Fix Gravy Stains And Other Thanksgiving Nuisances

For most people Thanksgiving means a lot of family surrounding the table with many delicious (and stain-worthy) family recipes. When you’re finished gobbling dinner and notice some food or drink stains on your clothes- don’t worry! Here’s how to help lift the stains from your favorite family foods:

Pumpkin pie- Use an enzymatic cleaner or detergent wash with lukewarm water on the gentle cycle of your washing machine. Enzymes are a protein that cause chemical reactions to break down stains.

Cranberry Sauce- Cranberries instantly look like they leave an impossible-to-remove stain, but it’s easier than you might think! Follow the same stain removal process as pumpkin pie. Utilize an enzyme detergent and let it do the work for you. Make sure to use the gentle cycle with lukewarm water to best assist the enzyme detergent. Did some of the food make it onto the rug instead of the table? Don’t worry- we can get cranberry stains out of rugs too!

Red Wine- It’s a common misconception but do NOT use white wine on the stain- that will only further set it. Blot (never rub) the stain with a napkin. Then flush with cold water or club soda. While this will help remove some main components of the stain, bring your clothing to St Croix Cleaners as soon as possible. Learn more about removing red wine stains.

Coffee with creamer- The most difficult stain on the list! This stain is both a protein and acid stain so it can’t be cleaned just using enzymatic cleaner. It’s very difficult to remove and you should bring it in right away so the stain doesn’t lock in. Heat, time and depth of stain all play a factor.

Gravy- Here’s where you get to make your own concoction of Dawn dish soap, club soda and salt. Dab the stain and the mixture will help remove the grease!

These tips will help prevent your stain from further setting in your clothing fibers. However, bringing it to any of our 17 locations as soon as possible after following these tips is the best way to ensure your favorite clothes stay looking sharp. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family!