Holiday Party Outfits: Removing Wine, Food, and Glitter Stains

 

Holiday parties bring fun, laughter, and great memories, but they can also lead to a few stains on your favorite outfits. Whether it’s a splash of wine, a bite of holiday food, or stray glitter, here’s how to remove those stains and keep your party outfits looking fabulous.

1. Blot Wine Stains Immediately

Wine stains, especially red wine, can be tricky if not treated quickly:

• Blot (don’t rub) the stain immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• For white wine, flush the area with cold water and blot again.
• For red wine, sprinkle salt or baking soda on the stain to absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

2. Pre-Treat Wine Stains

Once home, you’ll want to pre-treat the stain before washing:

• Apply liquid laundry detergent or dish soap directly to the wine stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse the area with cold water and gently rub the fabric to help lift the stain.
• For tougher stains, use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap (1 part each) and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

3. Remove Greasy Food Stains

Holiday treats can leave behind greasy stains from butter, gravy, or oil:

• Blot the stain immediately to remove excess grease. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
• Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda onto the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then brush off the powder.
• Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and gently rub it in. Rinse with cold water before laundering.

4. Tackle Sauce and Gravy Stains

Rich sauces, gravies, and holiday dips can leave behind visible stains:

• Scrape off any excess sauce with a spoon or knife before treating the stain.
• Flush the area with cold water, then apply a pre-treatment stain remover or liquid detergent. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.

5. Remove Chocolate and Dessert Stains

Chocolate or creamy desserts can be delicious but messy:

• Scrape off any solid chocolate or dessert residue.
• Rinse the stain with cold water, working from the back of the fabric to push the stain out.
• Pre-treat with a stain remover or dish soap. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing in cold water.

6. Glitter Stain Removal

Glitter from decorations or accessories can be stubborn:

• Shake off as much glitter as possible by giving the outfit a good shake.
• Use a lint roller or masking tape to pick up the remaining glitter particles.
• For fabric with deeply embedded glitter, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently lift the glitter from the fibers.

7. Pre-Treat Glitter Glue

If glitter glue ends up on your clothing:

• Scrape off excess glue with a dull knife or spoon.
• Apply a mixture of dish soap and warm water to the affected area and gently blot it with a clean cloth.
• For stubborn glitter glue, use rubbing alcohol to loosen the adhesive, and then rinse with cold water.

8. Wash with Care

When it’s time to wash your party outfit:

• Turn the garment inside out to protect delicate embellishments, sequins, or fabrics.
• Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the fabric.
• For heavily stained areas, consider hand washing or using a fabric-specific detergent.

9. Air Dry or Use Low Heat

After washing, avoid high heat, which can set any remaining stains:

• Air dry delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or chiffon.
• For sturdier fabrics, use a low heat setting in the dryer, but be cautious with sequins or embellishments.

10. Final Check for Stains

Before wearing or storing your holiday outfits again:

• Check for any remaining stains. If the stain persists, repeat the cleaning process or take the garment to a professional cleaner for more intensive care.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your holiday parties without worrying about ruining your favorite outfits, ensuring that your wardrobe remains stain-free and ready for the next celebration.