Advertisement
Living

Holiday stain removal guide

From cranberry sauce to gravy stains, we've got cleaning solutions for the most common holiday messes.
Holiday stain removal guide

Getty Images

How to remove holiday stains

The perfect holiday party can be derailed in an instant, thanks to a splash of red wine down a new cocktail dress or some gravy spilled on Granny's antique table linen. Here are our top tips to keep your party going smoothly — and stain-free.

red wine on white carpet womanGetty Images

Gravy

Remove as much of the gravy as possible, then use a pre-treater right away on the remaining residue. Afterwards, rub some detergent onto the stain and scrub lightly. Then soak the stained item in warm water overnight. The following day, wash it in the washing machine with hot water and detergent.

gravyMasterfile

Advertisement

Chocolate

First, rub some detergent on the stain. Next, put it in the washing machine and, turned to the hot setting, wash  with some colour-safe bleach.

chocolate, truffles and holiday treatsMasterfile

Tide Coldwater

Revive your seasonal linens

Give your seasonal tablecloths, dinner napkins and other linens a quick refresh with Tide Coldwater, formulated to get laundry brilliantly clean at lower temperatures – while saving up to 70% of the energy in each load.*

* Convert warm/cold to cold/cold cycle, medium load in top-load machine, with electric water heater.

Tide Coldwater

Cranberry sauce

Scrape off all the sauce and sponge the stain with cold water right away. Whip together a mixture of one tablespoon of white vinegar, a half-teaspoon of detergent, and one quart of cool water and soak the stain in it for 15 minutes. Launder the piece on the hottest setting it will allow.

cranberry sauceMasterfile

Advertisement

Candle wax

Harden the wax with an ice-cube to make it easier to remove. Use a knife to pry off as much wax as possible. Place a paper towel on top of and underneath the stain, then press it with a warm iron. You'll need to keep replacing the towels until all the wax is absorbed. Use a pre-treater to get any remaining oil out, and then rub with some detergent. Rinse the mixture off with water, then wash the piece in hot water and chlorine bleach.

candles on holiday mantleMasterfile

Bounty Parent 6 x 40 Holiday Prints

Wipe up spills

Give your kitchen a festivetouch with Bounty Holiday Prints with Trap and Lock Technology. They're also perfect for cleaning up big holiday party messes.

Bounty Parent 6 x 40 Holiday Prints

Red wine

Blot the area with a cloth first, then dab on some cold water or denatured alcohol, and rinse with vinegar or club soda. If the fabric can handle it, pour a little salt on there and let it sit for a few minutes, before rinsing the area with boiling water.

red wine bottle and wine glassMasterfile

Advertisement

Pine sap

Dig out some oil solvent from the garage and dab it onto the stain. Add a little detergent to the stain before throwing it into the wash.

couple with christmas pine tree on streetMasterfile

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement