How to Unclog Cork Stains

 

Cork is a wonderfully versatile material and has a wide range of uses from crafting unique furniture to creating a backsplash for your kitchen. However, if left untreated cork can become stained or develop an unpleasant smell, especially if wine has been kept in it for extended periods of time. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to help prevent stains and keep your cork looking beautiful.

Keeping Your Cork Clean

Prevention is always the best option, and cleaning your cork purse regularly can help you avoid any unwanted stains from occurring in the first place. The easiest way to clean your cork purse is to use a wipe that contains both a cleaning solution and water. Make sure that the wipe is biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals as these can damage the surface of your purse. You can find a variety of these types of wipes online or at most grocery stores.

Another good way to keep your cork clean is to use a damp cloth to wipe it down after every use. This will ensure that any wine spills are wiped up quickly and before they can stain the cork. We recommend that you do this at least twice a month to keep your cork in good condition.

The Coravin Needle

If your Coravin needle has clogged with cork particles, you may need to use the Needle Clearing Tool that came with your system. This tool can be threaded into the eye of the needle and pushed down to clear out any cork debris that has fallen down from the needle’s tip.

The Shoe or Countertop Banging Method

A popular alternative to a Debouchage liege corkscrew is to simply bang the bottle on a sturdy surface like a shoe or countertop. There are many videos that have been circulating the internet of people doing just this, and they usually succeed in getting the cork out. This method is a bit risky, though, as you could potentially cause the glass to break and lose your expensive bottle of wine.

The Wire Hanger Method

You may not have thought that the humble wire hanger could be used as a corkscrew, but this is definitely a possibility! This is one of the more risky alternatives to using a corkscrew, as you may cause the cork to split or crack, thus destroying the entire bottle of wine. This is why it’s important to do a thorough inspection of the cork before attempting this method. If you do decide to go with this method, it’s recommended that you wrap the bottle in a towel before you begin banging.