Thanksgiving Stain Removal Guide: How to Clean Every Holiday Food Spill

Author: Kate Amore

Let's be honest - Thanksgiving isn't just about gratitude and family time. It's also about managing the chaos of hosting, cooking, and then dealing with the aftermath of holiday mishaps. While we can’t help you when the political conversations start at the dinner table, we can help with the spills and stains. 

In my family, we tend to eat as much as we can, as fast as we can, with the dogs waiting under the table because they know we're bound to drop some scraps. Because of this weird eating tradition, my mom has taught me all the ways to remove Thanksgiving Day stains. Whether it’s gravy on your favorite sweater or cranberry sauce on the tablecloth, here are some tips and tricks for removing common holiday stains!

1. How to Remove Gravy Stains

Let's start with gravy, that staple of the Thanksgiving table that is rich and creamy (and full of oil that can cause stains). It can easily end up on clothes, upholstery, or table linens. Here's how to tackle those greasy gravy stains:

Removal Tips:

• Blot: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess gravy. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
• Cold Water: Rinse the stained area under cold running water, working from the outside in to prevent spreading.
• Detergent: Mix half a HeySunday laundry sheet with a cup of water and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
• Wash: Launder as usual in the warmest water safe for the fabric. For upholstery, consider using a fabric cleaner or a mix of half a HeySunday and water.

2. How to Remove Cranberry Sauce Stains

Cranberry sauce looks so festive on your plate. But it lands on your white tablecloth, and it’s the opposite of festive! Whether you're team canned or team homemade, here's how to tackle these red stains:

Removal Tips:

• Scrape Off: Use a spoon or knife to gently scrape off any excess sauce.
• Cold Water Rinse: Rinse the fabric with cold water from the back to push the stain out.
• Stain Remover: Mix half a HeySunday laundry sheet mixed with water or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
• Wash: Launder as usual. Check that the stain is gone before drying, as heat can set the stain.

3. How to Remove Pumpkin Pie Stains

Next up is delicious pumpkin pie. Between the whipped cream, the custard-like filling, and the buttery crust, this Thanksgiving staple can easily leave stains. Here's how I handle pumpkin pie stains:

Removal Tips:

• Blot First: Use a clean cloth to blot up as much filling as possible.
• Soak in Cold Water: Submerge the stained area in cold water for about 30 minutes.
• Detergent Solution: Mix half a HeySunday laundry sheet with a cup of cold water and sponge the stain with a clean cloth.
• Rinse and Wash: Rinse well with cold water, then launder as usual.

4. How to Remove Wine Stains

Red wine may help ease those heated political debates, but it's less helpful when it ends up on your carpet or favorite holiday sweater. Here's how to tackle red win spills:

Removal Tips:

• Blot Immediately: Blot the stain with a paper towel or clean cloth to absorb as much wine as possible.
• Salt or Baking Soda: Sprinkle salt or baking soda on the stain to absorb moisture. Let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it off.
• Club Soda: Pour club soda over the stain and blot until it lifts.
• Wash: Launder as usual. Feel free to add an extra HeySunday Laundry sheet to remove stubborn stains in the wash.  

5. How to Remove Butter and Oil Stains

Whether it’s from turkey or a side dish, butter and oil can leave greasy stains that are hard to remove. Because these stains tend to be smaller and less visible, I usually don’t notice them until I’m starting to clean up from the Thanksgiving meal. Here’s how I handle them: 

Removal Tips:

• Blot Off Excess: Use a paper towel to blot up any excess oil or butter.
• Cornstarch or Baby Powder: Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then brush it off.
• Detergent Solution: Mix half a HeySunday laundry sheet with warm water and apply it to the stain, gently scrubbing with a soft brush.
• Rinse and Wash: Rinse well, then launder as usual.

Conclusion

While Thanksgiving can be messy, knowing how to handle these common stains can help keep your spirits high. Remember - the faster you act, the better your chances of stain removal success. So, enjoy your feast, and don’t let a little mess ruin your holiday fun! Happy Thanksgiving!