Spilling wine or food on your curtains can feel like a disaster, especially when it happens on your favourite set. Don’t worry though, it’s easier than you think to fix. Whether it’s a dinner party accident or a messy food splash, knowing how to remove wine stains from curtains can save you from costly replacements. The trick is acting fast and using the right cleaning methods for your fabric. In fact, dealing with stains quickly matters more than most people realise — as explained in this helpful guide on why it’s essential to clean stains immediately from curtains, which many homeowners overlook.

Why Curtains Get Stained So Often?

In most Australian homes, curtains hang close to dining tables, kitchens and windows where spills are common. Accidental splashes happen, but many people don’t realise that fabric type plays a big role in how stains set. Cotton, polyester, linen or velvet curtains each react differently to liquids and oils, so identifying your fabric before cleaning makes a big difference. This fabric behaviour is also why some marks — like paint stains on curtains — can be trickier to handle, as explained here: how to remove paint stains from curtains.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After a Spill?

When accidents happen, speed matters. Before panicking about how to clean food spills on curtains, take a breath and follow these simple first steps.

Do this immediately:

Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to absorb as much as possible.
Keep the curtain hanging so the spill doesn’t spread or drip down to the floor.
Avoid hot water or heat since it can set the stain permanently.
Check your curtain tag to see if it’s washable or dry-clean only.
Test first. Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden part of the fabric.

Quick action prevents pigment and oils from sinking deeper into the fibres, which makes later cleaning much easier.

How to Treat Wine Stains?

Wine stains are intimidating but not impossible. When you need to remove wine stains from curtains, think absorption first and cleaning second.

Follow these steps:

Blot the wine gently. Do not press hard, as that pushes the stain in deeper.
Sprinkle salt or baking soda directly on the fresh stain. It draws out excess liquid.
Dab with club soda or sparkling water. This helps lift pigment without harsh chemicals.
Mix mild detergent with cool water and gently sponge from the back of the fabric.
Let it air dry naturally away from direct sunlight or heat.

If the stain has already dried, try a paste of baking soda and water. Spread it over the mark, let it dry, then brush off gently before rinsing. This simple method can work wonders on light to medium fabrics.

Pro tip:

For darker fabrics, always check colour fastness. If you notice fading, stop immediately and try a milder approach like cold-water blotting.

Removing Food and Sauce Stains

Food spills are just as common, especially in kitchens and dining spaces. If you’re working on curtain food stain removal, remember that different foods require slightly different tactics.

Here’s what to do:

Remove any solids first. Use a plastic spoon or card to lift off sauce or crumbs.
Mix mild detergent and warm water. Spray or dab lightly on the area.
Blot with a soft cloth. Work from the outside in to avoid spreading.
For oily or greasy stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda, wait 20–30 minutes, then vacuum off and clean with dish soap and cool water.
For tomato or coloured sauces: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply gently, and rinse with cold water.

Let the fabric air dry before rehanging. Avoid heat drying as it can leave rings or marks. Homes with pets often face extra challenges like fur, drool or little accidents on curtains, so this guide on pet hair and stains on curtains – cleaning solutions can be incredibly useful when dealing with layered messes.

Understanding Fabric Differences

Not all curtains respond the same way to cleaning. If you want to clean food spills on curtains safely, knowing your fabric is half the battle.

Cotton and polyester: Usually safe to wash with gentle detergent.
Linen: Needs cool water and quick drying to avoid shrinkage.
Velvet or silk: Requires professional cleaning or very light dabbing only.
Block-out curtains: Avoid soaking; use spot cleaning with minimal moisture.

Before any cleaning, always check the manufacturer’s care label. If it says “dry clean only”, do not risk home treatments. It’s better to be cautious than damage your curtains permanently.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, despite your best stain removal tips, marks just won’t budge. That’s when calling professional curtain cleaners makes sense. They use gentle steam cleaning, fabric-specific solutions and methods that prevent shrinkage or colour damage. If your curtains have delicate linings or are made of silk or heavy velvet, it’s wise to leave it to the experts.

Another sign you might need professional help is when you notice odour or mildew after cleaning. That means moisture got trapped inside the fabric layers. Professionals can deep-clean and fully dry the curtains to stop any mould from forming. If you ever find your drapes smelling musty or smoky, this practical guide on how to remove odour from drapes and curtains is extremely helpful. And for homes dealing with tougher problems like smoke from cigarettes, you’ll find this useful too: how to remove cigarette smoke smell from curtains.

Fabric Care and After-Cleaning Maintenance

Once your curtains are spotless again, it’s time to protect them from future stains. This part is often missed by most guides, but prevention makes all the difference.

To keep your curtains looking new:

Spray a fabric protector (safe for your curtain material) to reduce absorption of future spills.
Regularly vacuum or brush curtains to remove dust and grease that can make stains harder to clean.
Use tie-backs during meals or parties to keep fabric away from potential spills.
Rotate curtains occasionally to prevent uneven fading and dirt accumulation.

These simple habits save you time and effort later while keeping your home fresh and inviting.

Special Aussie Home Tips

Australian homes often deal with sunlight, humidity and open-plan living areas. These can make stains more stubborn and drying trickier.

Avoid cleaning under strong sunlight. Heat can cause spots to set faster.
Keep airflow steady after cleaning to prevent mildew. Open windows or use fans.
Choose machine-washable fabrics for dining or kitchen zones. They’re easier to care for.
Use lighter colours wisely. Light curtains show stains more but clean faster with mild solutions.

Taking fabric care seriously saves replacement costs and keeps your interior looking crisp year-round.

Preventing Future Spills

The best stain removal tips start with prevention. A few small adjustments around the home can dramatically reduce the chances of another messy moment.

Smart habits to follow:

Keep food and drink away from curtains whenever possible.
Place side tables or trays for guests during gatherings.
Use blinds or shorter drapes in high-traffic kitchen areas.
Have an emergency cleaning kit ready: mild detergent, cloths, and baking soda.
Clean curtains seasonally even if no visible stains appear.

Once you make these part of your regular routine, dealing with spills becomes far less stressful.

Final Thoughts

With a few simple tricks and the right care, you can easily remove wine stains from curtains and deal with food spills before they set in. Acting quickly makes all the difference, but some fabrics need a professional touch to look their best again. That’s where Drapes Cleaning can help. Our team knows how to treat every type of fabric safely, leaving your curtains fresh, clean and beautifully restored. So, if your drapes have seen better days, don’t stress, give Drapes Cleaning a call on 0488 847 046 and let us bring your curtains back to life.