Holiday Cleaning Tips to Keep in Mind This Season
The holidays are a great time to catch up with friends and family while showing off your entertaining skills. However, the most wonderful time of year also seems to be the messiest, which can make cleanup an unbearably long task if you don’t know these holiday cleaning tips. If you’re hosting holiday events this year, don’t let the fear of messes and stains ruin your holiday gathering. Below are some holiday cleaning tips to help you tackle common stains and messes that can happen this time of year.
Wine Stains
With all of the eating, drinking and being merry, there are bound to be some spilled glasses this holiday season, and red wine might be the worst of all. If a wine stain occurs, immediately blot the excess liquid. Be careful not to rub the spill as this will cause the stain to set into the fibers of carpet or fabric. Create a mixture of equal parts dishwashing detergent with hydrogen peroxide. Pour or spray the mixture onto the stain and let it soak for a few minutes. If the spill is on a tablecloth or clothing, place it in the washer as soon as possible. If wine is spilled on carpet, blot the area with clean warm water once the mixture has soaked in. For white wine spills, a simple mixture of warm water and either dishwashing detergent or white vinegar should do the trick. If traces remain, use the hydrogen peroxide mixture.
Gravy Stains
The secret to getting rid of gravy stains is to act right away; but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean clearing the table in the middle of your holiday feast. Simply remove excess gravy and sprinkle some baking soda or salt on the stain then blot with club soda. Then when you have time, soak the stained fabric in cold water for several hours before treating it. After letting it soak, gently rub the stain with a drop of dishwashing detergent, rinse and repeat until the stain has been removed, laundering any washable items afterwards. Do not place the item in the dryer if the stain is still there, as this will make it harder to remove.
Cranberry Stains
Spilled cranberry sauce can be almost as detrimental as red wine due to its acidity and rich red color, so it’s important to act fast. First, blot the stain with a white cloth after excess sauce is removed. Then blot with warm water and dishwashing detergent until the stain is removed. If the stain persists, allow a little hydrogen peroxide to soak into the stain and then blot with clean warm water before washing. Try to avoid using high-alkaline stain remover products with cranberry stains because they can actually change the chemical structure of the stain and make it harder to remove.
Christmas Tree Sap
For many people, the fresh scent of a real Christmas tree is what really sets the mood for the holidays. That can also mean sap on your floors and in your carpet. Regardless of the type of tree, the sap is pretty much the same and can be cleaned up fairly simply. First, blot the area with isopropyl rubbing alcohol to loosen and dissolve the sap. Then, use a mixture of detergent and warm water to remove any stains left behind. Once the stain is removed, blot with clean water and a dry towel.
If These Holiday Cleaning Tips Aren’t Enough, Contact Stanley Steemer
Many of our holiday cleaning tips include hydrogen peroxide, but remember that peroxide is a bleaching agent so it is best to use this treatment on lighter-colored cloths and fabrics. You can substitute peroxide with white vinegar for spills and stains on darker and brighter-colored surfaces, but if those stains are still set in, contact Stanley Steemer of South Florida. Our specialists are able to clean and revive your carpets, hardwood floors, tile floors, area rugs, upholstery and leather furniture after your holiday gatherings. Call (888) 982-3553 or visit our website to learn more and to get a free quote.