The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of chaos and spills. From cooking Christmas dinner to opening presents, it's easy to get overwhelmed and make a mess. But don't worry, we've got you covered with some helpful tips and tricks to tackle those spills and stains. Here's how to fix common Christmas disasters and keep your home looking its best.
Dab, Don't Scrub
When it comes to removing stains, the key is to dab, not scrub. It's natural to want to scrub a stain in a panic, but this can push the stain deeper into the fabric, making it harder to remove. Instead, gently dab the stained area to draw the stain out. This simple technique can make a big difference in getting rid of those stubborn stains.
Christmas Dinner Stains
Gravy drips and cranberry sauce blobs are common during Christmas dinner. Don't panic! Use a spoon to gently scrape off any remaining solid pieces of gravy or sauce. Then, combine a tablespoon of white vinegar and a little cold water, dab onto the stain using a cloth, and leave to soak for around 15 minutes. If necessary, put the tablecloth in the washing machine on a low heat to ensure all remnants of the stain are removed.
Tabletop Christmas Trees and Poinsettias
With all the running around and less elbow space available, plants or small decorative Christmas trees might get knocked over, causing soil to spill on the floor. Instead of reaching for the vacuum, grab a dustpan and brush to remove any soil spills. This simple step can help keep your home looking tidy and prevent any damage to your vacuum.
Mulled and Red Wine
Red wine spills can be a real panic, but all is not lost. Act fast by using a clean, dry cloth and gently dabbing the stain, moving the liquid towards the centre of the spill. For those without a cleaning kit suited to their sofa, simply use warm, soapy water on the affected area, making sure to blot the stain instead of rubbing, as this could spread the stain further.
Snacking on the Couch
Eating on the sofa is more common at Christmas, and turkey sandwiches are a staple. If some cranberry sauce drops onto your seat and starts to soak in, start by scraping off any excess sauce with a spoon or butter knife, then quickly blot the stain with a solution of soapy water. Sponging the area with cold water once the mixture has worked its magic will leave your sofa in good condition, once dried.
Candlewax on the Carpet
Lifting candle wax out of a carpet doesn't have to be stressful. The longer it sits on the carpet, the harder the stain will be to remove. Start by filling a plastic bag with ice and laying it directly onto the stain. Once the wax starts to freeze slightly, gently scrape the wax off the carpet using a blunt knife, like a butter knife. Then, find a brown paper bag or thin tea towel and lay it over the affected area. Finally, use a warm iron to run over the paper bag or tea towel, pressing gently and evenly until the wax starts to be absorbed and lift off the carpet.
