, then buff it gently.
Catching a spill on leather right away prevents it from bonding too deeply, but once the wine dries, pigments and tannins settle into the surface oils and pores and leave dark, fixed patches.
For older red wine stains, follow the same steps with two adjustments.
- In Step 1, dampen a cloth with distilled water and press it against the stain for 20-30 seconds to rehydrate the dried pigment.
- In Step 2, allow the foam mixture to sit for 60-90 seconds before rinsing to give it more time to work.
Red wine and leather don’t mix easily, but knowing the science behind the stains and the right cleaning techniques can save your favorite leather furniture from unsightly red wine stains. Whether the spill is fresh or dried, patience and the right approach are key to lifting the stain.
