Christmas is joyful, and messy! With mulled wine, muddy winter walks, gravy and chocolate the fabrics in our homes can take a hit. The good news is you don't need harsh chemicals to deal with festive stains. Natural methods do work but may take a little more time. However this is far kinder to skin, lungs and indoor air quality.
Here's our low tox natural stain removal guide to help you tackle stains throughout the year but these will come in handy over Christmas no doubt.
The Basics
- Act quickly - fresh stains are easier to remove
- Blot don't rub
- Cold water first
- Patch test on delicate or coloured fabrics
- Oxygen bleach is a great addition to your laundry washing routine as an all round whitener and stain remover. Simply add 25g when you put in your detergent.
Mulled wine
- Best natural options are bicarbonate of soda and salt
- Blot stain, sprinkle salt or bicarbonate of soda and leave to absorb the liquid. Once dry vacuum or brush off
Gravy and fat splashes
- Best natural options are bicarbonate of soda, castile soap and dish soap
- Cover stain with bicarbonate of soda and leave for 20 mins to draw out oils. gently wash with warm water and soap
Chocolate
- Best natural options is cold water and liquid castile and dish soap
- Scrap off excess chocolate. Rinse with cold water and then massage in soap. Rinse and repeat if needed
Cranberry and berry stains
- These highly pigmented stains will take a bit of work but natural methods are boiling water and lemon juice, and oxygen bleach
- Rinse with boiling water if you can and if needed apply lemon juice before rinsing again
- For extra whitening you can pre soak in oxygen bleach or add to your normal laundry routine
Muddy footprints
- Leave to dry first. Once dry brush off loose mud and use soapy warm water
Make up, perfume & body oils
- Natural methods for post party oily stains are bicarbonate of soda, castile soap and alcohol free witch hazel
- For oily residues sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and leave before washing. For liquid makeup blot with soap or witch hazel then wash
Why choose natural stain removal?
Conventional stain removers often contain synthetic fragrance, optical brighteners and petrochemical solvents. Natural methods are often cheaper, safer for children and pets and better for indoor air quality. Be prepared this Christmas and stock up on cleaning essentials.