How To Get The Most Common Christmas Stains Off Your Clothes

Christmas dinner can be delicious, but it also poses the risk of various food stains on tablecloths, napkins, and clothing. Here are common types of food stains that may occur, along with tips on how to remove them:

1. Gravy Stains:
   • Treat gravy stains by blotting excess with a clean cloth or paper towel. Pre-treat the stain with a mixture of dish soap and water before laundering. Check the care label of the fabric for washing instructions.
2. Red Wine Stains:
   • Blot as much of the wine as possible using a clean cloth or paper towel. Sprinkle salt on the stain to absorb more liquid. Rinse with cold water and apply a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Launder as usual.
3. Cranberry Sauce Stains:
   • Scrape off excess cranberry sauce with a spoon. Rinse the stain with cold water from the back of the fabric to force the stain out. Apply liquid laundry detergent or a stain remover before washing.
4. Grass Stains (from Christmas tree):
   • For grass stains, treat with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water before washing. Alternatively, use a pre-wash stain remover or enzyme-based laundry detergent.
5. Butter or Oil Stains:
   • Blot excess oil or butter with a paper towel. Sprinkle cornstarch, talcum powder, or baking soda on the stain to absorb the oil. Brush off the powder, then apply dish soap or a pre-wash stain remover before laundering.
6. Chocolate Stains:
   • Scrape off excess chocolate with a spoon or dull knife. Rinse the stain with cold water from the back of the fabric. Apply liquid laundry detergent or a stain remover before washing.
7. Turkey Gravy Stains (protein-based):
   • Rinse the stain with cold water as soon as possible. Apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water or liquid laundry detergent before washing.
8. Coffee or Tea Stains:
   • Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rinse with cold water, then apply a mixture of vinegar and water or liquid laundry detergent. Launder as usual.
9. Candle Wax Stains:
   • Harden the wax by placing ice in a plastic bag on top of the stain. Once hardened, gently scrape off the wax with a dull knife. Place a paper towel on both sides of the fabric and press with a warm iron to transfer any remaining wax to the paper towel.

Remember, always check the care label and follow the recommended instructions for washing specific fabrics. Additionally, it’s crucial to treat stains as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of successful removal. —Vita Daily