It’s the extra touches that turn special holiday meals from good to fantastic, things like trimmings and of course, the favourite family recipes passed down from generation to generation which are so unique to every home. Can you imagine a Thanksgiving turkey without gravy and cranberry? No, neither can we. So fill up the gravy boat and make an extra batch of Aunt Evelyn’s special cranberry sauce for all to enjoy! If either should splash on the tablecloth, or drip down your best dress, here’s a little cleaning know-how to avoid a stain.
STAIN #1: TURKEY GRAVY
Most gravy recipes contain some type of fat that although often easy to remove, can leave an oily mark if not pre-treated. Follow these steps to get that grease gone:
- The first step is to lift the gravy and any solid bits from the surface of the fabric. Use a dull knife or spoon to ensure fabric is not damaged during the process. Do not rub the stain with a cloth, this will only push the gravy deeper into the fabric making it much harder to remove.
- If you have a pre-treatment stain remover, apply to the area. Otherwise, a bit of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent (which contains enough enzymes to break apart stains) should do the trick.
- Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the stain to get the detergent deep into fibres.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes. The detergent will slowly dissolve the oily stain.
- Once the stain has been removed, wash the garment in the hottest water recommended for the fabric on the care label. If the fabric is still stained, drying the item on high heat high will only make the oil even more difficult to remove.
STAIN # 2: CRANBERRY SAUCE
If left untreated, berry stains, like cranberry, can leave a permanent pink or red stain on garments or upholstery. The following steps will help you remove this unplanned wardrobe addition:
- Carefully blot the area where the cranberry sauce has spilled. Much like the gravy spill, rubbing the area with a cloth will only cause the stain to bleed further into the fabric. Absorb as much moisture as you can with a dry clean cloth or paper towel.
- Combine rubbing alcohol and liquid detergent in a plastic or glass bowl (do not use metal), and mix gently. Note: If you are cleaning the stain from upholstery, add white vinegar to the mixture.
- Before applying liberally to the stain, test a small area of the garment or upholstery to ensure that the mixture will not damage the fabric.
- Using the mixture continue to blot the area until the stain is removed. If possible, place a dry folded cloth or some paper towels underneath the stain to absorb the excess liquid as you treat.
- Once the stain is removed, wash in the hottest water setting recommended by the manufacturer.
If you’d like some extra help cleaning up before or after the long holiday weekend, it’s as simple as finding your local MOLLY MAID! For professional cleaning services you will be thankful for, call us or fill out a contact form for a location near you today.
Image by Julie Rothe from Pixabay
