Stain Removal: Wine

On washable material, rub with lemon juice and salt, and leave for an hour, then wash. On non-washable material sponge with warm water; sprinkle with talc, leave for 1 hour, then brush off.

On carpet: Blot fresh spills, dry and then clean with carpet shampoo. Don't use salt as it might affect the carpet's colour. Try glycerine on old stains: leave a solution of equal parts glycerine and water on the stain for an hour, then rinse.

If you spill red wine or dark sherry on a light coloured carpet, mop with white wine immediately to counteract the stain.

See also Alcohol.