We'll tell you how to remove the eight most common stains from Christmas dinner.
Christmas dinners and lunches often leave special memories in homes, but also tough stains on tablecloths, napkins, and clothing. Once the celebrations are over, cleaning becomes an unavoidable task for many hosts.
After clearing the table and removing the dishes, it is common to find traces of wine, sauces, and other food on delicate textiles, which requires acting quickly to prevent the residue from settling into the fabrics.
Given this situation, the specialized portal AD Magazine compiled a series of practical recommendations to remove the most common stains that occur during Christmas dinners, avoiding mistakes that can damage fabrics.
Common mistakes
One of the mistakes the magazine mentions in domestic cleaning is putting all stained clothes directly into the washing machine without prior treatment, which can cause some stains to disappear and others to become permanently ingrained.
Another common mistake is using hot water on all types of stains, when in many cases the heat only helps to fix the residue in the fabric and makes it harder to remove later.
Most frequent spots
Among the most common stains is red wine stain , considered one of the most difficult to remove if you do not act in time and with the appropriate procedure.
In this case, AD Magazine quotes cleaning expert Begoña Pérez, known as La Ordenatriz, who recommends soaking the garment in hot water with a tablespoon of percarbonate for 20 minutes before washing.
Grease stains, common after heavy Christmas meals, require immediate attention. Applying a mixture of soap and baking soda directly to the fabric and leaving it for 30 minutes can make them easier to remove.
Seafood sauces often leave stubborn stains on tablecloths and napkins. In these cases, it's best to avoid hot water, as it can set the stain, and instead use cold water with dish soap and baking soda.
Lipstick stains, common on light-colored fabrics, can be removed by gently rubbing with a microfiber cloth soaked in alcohol or micellar water before washing.
When it comes to chocolate stains, speed is key. Soaking the garment in cold water and applying soap may be enough to prevent the residue from setting into the fabric.
With coffee or liquor stains, using hot water can worsen the problem. It's recommended to place the garment in cold water and, if the stain persists, apply white vinegar before rinsing.
Tomato sauce is another common stain during holiday dinners. Applying dish soap directly to the stain and rinsing with warm water usually yields good results if acted upon promptly.
Finally, AD Magazine notes that candle wax can be removed by immersing the garment in very hot water and allowing it to cool so that the wax comes off on its own, recommending treating any remaining stains before washing.
