Expert reveals 50p trick to banish red wine stains in a minute

With many households still dealing with the aftermath of festive entertaining, a kitchen expert has revealed a simple and low-cost way to remove stubborn red wine and gravy stains before they settle for good.

Simon Roberts, a kitchen worktops specialist at Vogue Worktops, says an everyday bathroom item costing as little as 50p can help restore stained kitchen surfaces in under a minute. His unlikely solution: plain white toothpaste.

“The last thing anyone wants is to start the New Year scrubbing dried-on stains,” Mr Roberts said. “A small amount of plain white toothpaste can actually lift stubborn marks like red wine or gravy from solid surfaces.

“The mild abrasives help buff away surface-level stains without etching or dulling the finish.”

According to Mr Roberts, the method is both safe and effective when used correctly. He advises applying a small dab of toothpaste to the stained area and gently working it in with a soft cloth or sponge using circular motions for 30 seconds to a minute.

The area should then be wiped clean with warm water and dried with a microfibre cloth.

Crucially, he warns against aggressive scrubbing. “You don’t need to apply much pressure. Let the toothpaste do the work,” he said.

The tip has gained traction online, with users on Reddit and Facebook sharing positive experiences. One Reddit user described toothpaste as “a good gentle abrasive” that removes stains without stripping colour, while another said it worked better than bleach on white worktops.

In the Facebook group “SG Hacks: Repairs, Fixes & Cool Ideas”, which has more than 30,000 members, one user said they had tried multiple cleaning products without success before toothpaste “worked wonders”.

Others added that the trick was effective on hard-to-clean areas such as fridge seals and light switches.

Mr Roberts advises using only plain white toothpaste, avoiding gels or whitening formulas, which may contain stronger chemicals. He also recommends testing the method on a small, hidden area first to avoid accidental damage.

There is one key exception.

“If you have natural stone worktops like granite or marble, avoid toothpaste altogether,” he warned. “The abrasives and acids can permanently dull or etch natural stone. In those cases, stick to mild soap and water.”

For households keen to start the New Year with spotless kitchens, the humble tube of toothpaste may offer a surprisingly effective solution.