Red wine on marble is one of the most common homeware emergencies — and one that panics people more than it should. If you act quickly, a red wine spill on marble is almost always fully recoverable. If you leave it, it can become permanent. This guide tells you exactly what to do.

Act Within 60 Seconds If Possible

The single most important factor in whether a red wine stain becomes permanent is how quickly you respond. Marble is porous — the longer wine sits on the surface, the deeper the pigment penetrates into the stone. Within the first minute, the wine is still sitting largely on the surface and can be removed cleanly. After 30 minutes, the pigment has begun to penetrate. After several hours, the stain may be permanent.

Step 1: Blot, Do Not Wipe

Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel and blot the wine — pressing down firmly to absorb the liquid rather than wiping it across the surface. Wiping spreads the stain; blotting lifts it. Work from the outside edges of the spill toward the centre. Repeat with a fresh part of the cloth until no more wine is transferring.

Step 2: Rinse with Plain Water

Dampen a clean cloth with plain room-temperature water and gently blot the area. This dilutes any remaining wine in the surface pores. Blot dry with a fresh cloth immediately.

Step 3: Apply a Baking Soda Paste (If a Mark Remains)

If a faint pink or purple mark remains after blotting, mix a small amount of baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste. Apply to the stained area, cover with cling film, and leave for 24 hours. The baking soda will draw the pigment out of the stone as it dries. Remove the paste, rinse, and dry. Repeat if necessary.

Important: baking soda is alkaline, not acidic — it is safe for marble. Do not substitute vinegar or lemon juice.

Step 4: Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Stains

For a wine stain that has had more time to set, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide (the standard pharmacy variety) directly to the stain. Leave for 5 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that can lift organic stains from marble. Do not use higher concentrations, and do not use on coloured marble (green onyx, red marble, honey onyx) as it may affect the stone's colour — test in an inconspicuous area first.

What Not to Do

• Do not use vinegar or lemon juice — these are acidic and will etch the marble surface, causing damage that is separate from and worse than the stain
• Do not scrub — scrubbing drives the pigment deeper and scratches the surface
• Do not use bleach full-strength — it can damage the stone and surrounding grout or surfaces

If the Stain Is Already Set

If the wine was left for hours or overnight and has penetrated deeply, a professional stone restoration service can polish and re-seal the surface. This is the only reliable solution for fully set, deep stains. Most marble pieces can be restored to near-original condition by a professional.

For all other marble care questions, visit our full Marble Care Guide. Browse our Kitchen & Dining and Barware collections. Use code ARTREE10 for 10% off your first order — free shipping over $100.