How to Tackle 5 Common Holiday Stains

Between all the cooking, pouring, and cheers-ing, it’s pretty normal to get a few spills and splatters in a holiday season—a bit of red wine here, a blob of cranberry sauce there. 

Luckily, there are simple, effective ways to tackle the most common holiday stains. With quick action and the right techniques, you can keep your home and your clothes looking fresh without spending the whole season scrubbing.

Removing Red Wine Stains from Tablecloths and Clothing

When you're faced with a fresh red wine spill, a calm and methodical approach works best.

1. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to soak up as much wine as possible. Avoid rubbing.

2. Sprinkle table salt on the fresh stain to help draw out moisture and pigment, or dab with club soda to loosen the color.

3. Rinse the back of the fabric with cool or lukewarm water to help flush the stain outward. Avoid hot water, which can set it permanently.

While these home remedies can help a lot, some stubborn stains need a bit more care. Just mix Blueland's Oxi Laundry Booster with water and let laundry pre-soak in the solution before washing.

Tackling Gravy and Saucy Stains on Fabric

Gravy and sauce are some of the trickiest stains to treat. The goal is to remove solids and oils before they settle deep into the fabric.

Immediate Actions for Grease-Based Holiday Stains

When you have a thick and greasy stain like gravy, don’t blot. Instead, try these tips: 

1. Use a spoon or dull knife to scrape off the remaining excess gravy.

2. Put baking soda or cornstarch over the greasy part to soak up the oil.

3. Dab or blot whatever stain is left with a paper towel. Don’t rub it.

Deep Cleaning Cranberry Sauce Residue

1. Rinse the back of the spot with cold water.

2. Mix a small bit of Blueland Oxi Laundry Booster with water and dab into the stain.

3. Let sit for a few minutes, rub it in gently, and wait a few minutes.

Before drying, make sure the stain is gone. Dryer heat can set any bit of remaining stain. 

Managing Candle Wax and Chocolate Stains After Gatherings

Some stains—especially ones with waxy, oily, or solid components like candle wax or melted chocolate—require a different approach than typical liquid spills. These types of messes sit on top of the fabric before they soak in, so treating them correctly before washing makes a big difference. Most importantly, you want to lift the solids without pushing them deeper into the fibers. 

Steps to Remove Candle Wax

1. Let the wax harden completely (use ice water to speed up the process).

2. Scrape off the hardened, excess wax.

3. Place a brown paper bag or paper towel over the residue.

4. Use a warm iron to melt and lift leftover wax into the paper.

Steps to Remove Chocolate Stains

1. Scrape off excess chocolate with a blunt knife or spoon to avoid spreading it further.

2. Run cold water through the back of the fabric to flush out as much chocolate as possible.

3. Mix water with Oxi Laundry Booster to create a paste and apply a small amount directly onto the stain.

4. Let the garment soak in cold water for 15-30 minutes.

5. Wash the garment in the washing machine.

6. Air dry the garment.

The holiday season brings a lot of joy, but it also means you might get some stains. When you know what holiday stains to expect, and what to do, you can keep your home looking good and keep your favorite things bright. With that, here’s to a happy and stain-free holiday season!