Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious feasts. However, it can also be a time of mishaps and messes. With gravy boats tipping over and cranberry sauce flying off spoons, stains are almost as traditional as turkey on Thanksgiving. Fear not, though! You can tackle these common stains and keep the holiday spirit alive with a little know-how.
1. Turkey Gravy
Gravy adds a savory touch to the meal but can leave a greasy mark if it finds its way to your tablecloth or clothing. To tackle gravy stains, first blot the area with a paper towel to absorb as much oil as possible. Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the stain to draw out more grease. Let it sit for 15 minutes before gently brushing it away, then launder as usual.
2. Cranberry Sauce
The vibrant color of cranberry sauce is delightful on your plate but daunting on fabric. Suppose it lands where it shouldn’t act quickly. Rinse the stained area under cold water to remove excess sauce. Apply a stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wash in cold water.
3. Red Wine
No Thanksgiving is complete without a little spillage of red wine. Begin by blotting the stain with a clean cloth, avoid rubbing as it will spread the pigment. Generously sprinkle salt over the area to absorb liquid and pigment. After the salt has turned pink, brush it off and rinse from the back with cold water. Treat with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap before washing.
4. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie offers creamy sweetness but combines dye and a hint of oil. To remove a pumpkin pie stain, scrape away any solid bits with a spoon. Blot the remaining stain with a cloth soaked in cold water. Then, use a stain remover or a liquid laundry detergent directly on the stain, letting it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
5. Coffee
Morning caffeine is essential, but coffee spills can turn sour fast. If coffee drips onto the fabric, blot to remove excess liquid. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with a cup of water and dab the mixture on the stain using a sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, rinse, and launder with detergent.
6. Mashed Potatoes and Butter
This comforting side is often joined by a pat of butter, making it a double threat. Begin with scraping off as much as possible, then treat any greasy residue with cornstarch or baking soda. Let it absorb for 15 minutes, brush away, and then launder as usual.
7. Chocolate Desserts
Whether it’s chocolate pie or fudge, chocolate stains can set quickly. Scrape off any solids first, then wash the stain under cold running water. Use a mixture of dish soap and water to blot the remaining stain, then rinse and launder in cold water.
8. Salad Dressing
Oil-based dressings are a notorious stain maker. Blot any excess dressing and cover the spot in an absorbent powder, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water, treat with a dishwashing liquid, then wash in the hottest water, safe for the fabric.
9. Stuffing
Stuffing often contains oils and colorful herbs or vegetables that can stain fabrics. Scrape off any solids and blot the stain with cold water. Use a stain remover or a combination of dish soap and vinegar, gently rub it in, let it sit, and then launder normally.
10. Grease from Roasting
Roasting creates rich flavors—and stains. Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch immediately to absorb the oil. After brushing it off, apply a dish soap directly to the area, working it in with your fingers. Let it sit, then wash it in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
11. Tomato-Based Sauce
Whether part of an appetizer or main dish, Tomato sauce can splash. Quickly scrape away the sauce and rinse the fabric under cold water. Apply a mixture of dish soap and vinegar, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse. Follow up with a specialized stain remover if needed.
General Tips for Tackling Stains:
Act Quickly: Stains are easiest to remove when they’re fresh. Attend to them as soon as possible.
Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing can spread the stain further, so always blot gently.
Test Cleaning Solutions: Before applying a new cleaning solution, test it on a hidden area of the fabric to ensure it won’t cause discoloration.
Cold Water: Often the best choice for initial rinsing, preventing stains from setting permanently.
Thanksgiving may bring chaos with spills and stains, yet it also reminds us of cherished moments with loved ones. With these practical solutions, you’ll be equipped to tackle any stain, keeping your home clean and ready to create more memories.
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