As the holiday season kicks into high gear, keeping your home spotless amidst the festivities can be a real challenge.When the celebrations start, so do the inevitable spills and stains. But fear not, Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels has some handy tips to save your holiday decor from disaster.
Tackling Red Wine Stains with Ease
Red wine—that vibrant splash of color can quickly turn your favorite tablecloth into a casualty of the festivities. What to do when that glass tips over?
First things first: grab a clean cloth and blot away as much of the wine as you can. Don’t rub it; that just spreads the stain. Next, sprinkle some salt or baking soda on the spot. These little heroes absorb the liquid like nobody’s business.
After letting it sit for a bit, rinse the area with cold water. Here’s a simple mix: equal parts dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it gently and let it work its magic. Finally, toss the fabric into the wash, following the care instructions. Voila! Your tablecloth is back to its festive best.
Grease and Gravy: The Sticky Situations
Holiday meals often come with generous helpings of grease and gravy. These can be stubborn on fabrics, but a little know-how goes a long way.
Start by blotting the excess grease with a clean cloth. Then, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain to soak up the remaining grease. Brush off the powder carefully. Now, mix some dish soap with water and apply it to the spot. Let it sit for a few minutes before laundering as usual.
Quick Steps for Grease Stains:
- Blot excess grease
- Apply cornstarch or talcum powder
- Brush off gently
- Use dish soap and water mixture
- Launder normally
Say Goodbye to Cranberry Sauce Mishaps
Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, but it can be a sticky situation if spilled. Here’s how to keep your linens looking pristine.
First, scoop off any excess sauce with a spoon or knife. Rinse the stain under cold water to dilute the color. Then, pre-treat the area with a mixture of vinegar and dish soap. Let it sit for a while to break down the stain. Finally, wash the fabric according to its care instructions. Easy peasy!
The Tree Sap Troubles
Christmas tree sap can be a tricky foe, but with the right approach, you can remove it without a hitch.
Start by freezing the sap using an ice pack or ice cubes in a plastic bag. Once it’s hardened, gently scrape it off with a dull knife. Any residue left? Dab it with rubbing alcohol using a clean cloth. Keep blotting until the ink is absorbed by the paper towel. Finish by laundering the item as usual.
Sap Removal Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freeze sap with ice pack |
| 2 | Scrape off hardened sap |
| 3 | Dab with rubbing alcohol |
| 4 | Launder the item |
Handling Glitter and Candle Wax
Glitter and wax are festive but can be a nightmare on fabrics. Here’s how to manage these tricky stains.
For glitter, start with a lint roller or some adhesive tape to pick up the loose bits. If it’s embedded, press a mixture of water and dish soap onto the stain with a cloth. Rinse thoroughly and wash as per fabric care instructions.
Candle wax requires a different approach. Let the wax harden first, then carefully scrape off the excess with a dull knife. Place a brown paper bag or paper towel over the wax stain and iron over it to transfer the wax onto the paper. Finally, launder the fabric as usual.
Chocolate and Ink: Sweet and Messy
Chocolate stains? No problem. Scrape off the excess with a butter knife or spoon. Rinse the back of the fabric with cold water to push the chocolate out of the fibers. Pre-treat with a mixture of dish soap and water, then wash according to the care instructions.
Ink stains need swift action. Place a paper towel under the stained area and dab the ink with rubbing alcohol using a clean cloth. Blot until the ink transfers to the paper towel. Once done, launder the item as directed.
