The holiday season is filled with joy, celebration, and… stains. From cranberry sauce and wine spills to candle wax and glitter, this is the time of year when your favorite fabrics face their biggest challenges. Whether you’re hosting family dinners, attending festive parties, or pulling your holiday décor out of storage, your clothes and linens deserve some extra care.
With a few smart strategies, and professional cleaning help when needed, you can make this holiday sparkle stress-free.
1. Pre-Treat Stains Before They Set
Holiday stains have a way of sneaking up on you with gravy on your napkin, red wine on your blouse, or chocolate on your tablecloth. The key is acting fast. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.
- Blot don’t rub. Use a clean cloth to gently blot up as much of the spill as possible. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibers.
- Cold water is your friend. Hot water can set many stains, especially those from proteins like eggnog or gravy.
- Avoid DIY disasters. While home remedies can sometimes help, using the wrong cleaner can permanently damage delicate fabrics. When in doubt, call your local laundry service for advice—like us!
Pro Tip: Keep a small “holiday stain kit” on hand with club soda, clean white cloths, and a travel-size stain remover. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Handle Delicate Holiday Fabrics with Care
The holidays bring out the special fabrics such as velvet dresses, silk blouses, sequined skirts, and satin ties. While they look stunning, they’re also prone to damage if washed improperly.
- Velvet: Never iron velvet directly as it can crush the pile. Steam gently from the underside or use a handheld steamer.
- Silk: Avoid soaking silk garments. Spot clean carefully and let professionals handle full washing.
- Sequins and Beads: Turn these garments inside out and place them in a mesh bag if you must machine wash them, or better yet, let us dry clean them safely.
Pro Tip: Always check care labels before cleaning. If it says, “Dry Clean Only,” trust the label.
3. Refresh Your Linens Before Guests Arrive
There’s nothing like crisp, clean linens to welcome holiday guests. Whether you’re setting a festive table or preparing the guest room, fresh fabrics set the tone for comfort and warmth.
- Tablecloths and Napkins: Wash them early, not the day before your dinner. Iron or press them while slightly damp for a smooth finish. For heirloom or lace tablecloths, use professional cleaning to prevent yellowing or tearing.
- Guest Bedding: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in warm water to remove dust and odors. If stored for a while, a quick tumble in the dryer with a fabric refresher works wonders.
- Curtains and Upholstery: Overlooked but important! Vacuum or steam them to remove dust and pet dander before guests arrive.
4. Remove Candle Wax, Glitter, and Tree Sap Safely
Holiday décor can leave behind some tricky residues. Here’s how to deal with them without damaging your fabrics:
- Candle Wax: Once hardened, place the fabric between paper towels and gently iron on low heat. The wax will transfer onto the paper. For lingering grease marks, use a professional cleaner.
- Glitter: Use a lint roller or a piece of duct tape to lift glitter from table runners and clothing. Avoid washing it away as it can spread further!
- Tree Sap: Dab the area gently with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to dissolve sticky residue. Always test on a small, hidden area first.
5. Keep Winter Coats and Outerwear Fresh
Holiday outings mean wearing your best coats and outerwear, often made from wool, down, or cashmere. These materials need special attention to stay looking and smelling fresh:
- Wool Coats: Brush off surface dirt after each wear. Dry clean once or twice a season to remove oils and odors.
- Down Jackets: Wash sparingly with gentle detergent and tumble dry with clean tennis balls to keep the insulation fluffy.
- Cashmere: Avoid hanging heavy cashmere garment because they can lose shape. Fold them neatly and store with cedar to repel moths.
Pro Tip: Bring your coats in for a professional refresh before holiday photos or travel. You’ll look sharp and stay warm.
6. Store Your Fabrics the Right Way After the Holidays
When the season winds down, storing your holiday items properly ensures they’ll look as good next year as they did this one:
- Clean Before Storing: Never store used or stained fabrics as even invisible stains can darken over time.
- Use Breathable Bags: Avoid plastic covers, which trap moisture and cause mildew. Cotton garment bags or acid-free boxes are best.
- Add Protection: Slip a sachet of lavender or cedar chips in storage bins to deter moths and keep fabrics smelling fresh.
7. Don’t Let Laundry Steal Your Holiday Joy
Between cooking, decorating, and entertaining, laundry is the last thing you want to worry about. That’s where professional cleaning services shine. Whether it’s removing stubborn stains from your favorite sweater, pressing your holiday linens, or restoring your formal wear, professional care saves time and stress, and ensures everything looks its festive best.
At Laundry Zone, we handle the delicate details so you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying the season with family and friends. From emergency stain treatment to after-party cleaning, we’re your behind-the-scenes holiday helpers.
Pro Tip: Schedule your cleaning early. The holidays are our busiest time of year, and advance planning ensures your items are ready right when you need them.
The holidays should be full of warmth, joy, and beautiful memories, not fabric frustrations. With quick action, mindful care, and professional cleaning when needed, your clothes, linens, and décor can stay merry, bright, and beautiful all season long. Because this season, your fabrics deserve a little holiday magic too.
Looking for additional laundry help? Find out about our services and email us with questions at info@laundryzone.com or call us at our two locations in Mayfair at (215) 701-1010 or Hunting Park at (215) 309-8479.