Suede may be soft and stylish, but it doesn’t mix well with red wine. A single spill can leave behind dark stains on couches, chairs, and other furniture that seem impossible to remove, especially when compared to polyester or microfiber. The good news? With the right steps, you can save your favorite suede sofa or chair before the damage becomes irreversible.
Suede requires a gentle, methodical approach because too much moisture or the wrong cleaner can cause more harm, including discoloration, than good.
Why Red Wine Stains Are Harder to Remove from Suede
Because suede is naturally porous and absorbent, its fibrous nap of tiny open fibers quickly draws liquid in, allowing the wine to spread beneath the surface. Red wine clings especially hard because its anthocyanin pigments and tannins bind to suede’s protein-rich fibers (as real suede is made from animal hides), while its acidity locks in the color.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to treat red wine on suede step-by-step, including tips for handling seven popular varieties of red wine, so you can act fast and clean up these spills the moment they happen.
The Steps To Remove Red Wine Stains From Suede
Now that you know why red wine clings so stubbornly to suede, it’s time to tackle the stains head-on.
The following steps will guide you through removing the wine without damaging its delicate nap (the fuzzy and soft raised surface), allowing you to restore your furniture with confidence. There are three sections below. The first are the supplies, second are the wine varietals that contain more tannins, and third are the less tannic wine varieties.
Note: Before you try removing the stain, first go to the manufacturer’s website and look for their recommendations, and always test any formulas, powders, or cleaners in a non-visible space to make sure it won’t discolor or damage your suede furniture any further. For sectional couches use an inside piece of a section, and for sleeper sofas try a spot hidden near the folding and tucking mechanism.
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
- Mixing Bowl
- Cool Water
- Cornstarch
- Suede Protector
- Suede Eraser
- Suede Brush
- Spray Bottle
To create the soap mix you’ll need, mix in a bowl:
- 1 cup cool water
- ½ tsp clear dish soap
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Shiraz, Petite Sirah
Some wine varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz have more tannins and sometimes a deeper and richer color than wines like Merlot. This is from their skins and they’re produced as fuller bodied wines. The same processes that give them their rich colors, mouth feel, and taste also make them harder to remove from suede furniture.
Quick blotting makes all the difference on fresh suede stains, but once the red wine dries, it penetrates the nap and alters the texture, making stains much harder to manage.
The steps to remove tough red wine stains from suede:
- Blot the stain
- Add cornstarch on top
- Brush it off
- Erase the stain
- Dry the space
- Add a protectant
Step One: Blot Immediately
Blot the spill with white paper or cotton towels (white lets you see once the stain has fully lifted), pressing gently to absorb the wine, and switching to fresh towels as each one becomes saturated. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the suede.
Step Two: Add Cornstarch
Try this step in a non-visible space first by adding a bit of water and cornstarch on top. This way you don’t accidentally discolor your suede furniture any further.
Sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch over the damp spot and let it sit for 30-60 minutes (or longer for heavy moisture) to allow it to absorb the wine. Then vacuum the powder away.
Step Three: Brush
Brush the nap gently in one direction, then lightly brush across the grain to lift and release any tinted fibers.
Step Four: Eraser
Use a suede eraser over the area, applying short, gentle strokes. Then, brush the surface again to lift and restore the nap. If the stain remains, repeat these steps.
Step Five: Dry
Allow the suede to air-dry completely, then brush the nap to smooth the texture.
Step Six: Protect
Once the suede is fully dry, apply a suede protector to help guard against future stains.
For older Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, and Petite Sirah stains, begin with Step Three. In Step Six, substitute a suede cleaner for the protector to address any remaining discoloration.
These varieties can still be difficult to remove. Though Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel tend to be lighter in body and color, their anthocyanins and acidity can still penetrate suede’s fibers if you don’t act quickly.
Merlot/Pinot Noir/Sangiovese/Zinfandel
Even though these reds are lighter-bodied, their pigments can set quickly.
Follow the steps below to lift the stain before tannins and sugars have time to bond and set.
- Blot the stain
- Cold water flush
- Add the soap mix
- Rinse the stain
- Dry the area
Step One: Blot Immediately
Blot the spill with a dry white cloth, lifting and rotating to a clean section each time, and continue until the stain transfer slows. Avoid rubbing the stain as this can cause it to spread or sink in further.
Step Two: Cold Water Flush
Lightly mist or drip cold water over the stain, then blot to dilute and lift the pigments and sugars before they have a chance to set. Repeat the process as needed.
Step Three: Soap Mix
Always do this step on a test area that is not visible before you test it on the stain if the stain is in a visible space on your couch.
Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot from the outside of the stain inward, allowing the color to transfer onto the cloth as you go.
Step Four: Rinse Away Residue
Use a second cloth dampened with plain cold water to blot, alternating between the soapy solution and clean water until little to no color comes up.
Step Five: Dry
Press a dry towel firmly over the spot to draw out the remaining moisture. You can also use a suede eraser brush to help lift any remnants and restore the fuzzy nap on the furniture.
Spills from Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel can be reduced in appearance by blotting right away and gently rinsing before pigments and sugars bond to the suede. Once these wines dry, their anthocyanins oxidize and tannins grip the fibers, darkening the stain and making it more stubborn to remove. When that happens, begin with Step Two.
When you understand why these stains set so quickly and follow the proper cleaning steps, you can keep your favorite suede pieces looking their best. With fast action and the right products, a spill doesn’t have to mean the end of your suede furniture.
