How to Handle Holiday Food Stains (and Keep the Holiday Spirit Sparkling)

The holiday season is full of joy, laughter, and… accidental spills! Between cozy family dinners, sweet treats, and toasts to the season, a few food stains are inevitable. But don’t worry— Newberg Coin Laundry has you covered with easy ways to tackle holiday stains at home. And if you’d rather relax, our wash and fold service is always here to take care of the cleanup while you enjoy the season!

1. Hot Chocolate and Coffee Drips

Whether it’s a morning latte or hot cocoa by the fire, these classic holiday drinks can leave stubborn stains.

• Blot with Cold Water: Grab a paper towel and blot the stain to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Pre-Treat with Dish Soap or Stain Remover: Apply a dab of dish soap and let it sit for a few minutes. For extra tough stains, let it sit a bit longer.
• Cold Wash: Wash in cold water, then check if the stain is gone before drying—heat can set it permanently.

2. Red Wine and Eggnog Spills

Cheers to the holidays… until the eggnog or wine ends up on your favorite sweater!

• Blot with Cold Water First: Don’t rub! Blotting prevents spreading.
• Salt or Baking Soda Sprinkle: Sprinkle salt or baking soda to absorb the liquid, then rinse with cold water.
• Vinegar and Detergent: Apply a mix of white vinegar and a bit of detergent to the spot, let it sit, then rinse and wash on cold.

3. Cranberry Sauce and Berry Compote

Sweet, tangy, and often bright red—cranberry and berry stains are bold but removable!

• Cold Rinse: Rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric to flush out the stain.
• Vinegar & Baking Soda Mix: Make a paste with white vinegar and baking soda and gently rub it into the stain. Rinse again, and repeat if necessary.
• Cold Wash Cycle: Wash on cold, and avoid drying until you’re sure the stain is gone.

4. Gravy and Butter Splashes

Turkey dinner wouldn’t be complete without a little gravy or butter. Here’s how to handle these oily stains.

• Sprinkle with Cornstarch or Baking Soda: Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak up grease, then shake off.
• Dish Soap Application: Dish soap is designed for oils and works great here. Rub it into the stain, then rinse and wash.
• Warm Wash: Wash on warm if the fabric allows, as it helps lift greasy stains.

5. Chocolate Treats (Cookies, Fudge, and More!)

Chocolate delights are everywhere this season, so here’s what to do if you find a smudge or two.

• Scrape Off Excess: Use a spoon to remove any solid chocolate.
• Cold Water Soak: Soak the item in cold water for a few minutes to prevent the stain from setting.
• Detergent or Stain Remover Application: Apply a bit of laundry detergent directly to the stain, then wash as usual.

6. Fruitcake and Icing Stains

Festive treats like fruitcake, or icing from holiday cookies, can leave colorful stains behind.

• Cold Water Rinse: Rinse the stain with cold water to prevent it from setting.
• Pre-Treat with Vinegar: White vinegar can lift both food dyes and sugar, so apply a bit to the stain.
• Wash as Usual: Use a regular cycle and check for stains before drying.

Let Newberg Laundry Handle the Post-Holiday Mess
We know the holidays are busy, so why not let us help? Newberg Laundry’s wash and fold service can save you time, letting you get back to celebrating. Bring us your stained holiday favorites, and we’ll take care of the sorting, treating, and folding—just leave the laundry to us!

Wishing You a Clean, Cozy Christmas!
From all of us at Newberg Laundry, we wish you a merry (and stain-free) Christmas! Visit us in Newberg, Springfield, or McMinnville for help with holiday stains and all your laundry needs. Cheers to a bright holiday season!