The holidays are in full swing and the New Year is almost here. As we enjoy time with friends and family and evenings full of laughter and delicious food, the likelihood of a few holiday stains is very likely. But don’t fret, Flair Cleaners can help! Here are tips on dealing with the 7 stains most likely to happen during the holidays.
Most holiday stains require special treatment which can add hours of time to your regular laundry schedule. And, different stains require different treatments, making the process even longer and trickier. It’s best to bring holiday stains to Flair, especially combination stains. There are stains that include more than one substance, like wax and dyes, oil or fats and protein (milk), etc.
Cautions:
- Before attempting to treat any stain, check and follow the care instructions on the garment label.
- Never machine dry a garment until the stain is completely gone as heat will set it permanently.
Chocolate
Gently scrape excess chocolate from the fabric. Sponge or soak the stained area in chilly water until the stain is mostly gone. Pre-treat the remaining stain by following the directions on your favorite spot remover and soak the garment for up to 6 hours. When the stain fades launder as usual in the hottest water setting specified on the garment care tag. Repeat if necessary.
Lipstick
Lipstick stains require special treatment as they dissolve partially with the right cleaning fluid, partially in detergent, and partially in water. we recommend bringing these stains to Flair Cleaners.
Gravy
Gently scrape excess gravy from the fabric. Treat the stain with a solvent-based stain remover. Then use your fingers to agitate and break up the stain with liquid detergent or a paste made of powdered detergent and water. Rinse in hot water. Next, wash in the hottest water suitable for the fabric using detergent and an all-fabric color-safe bleach.
Candle Wax
Rub with ice and carefully scrape excess wax from the fabric. Once excess wax is removed, place the garment between several layers of paper towels and press with a warm iron. Reposition the paper towel and repeat until most of the stain is absorbed. Follow the directions on the appropriate stain remover. Wash to eliminate the remaining stain. Launder in the hottest water safe for fabric. Repeat if necessary.
Fruit Juice
Rinse the stained garment from the back with chilly water to prevent the stain from setting. Flush again with water and blot with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat until the stain has faded or disappears. Launder as usual in the hottest water suitable for fabric. For tough, dried-in stains soak the garment in a solution of stain remover and water for at least 4 hours. If the stain persists, repeat the above step with a new stain remover solution.
Wine
Try not to let the stain dry before laundering. Tannin stains are best pre-treated by flushing and then soaking in chilly water. Blot the stain area with a clean, dry cloth to keep the stain from spreading
If you are unsure of what a stain might be, always make sure to check with Flair Cleaners first as some stains can become harder/impossible to clean if first cleaned incorrectly. Pay close attention to care labels and instructions. If anything proves to be a little tougher feel free to visit any of our locations; we would be happy to help.
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