Post-Christmas Clean-Up: Here’s a proven way of cleaning stains out of your fabrics

These are great cleaning tips for all year-round

During all of the fun and festivities, we'll guess there was more than an accident or two - especially if there were little ones excitedly running throughout the house.

From cranberry sauce to red wine and gravy to glitter, different spills require different cleaning methods that are useful all year long.

The Irish Mirror reports that, in the lead-up to Christmas, upwards of 80,000 people have Googled questions related to cleaning up messes.

The experts at Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels have heard these calls and have revealed to the outlet their advice for restoring your home and furniture to its former glory.

Owner, Allen Civlak, tells the publication that red wine, cranberry sauce, gravy, wax, soot and tree sap are just some of the spills that frequently happen over the holidays.

"As Christmas festivities commence, the joyous atmosphere can be dampened by the inevitable spills and stains that come with the season.

"The key is to act quickly and use the right cleaning method for the type of stain. With a little effort, you can keep your home looking its best throughout the holiday season."

Grease and Gravy Stains

Step 1: To remove excess grease, start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth

Step 2: Sprinkle some cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain to absorb additional grease

Step 3: Create a mixture of dish soap and water

Step 4: Clear off the powder and apply the mixture

Step 5: Launder as usual

‌Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Remove any excess sauce with a spoon or knife

Step 2: Rinse the stain with cold water

Step 3: Apply a mixture of vinegar and dish soap

Step 4: Wash and dry as recommended for the fabric

‌Christmas Tree Sap

Step 1: Freeze the sap using an ice pack or by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and placing it on top of the stain

Step 2: Once the sap is hardened, scrape it away with a dull knife

Step 3: Apply some rubbing alcohol to the remaining stain and wash the item as normal

‌Glitter

Step 1: Pick up loose glitter by using adhesive tape or lint roller

Step 2: To clean away any deeply embedded glitter, press a mixture of water and liquid dish soap onto the stain using a cloth

Step 3: Rinse and launder

Red Wine Stains

Step 1: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the wine spill from the fabric as possible

Step 2: Sprinkle some salt or baking soda on top of the stain - this will help to absorb more of the spill

Step 3: Creature a mixture of equal parts dish soap and hydrogen peroxide

Step 4: Rinse the stain with cold water and apply the mixture

Step 5: Wash and dry as usual

‌Candle Wax

Step 1: Wait for the wax to harden before attempting to clean

Step 2: Once hardened, scrape off excess wax with a dull knife

Step 3: Put a brown paper bag or paper towel over the wax stain

Step 4: Iron over the paper, transferring the melting wax onto the paper

Step 5: Wash and dry the item as usual

‌Chocolate Stains

Step 1: Scrape off any excess chocolate with a butter knife or spoon

Step 2: Rinse out the stain with cold water, ensure to rinse from the back of the fabric

Step 3: Creature a mixture of dish soap and water

Step 4: Pre-treat with the mixture and launder according to fabric care instructions

Ink Stains

Step 1: Put a paper towel underneath the stained area

Step 2: Using a clean cloth, dab the stain with some rubbing alcohol

Step 3: Continue to blot the stain until the ink has been absorbed by the paper towel

Step 4: Wash and dry following care instructions

READ MORE:

• How to prevent your baby from getting the hiccups
• Six steps to help your child to build self esteem and confidence
• Mum hailed as ‘genius’ for preparing Christmas dinner a month in advance