The holidays are all about gathering around good food and great company, not stressing over spills and stains. Between cranberry sauce mishaps, red wine splashes, and gravy drips, it's easy for your favorite table linens, outfits, and napkins to take a hit this time of year. But with a few smart steps (and a little help from your local Martinizing Cleaners), you can keep everything looking merry and bright.
Act Fast, But Stay Calm
When a spill happens, blot gently and don't rub. Use a clean, white cloth or napkin to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fibers, especially with delicate fabrics like silk or linen. Acting quickly is key, but being gentle makes all the difference.
Know What You're Dealing With
Not all stains are created equal, and knowing what you're up against can make all the difference in saving your favorite holiday fabrics.
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Red Wine & Cranberry Sauce: These deep-pigment stains can set fast. Blot gently, then apply a little cold water or club soda — never hot — to help lift the color before it locks in. Avoid salt, which can actually make the stain worse on certain fabrics.
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Gravy & Butter: Greasy stains need a different approach. Sprinkle cornstarch, talcum powder, or baking soda over the spot to absorb excess oils before cleaning. Once absorbed, brush it off gently, but don't scrub.
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Chocolate & Desserts: These contain both oil and sugar, which can burn into fabric with heat. Scrape off any solids with a spoon, dab with cold water, and resist the urge to use hot water.
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Coffee & Tea: Quickly blot and rinse with cold water. If the stain remains, a mild vinegar-and-water solution can help, but delicate fabrics should always go straight to professional care.
When in doubt, don't risk DIY fixes that might set the stain permanently. Bring your items to Martinizing Cleaners, where trained specialists know how to identify and treat stains safely for each fabric type — from your fine linens to your favorite holiday sweater.
Call in the Experts
The sooner you bring in your stained items, the better your chances of saving them. Our professional cleaning process lifts even the toughest holiday stains while protecting your fabric's color, texture, and integrity. Whether it's a family heirloom tablecloth or your favorite party outfit, we'll make sure it's ready for the next celebration.
Enjoy every holiday moment and let Martinizing Cleaners handle the cleanup behind the scenes.