Holiday Clean-Up Hacks: How to Remove Stains from Table Linens and More

Patrick Conlon
Nov 11, 2024
4 min read

As the holiday season arrives, so do gatherings filled with delicious meals, festive drinks, and warm memories. But with all that holiday cheer comes the inevitable aftermath—stains on your beloved table linens, spills on upholstery, and scuff marks that make you wonder if the holidays were more of a workout for your home than for you! Fear not! Squeaky's Cleaning Services has your back with these tried-and-true holiday clean-up hacks to tackle stubborn stains and keep your home looking pristine for every festivity.

The Benefits of Tackling Holiday Stains Quickly

Addressing holiday messes promptly offers more than just a spotless home. Here’s why it’s essential:

Prevents Permanent Staining: Treating stains immediately can prevent them from setting, ensuring your linens and upholstery remain looking new.
Extends the Life of Your Linens and Upholstery: With proper care, your favorite holiday items last season after season.
Easier Clean-Up: Tackling messes as they happen minimizes hard-to-remove buildup, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Hack #1: How to Remove Wine Stains from Table Linens

Red wine is a holiday staple, but it’s notorious for leaving tough stains. Here’s how to handle them:

Act Fast: Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth—don’t rub, as it can spread the stain.
Salt to the Rescue: Cover the stain with salt to absorb the wine. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Vinegar and Dish Soap Solution: Mix one tablespoon of dish soap and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Dab the stain with the solution using a sponge until the stain lifts.

Fact: Studies show that untreated red wine stains can become permanent within just an hour, so quick action is key!

Hack #2: Remove Grease Stains with Baking Soda and Dish Soap

Holiday meals are often rich, and those buttery, greasy dishes can leave unwanted marks. Here's a simple trick:

Sprinkle Baking Soda: Cover the stain with baking soda, which helps absorb the grease.
Apply Dish Soap: Rub in a few drops of dish soap and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Rinse with Hot Water: Rinse the area under hot water, and if the stain persists, repeat the process.

Fact: Baking soda is mildly abrasive, making it an effective yet gentle cleaner for most fabrics.

Hack #3: Tackle Coffee Stains with Vinegar and Cold Water

Morning coffee with friends or dessert coffee after dinner can sometimes end up on your tablecloth. Here’s an easy way to banish those coffee stains:

Blot the Stain: Use a cloth to absorb as much of the coffee as possible.
Cold Water Rinse: Rinse the stain under cold water to prevent it from setting.
Vinegar Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and dab the stain until it’s gone.

Pro Tip: Avoid using hot water on coffee stains, as it can make the stain harder to remove.

Hack #4: Remove Candle Wax from Table Linens and Surfaces

Candles create cozy holiday vibes but can leave wax stains when tipped. Here’s how to safely remove wax:

Freeze It: Place the stained fabric in the freezer for a few hours, making the wax brittle and easier to peel off.
Scrape with Care: Gently scrape the hardened wax off with a plastic knife.
Iron It Out: Place a paper towel over the stain and iron on a low setting. The heat will melt the remaining wax, which the paper towel will absorb.

Fact: Wax stains can seem intimidating, but using this method can eliminate nearly 95% of visible wax residue.

Hack #5: Use Rubbing Alcohol for Ink Stains

Gift tags, cards, and holiday crafts mean plenty of pens and markers, which can sometimes end up staining your linens or upholstery. Here’s an easy fix:

Dab with Rubbing Alcohol: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently dab (don’t rub) the ink stain.
Rinse and Repeat: Rinse with cold water and repeat until the stain disappears.

Hack #6: Combat Gravy and Sauce Stains with Cornstarch

Gravy and sauces are holiday must-haves, but they can leave greasy, dark stains. Here’s a simple cornstarch trick:

Cover with Cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch over the stain to absorb excess grease.
Let It Sit: Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes.
Wash as Usual: After brushing off the cornstarch, wash the linen as usual.

Pro Tip: Cornstarch is a natural absorber, making it perfect for blotting up excess grease.

Additional Holiday Clean-Up Tips from Squeaky’s Cleaning Services

The holidays are busy enough without spending extra time scrubbing stubborn stains. Here are some bonus tips to keep your home looking holiday-ready:

Use Table Runners and Placemats: These decorative pieces can catch spills, making them easier to clean than a full tablecloth.
Pre-Treat Before Washing: For tough stains, use a stain remover spray before laundering your linens.
Don’t Wait to Wash: The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. Launder stained items as soon as possible after each gathering.

Let Squeaky’s Cleaning Services Help You with Holiday Clean-Up!

Between family, friends, and festive gatherings, cleaning up can feel overwhelming. If you need a helping hand, Squeaky's Cleaning Services offers comprehensive cleaning solutions tailored to your holiday needs. Our professional cleaners know the ins and outs of stain removal, upholstery care, and making homes look holiday-ready, so you can spend more time enjoying the season.

With these holiday clean-up hacks, your home will be ready to welcome guests in style all season long. And if you’re looking for a reliable cleaning service to take care of the bigger messes, Squeaky's Cleaning Services is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your holiday clean-up and give your home the sparkle it deserves!