Remove wine stains with vodka

The distinctive colour of red wine is created by pigments called anthocyanins and pyranoanthocyanins, which are formed when anthocyanins interact with molecules made by alcohol-producing yeasts. Their chemical structure makes them a little bit hydrophobic (‘water hating’) and a little bit hydrophilic (‘water loving’), meaning that they dissolve in both organic solvents, like alcohol, and aqueous solvents, like water.

White wine is often used to remove red wine stains because it contains a mix of alcohol and water, helping to capture the pigment molecules and pull them out of the fabric, but a better option to quickly remove a stain is to use something stronger. Clear spirits like vodka, white rum or gin contain a higher percentage of alcohol, dissolving the pigment molecules even more effectively. Just keep dabbing at the stain and adding more alcohol until the colour begins to fade away.