The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Suppers that stretch out, glasses that toast, burning candles, decadent desserts... and sometimes, stains that appear where you didn't expect them to appear.
The good news? Many common accidents can be limited — or even completely avoided — if you act calmly and quickly.
The worst? Some popular reflexes often do more damage than anything else.
Whether it is to remove a stain from red wine, turkey fat, candle wax or dessert, this holiday stain removal guide will help you react effectively without damaging your clothes.
Chez Jacob Urban Cleaner, we see pass All the stains you can imagine after the holidays. So here are our best homemade stuff, safe and realistic, to get through the celebrations without panic.
Candles are part of the decor... until a drop of wax falls on the tablecloth.
What to do:
Absolutely to avoid:
If the wax is colored or if a halo persists, it is best to stop there.
A classic for hugs, overly hurried coats and lively evenings.
Why it's tricky:
Lipstick contains oils, waxes and pigments.
What to do:
To avoid:
The red wine stain is undoubtedly The most stressful of the holidays. It is very visible, often occurs on elegant clothing, and generates immediate panic... which is why so many myths are circulating about it.
Red wine contains highly concentrated pigments, of tannins And of theAlcohol. This combination reacts very poorly to heat, friction, and drying. A bad reflex can therefore fix the stain permanently, even if it seems to lessen at the moment.
Myth: Put white wine over red wine
White wine does not neutralize red wine. It may dilute the color slightly in the short term, but it also adds alcohol and sugar, making the stain larger and often more difficult to remove later.
Myth: Add salt and let it work
The salt may absorb some liquid if the stain is very fresh, but it does not remove the pigments. When it dries, it can even fix the color in some fibers.
Myth: Scrub hard to get rid of the stain
Rubbing pushes the pigments into the core of the fibers, extends the stain and can damage the fabric.
Myth: Use hot water
Hot water is the number one enemy of red wine: it fixes tannins and accelerates oxidation.
On a chic dress or delicate fabric, The less you do the better. An unfixed stain is much more likely to be recovered professionally.
Beautiful on the plate, impressive on the fabric.
Why it's complex:
Intense color, sugar and acidity.
What to do:
Cream, butter and sugar form a mixed stain.
What to do:
Probably The most common holiday stain.
Classic error: use hot water.
What to do:
It seems harmless, but may turn yellow over time due to sugar.
What to do:
Sometimes The best reflex is not to insist.
Accidents are a part of the holiday season — and that's okay.
With the right actions and especially by avoiding false tips, several tasks can be greatly reduced.
Chez Jacob Urban Cleaner, every year we help hundreds of customers in Montreal pick up their clothes after the holidays. And if doubt arises, we are there for that: we always prefer to receive a piece of clothing Too soon What Worked too much.
👉 Come see us in-store or schedule an online collection — we'll take care of the rest.
.png)
