Dealing with Wine, Chocolate, and Gravy Stains

The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and plenty of delicious food and drink, but it can also bring an unfortunate side effect: stains. Whether it's spilled wine on your favorite rug, chocolate smeared on the couch, or gravy drippings on the tablecloth, holiday gatherings are full of potential messes. Here's an eco-friendly guide to tackling the most common holiday stains without resorting to harsh chemicals.

1. Red Wine Stains

Red wine is a holiday favorite, but it's also notorious for leaving tough stains. The key to removing wine stains is acting fast.

What You'll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Cold water

Steps:

• Blot (don't rub) the stain with a clean cloth to soak up as much wine as possible.
• Apply cold water to dilute the stain, then blot again.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and pour a small amount of white vinegar on top. The mixture will fizz as it lifts the stain.
• Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cold water and blot dry.

2. Chocolate Stains

Rich holiday treats like chocolate can leave behind oily, stubborn stains if not treated properly.

What You'll Need:

• Cornstarch
• Mild dish soap
• Cold water

Steps:

• Scrape off any excess chocolate with a butter knife.
• Sprinkle cornstarch over the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing it off.
• Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water and gently dab the stain with a clean cloth.
• Rinse with cold water and repeat as needed until the stain is gone.

3. Gravy Stains

Gravy stains are common on tablecloths and upholstered chairs. The combination of fat and seasoning can make these stains tricky, but they're not impossible to remove.

What You'll Need:

• Cornstarch or baking soda
• Dish soap
• Warm water

Steps:

• Blot up as much of the gravy as possible with a clean cloth.
• Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then brush it off.
• Mix dish soap with warm water and gently scrub the stain with a soft cloth.
• Rinse with warm water and repeat until the stain is gone.

4. Cranberry Sauce Stains

The vibrant color of cranberry sauce can unfortunately leave a lasting impression on your clothes or table linens. But you can tackle these stains with a few simple ingredients.

What You'll Need:

• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda

Steps:

• Blot the stain and rinse with cold water.
• Apply white vinegar to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar and let it fizz for a few minutes.
• If the stain persists, dab it with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and cold water, then rinse thoroughly.

5. Candle Wax Stains

Holiday candles can create a cozy atmosphere, but wax drippings on furniture or tablecloths can be a headache.

What You'll Need:

• Brown paper bag or wax paper
• Iron

Steps:

• Allow the wax to harden completely, then scrape off as much as you can with a butter knife.
• Place a brown paper bag or wax paper over the stain.
• Set your iron to a low heat setting and gently iron over the paper, allowing the wax to transfer from the fabric to the bag.
• Repeat as necessary and wash the item as usual.

Tip: For hard surfaces like walls, use a hairdryer instead for more effective heating.