So, you’ve had a little too much fun at the recent wine tasting in Scottsdale and now your teeth are stained red. Or maybe, you just noticed that you’re on your third cup of coffee for the day already, and you just know it’s going to catch up to you somehow. Or what if you just spilled a full pitcher of Sangria on your new living room sofa during brunch? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This happens to the best of us. Here are a few things you can do to remove those stains and get your smile back to its pearly white best.
What Gets Rid of Red Wine and Coffee Stains
Stains happen all the time. They’re nothing to be ashamed of. So let’s first dive into how to get rid of them without any unnecessary shame. When they’re on our teeth, that makes it harder to hide. But first, let’s see how to get these dastardly stains out of fabric.
Just remember: it happens to the best of us, so don’t worry! Just be prepared.
Anyone who’s lost their favorite sun dress or dress tie because of the hard-to-remove tannins in red wine or the insoluble lipids in coffee beans can attest to how annoying it is to realize you’ve sullied yourself. Solids and oils held in suspension make up the insoluble solids found in a cup of soft brewed coffee, composed of brew colloids, which add aroma, body, and flavor.
They’re also what makes coffee stains tough to remove, because there’s an oily component to its removable. The Association for Linen Management says that every year, hotels lose millions of dollars from having to throw away fabrics due to pesky stains that might otherwise be prevented by fast-acting solvents and other solutions on oily or greasy stains.
Coffee and Red Wine Stain Prevention Are Key
The best way to avoid red wine and coffee stains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
* Use a straw when drinking red wine. Minimizing contact with the fluid in question reduces overall exposure. And as an unintended side effect, drinking wine through a straw may make you the life of the party.
* Beware the disposable coffee cup and lid. Those paper or plastic, disposable coffee cups and lids are cheap to make and cheaper to break. Beware of spillage through that tiny mouth spout as well as when you’re driving over potholes through town.
Getting Wine Stains Out of Clothes and Upholstery
And when it comes to solvents, nothing beats responding to a stain in the nick of time with nature’s time-tested solvent: H2O.
Steps on how to remove red wine stains from clothes using a washing machine:
- Act quickly. The sooner you treat a red wine stain, the easier it will be to remove.
- Blot the stain. Do not rub the stain, as this will only spread it. Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth or paper towel.
- Rinse the area with cold water. This will help to remove as much of the wine as possible.
- Apply a stain remover. There are many different stain removers available on the market. Choose one that is specifically designed for red wine stains.
- Wash the garment as usual. Wash the garment on a cold cycle with a regular amount of detergent.
- Check the garment for any remaining stains. If the stain is still visible, repeat the steps above.
When choosing the temperature settings to remove red wine stains on your clothes, it is important to consider the fabric type and the severity of the stain. Lower temperatures are generally recommended for delicate fabrics, while higher temperatures may be necessary for tougher stains on durable fabrics.
If you have a delicate garment, you may want to wash it by hand. Follow the same steps, but use cold water and a mild detergent.
Additional tips for removing red wine stains:
- Do not always use hot water. Hot water can sometimes help set the stain by causing threads to relax or stretch, then absorb the stain more when it
- Do not use bleach. Bleach can damage fabrics.
- Test the stain remover in an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric. This will indicate how things will look afterward, and if you should consider another route to solve the issue.
- If the stain is still visible after you have tried the above methods, you may need to take the garment to a professional cleaner. A dry cleaner with years of experience or even a laundromat manager might have specialized cleaners or advice they can give, since they do it for a living and have probably heard and seen plenty of examples.
Best solution? Drink wine through a straw, if your social circle will not frown upon it.
Removing Stains From Your Teeth, Veneers, or Dentures
Here are a few solutions to keep your teeth stain-free:
**Method 1: Brush your teeth immediately**
The first thing you should do is brush your teeth immediately after drinking red wine. This will help to remove as much of the stain as possible. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
**Method 2: Use a baking soda paste**
If brushing doesn’t remove all of the stain, you can try using a baking soda paste. Mix together one part baking soda and two parts water. Apply the paste to your teeth and let it sit for a few minutes before brushing again.
**Method 3: Use hydrogen peroxide**
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help to remove stains from teeth. Mix together one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts water. Apply the solution to your teeth and let it sit for a few minutes before brushing again.
**Method 4: Use a professional stain removal treatment**
If the above methods don’t work, you may need to see a dentist for a professional stain removal treatment. There are a number of different treatments available, and your dentist will be able to recommend the best one for you.
Additional tips for preventing teeth stains:
* Brush your teeth regularly. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria, which can contribute to staining.
* Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to staining.
* Avoid acidic foods and drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to staining.
* Get regular dental checkups. Your dentist can help to identify and remove any stains that may be developing on your teeth.
So there you have it, a few tips on how to remove red wine stains from your teeth, dentures, or veneers. With a little effort, you can get your smile back to its sparkling best.
Settling the Debate About Red Wine: Actually Good For You or No?
Overall, red wine can be a part of a healthy diet, but it is important to drink it in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can have negative consequences for your health, beyond just teeth
Here are some of the potential benefits of drinking red wine:
- May reduce the risk of heart disease
- May reduce the risk of stroke
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- May improve cognitive function
- May increase lifespan
- May help you dance (or think you can)
Here are some of the potential negative consequences of drinking red wine:
- May increase the risk of liver damage
- May increase the risk of heart disease
- May increase the risk of cancer
- May impair judgment and coordination
- May increase the risk of accidents and injuries
- May stain your teeth, dentures, veneers, or partials
- May cause you to forget the night before
Conclusion: Red Wine’s Effects on Your Health and Appearance
It is important to note that these are just potential benefits and consequences, and more research is needed to confirm them. If you are considering drinking red wine, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you. Additionally, you should check to see if any medications you’re taking might cause a negative interaction.