CHRISTMAS is all about family, friends and loved ones coming together to celebrate the holiday season.
This means most of us are spending Christmas Eve preparing our homes to have everyone over for the big day.
And while this can be an exciting time, it’s also the time when the most spillages and accidents happen.
It’s all too easy for our carpets, sofas, floors and favourite party outfits to be covered in stains by the end of the Christmas Day.
Especially from holiday favourites like gravy, red wine, and cranberry sauce.
So homeowners up and down the country will be trying to prepare for any mishaps.
Luckily, experts have revealed how we can protect our home and handle stains during the festive season.
Thomas Bird, textiles expert and owner of Fabric Online shared his six tips for keeping our homes stain-free this Christmas.
By following these practical steps, you can protect your home’s fabrics and enjoy the festive season stress-free
Thomas Bird
And it’s all about being prepared and acting fast.
It comes after there was a 31 per cent spike in search queries about removing stains on different fabrics.
Whether it’s rugs and cushions, or fabrics like silk or wool, the experts have you covered this year.
Thomas said: “By following these practical steps, you can protect your home’s fabrics and enjoy the festive season stress-free.”
On the morning of the big day, experts advise covering surfaces that are likely to experience spillages with a protective cover.
Thomas said: “Invest in washable tablecloths, placemats, or sofa covers to protect your furniture and surfaces from spills.
“You can opt for seasonal designs to add a touch of style and celebration to your home, all while keeping things practical and easy to maintain.”
Being prepared is key when it comes to removing stains, so you’ll want to make sure you have all the essentials at the ready.
The experts suggest: “Keep essential stain-removal supplies handy, including mild detergents, white vinegar, baking soda, and clean cloths.
“Having these items readily available allows you to respond quickly and reduce the chances of permanent stains.”
The important thing to remember when it comes to stains is that time is of the essence.
The quicker you catch a spillage the easier the stain will be to remove.
The expert suggests: “Act quickly when dealing with stains by gently blotting spills with a clean cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible before the stain sets.
“Avoid rubbing as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.”
Knowing how to treat different stains can save you hassle in the long run.
Thomas says: “Make a note of the following handy hacks to help tackle common festive liquids rich in colour.
“For red wine, blot to absorb liquid, sprinkle with salt, rinse with cold water, and clean with a mixture of white vinegar, dish soap, and water.
“For gravy stains, scrape off excess, blot with a dish soap solution, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
“For cranberry sauce, remove solids, blot with cold water, treat with a mild detergent, rinse, and dry.”
IF you've had a mattress for longer than a few years, then it's likely that it's already covered in several stains.
And it’s tempting to ignore them – especially when we already have so much on our plates and one hundred other things to do.
One cleaning expert has revealed that one product actually works wonders to remove stains with little effort.
Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, explained that shaving foam is the secret cleaning “hero” that is hiding in the cabinet.
All you need to do is apply a generous amount of shaving cream to the stained area and then massage it into the fabric with a soft brush, or even a hand.
Let it sit for an hour and then blot away the shaving cream with a soft, slightly damp, colourless cloth.
Or if you try using shaving foam to remove staining from an item or piece of clothing, then just pop it into the washing machine.
Another thing that can help keep your home stain-free is knowing your fabrics.
This can help when it comes to cleaning up so you know exactly how to treat the stain on each surface.
The experts say: “Check the care labels on your textiles and take the time to familiarise yourself with the recommended cleaning methods.
“It’s a good idea to cover or remove any delicate fabrics, like silk and wool, that may require professional cleaning.”
It’s not just about reacting to stains and spillages, however, there are some things you can do in advance to prepare your home.
Thomas advises pre-treating areas in the home that are high-risks for spillages the night before.
He says: “Apply a fabric protector spray to furniture, rugs and cushions in areas where guests are likely to gather with food and drinks.
“This protective layer creates a barrier that repels liquids and prevents stains, making it easier to clean up any spills.”
