The holidays are right around the corner, and we’re dreaming of velvety pumpkin pie, succulent brown sugar ham, and creamy gravy. But, with those incredible flavors come resilient stains.
Not all stains are created equal. The best way to treat a particular stain will depend on what caused it. For example, some stains will only come off with hot water, while others will set if they’re exposed to high temperature liquids. Some need to be scraped off and others bloated off. But don’t fear! To help you prepare for potential holiday party messes we’ve put together a list of some of the most common holiday stains and how to handle them.
You might want to bookmark this one!
1| Stain: Gravy | Solution: Butter knife + heavy duty laundry detergent + hot water
There’s nothing better than an authentic drippings-based turkey gravy. But, all that flavor comes from fat and protein, which are hard to remove from fabrics. Scrape the gravy away with a dull knife and pretreat your item with heavy duty laundry detergent with enzymes before washing.
2| Stain: Cranberry sauce | Solution: Cold water + cloth
If those brightly red cranberries hit your clothes on Thanksgiving, you better act quickly! Blot the stain with a white cloth dipped in cool water. Never rub the stain (it will only make a bigger mess) and make sure to use a clean white cloth that won’t transfer any additional color to the stained item.
3| Stain: Butter | Solution: Cloth + cornstarch/baking soda + hot washer cycle
If butter somehow makes it from your corn to your tablecloth, sprinkle the stain with absorbent cornstarch or baking soda, then treat it with enzyme-based stain remover. Wash with the warmest water you can without damaging the item’s fabric.
4| Stain: Pumpkin pie | Solution: Cold water + cloth + enzyme-based stain remover
Butter, milk, eggs … all of the things that make pumpkin pie so good also make for tough stains. Never fear, because a damp white cloth dipped in cold water and an enzyme-based stain remover will help you out!
5| Stain: Ham/turkey grease | Solution: Dish soap + warm water
This stain removal trick is super simple. Squirt a little bit of gentle dish soap onto your stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing. Easy!
6| Stain: Red wine | Solution: Cloth + table salt + boiling water
It’s a scary feeling: you just finished toasting the people you’re thankful for, then a full glass of Merlot hits your favorite pair of pants. Blot the stain and sprinkle salt onto it. Add boiling water to the stain and then machine wash on the hottest setting. Don’t put your item into the dryer until the stain is completely removed.
7| Stain: Coffee | Solution: Laundry detergent + dish soap + white vinegar + toothbrush
If you’re cooking and/or hosting guests this holiday season, goodness knows that you’ll need a few cups of coffee to help you get through the busy days. If you happen to spill coffee, don’t worry! Flush your stain with cold water, add detergent, pretreat with stain remover, then wash. If you have a tough stain, mix powdered laundry detergent with white vinegar and water, and scrub with an old toothbrush before you pretreat and wash. Works like a charm!
Like our how-to guide for removing holiday dinner stains? We have a laundry list of tips, tricks, and cleaning solutions for busy Wisconsinites on our blog.
Want a hand getting your home or business ready for holiday parties? Call us for customized cleaning services today.