How to Remove Red Wine Stains from LIBECO Belgian Towels

Quick answer

Blot the spill immediately, then flush the stain with cool water and a small amount of gentle liquid soap. Avoid hot water, harsh chemicals, and scrubbing, which can set the pigment or damage the linen fibers. If the stain persists after two gentle attempts, stop and consider professional cleaning rather than risking your towel.

Why linen reacts differently to wine stains

Linen fibers are naturally absorbent, which is part of what makes LIBECO Belgian towels so practical. That same absorbency means red wine can wick deep into the weave within seconds. The pigment in red wine binds to plant-based fibers, and heat or alkaline agents can make that bond harder to break. Acting quickly with cool water gives you the best chance of lifting the stain before it sets.

Step-by-step: treating a fresh wine stain

Start by blotting, not rubbing, with a clean white cloth or paper towel to lift as much wine as possible. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the weave. Next, hold the stained area under cool running water, working from the back of the fabric to push the pigment out rather than through. Apply a few drops of gentle liquid soap or a mild laundry detergent, and gently work it in with your fingertips. Let it sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. If any color remains, repeat once. For dried stains, soak the towel in cool water with a small amount of detergent for 30 minutes before washing as usual.

What to avoid at all costs

Hot water, chlorine bleach, and oxygen bleaches can weaken linen fibers or cause yellowing over time. Never use a dryer until you are certain the stain is gone; heat will set any remaining pigment permanently. Also skip vinegar and baking soda on colored linen unless the manufacturer explicitly approves them, as they can affect dyes. If you have already tried these methods without success, further home treatment is unlikely to help and may harm the towel.

When to stop and call a professional

If the stain has been through a hot wash or dryer cycle, or if it has been on the towel for more than a day, the pigment may have bonded with the fibers. At that point, professional cleaning is the safer choice. Also stop if the fabric shows any thinning, holes, or color loss from previous treatments. For valuable or sentimental pieces, a textile conservator can assess whether the stain is removable without further damage.

Diagnosis: matching the stain to the right action

• Fresh spill (within minutes): Blot gently, flush with cool water, apply mild soap, and rinse. Repeat once if needed. Most fresh stains lift completely with this method.
• Dried stain (hours to a day old): Soak in cool water with a small amount of gentle detergent for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. Do not use hot water. If the stain remains after soaking and washing, do not dry the towel.
• Stain that has been heated (washer or dryer): The pigment is likely set. Further home treatment can damage the linen. Stop and consult a professional cleaner. Do not attempt bleach or harsh stain removers.

Product facts

• LIBECO The Belgian Towel - Toalha Laguna L: LIBECO The Belgian Towel - Toalha Laguna L is made of 100% linen and measures L110cm x C180cm, designed as a versatile beach, sauna, or throw towel. Its large size and linen construction mean it absorbs spills quickly, so fast action is key to preventing a set-in stain.
• LIBECO The Belgian Towel - Guest Towel Laguna S: LIBECO The Belgian Towel - Guest Towel Laguna S is a smaller 100% linen towel (W55cm x L65cm) in beige, with a sateen weave that is very absorbent. The sateen weave can hold pigment tightly, so treat stains on this towel with the same cool-water method and avoid hot water.