We've all had the experience of accidentally knocking over a glass of red wine, often onto a beautiful white tablecloth or deep pile white carpet.
But what does everyone do after the event? They tend to run around suggesting ludicrous and ridiculous methods of stain removal, many of which would do more harm to the affected material than good.
Some suggestions can be well-meaning but are in the wrong order, like "rub it with a cloth dipped in white wine".
Do not rub anything hard onto the stain as all you will do is set it in deeper.
It is the tannins in red wine that are so stubborn to remove, that they will even stain stone.
The best way to remove not only red wine stains, but also many other difficult stains is detailed below, and easy to implement.
It does not actually remove the wine from the fabric or material, it merely neutralises the color from the stain making it invisible.
What you don't want to do is damage the color in the fabric.
Take note that hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, so use it with care.
It is advisable to wash anything afterwards very thoroughly to ensure that colors will not continue to bleach out of the cloth or carpet.
The correct approach is as follows, therefore if you have nothing immediately to hand, pour a thick layer of salt onto stain (do not rub in) to stop it from setting, and vacuum it up when you are ready to continue.
You will need a few basic household items and utensils, such as:

• 1 tbsp.
  Dishwasher liquid
• 1 tbsp.
  White vinegar
• 2 cups warm water
• bowl
• clean white cloths or rags
• cold water
• salt
• hydrogen peroxide

1. Immediately blob the stain with paper towels - but do not rub hard.
   Blob from the outer edges of the stain working inwards.
   
2. Mix together the dishwasher liquid, vinegar and warm water.
   
3. Dab the mix onto the stain with a clean white rag, starting from the outer areas of the stain.
   As you go, blob the stained area with a dry rag or paper towel, alternating dabbing on the cleaning solution and dabbing it dry.
   
4. For stubborn stains: pour a solution of one part of dishwashing liquid to two parts of hydrogen peroxide onto stain.
   NB.
   Dab a little onto an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won't cause discoloration.
   
5. When the stain has gone, dampen a clean white rag with cold water and dampen the area again.
   Dry it with more dabbing.
   
6. Continue drying with another clean white rag.
   
7. Stop dabbing, all done!

This method has been tried and tested, and referred to as the red wine miracle cure.
So, whether you need to mop up red wine stains on your expensive white carpet or white tablecloth at a dinner party, just remember these tips.