No matter how beautifully you plan your holiday gatherings—how carefully you set the table, how neatly you arrange the charcuterie board, how thoughtfully you choose your candle arrangements—December has a way of surprising us. Someone dribbles gravy on the tablecloth. A glass of red wine tips at the wrong moment. Candle wax slips onto your favorite runner. A child sneaks a candy cane onto the sofa (you know exactly where this story is going).
In the grand tradition of every warm, lively holiday gathering, mishaps are simply part of the season.
But with a little knowledge—and the support of the expert team at Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations—none of these moments need to become permanent memories on your clothing or linens. LeeAnn Gentry and her staff have seen every festive stain imaginable in their decades of work with textiles, and their approach is one part science, one part craftsmanship, and one part calm reassurance.
Here is your complete holiday stain survival guide—designed to help you react wisely in the moment, protect your textiles, and know when it’s time to bring in the professionals.
First Rule of Holiday Stains: Do Less, Not More
When something spills, instinct tells us to spring into action—scrub, soap, blot aggressively, grab whatever cleaning product is closest.
But with fine fabrics, delicate linens, and specialty materials, the wrong reaction can make a stain much harder to remove.
Your quick holiday stain mantra:
Blot. Pause. Bring it to Deluxe.
Before we get into specific stain categories, keep these principles in mind:
- Never rub. Rubbing grinds the stain deeper.
- Never apply heat. Heat sets stains permanently.
- Never use household stain sticks on fine fabrics.
- Never pour water on delicate fabrics like silk, velvet, or wool.
- Always lift or blot gently—never scrub.
- Always tell your cleaner what spilled. It matters.
And now, let’s break down the most common holiday stains—and what you should (and shouldn’t) do.
1. Red Wine Stains: A December Classic
Ah yes—the most infamous of all holiday stains. The deep, bold color. The instant panic. The myth of “just throw salt on it” (please don’t!).
What To Do Immediately
- Blot gently with a clean cloth.
- Keep the area slightly damp (not wet).
- If on a tablecloth, place a towel beneath the fabric to absorb from below.
What Not To Do
- Don’t use salt. It can set the stain into some fibers.
- Don’t apply heat.
- Don’t use white wine (another myth).
- Don’t scrub—it pushes pigments into the weave.
When to Bring It In
If you can see the stain, Deluxe can likely remove it—but time is critical. Red wine oxidizes and darkens the longer it sits. Bring the item to Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations as soon as you can, and let LeeAnn’s expert team handle the chemistry.
2. Candle Wax on Tablecloths & Runners
Nothing feels more festive than candlelight—until it drips onto your favorite damask tablecloth.
What To Do
- Allow the wax to fully harden. This is important.
- Once hardened, lift the large pieces gently with your fingernail or a dull knife.
- Do not heat or iron the wax.
- Bring the linen to Deluxe for proper removal of the wax residue and oil.
Why Not DIY?
Wax isn’t just wax—it contains dyes and oils that can stain fabric when melted. Professional cleaners extract wax in a way that preserves the textile.
3. Gravy, Butter & Holiday Sauces
Rich, wonderful holiday foods also produce oily, stubborn stains.
What To Do
- Blot surface oils gently with a clean napkin.
- Keep the area cool.
- Avoid dish soap—it spreads the stain.
What Not To Do
- Don’t rub.
- Don’t apply spot treatments—most worsen oil stains.
- Don’t wash in hot water.
Oily stains respond best to professional treatment—Deluxe uses specialized solvents not available at home.
4. Chocolate & Desserts
Think: chocolate truffles, hot cocoa splashes, molten lava cake, brownie crumbles… Yes, we are all just one enthusiastic dessert moment away from a stain.
What To Do
- Scrape off excess gently.
- Blot with a cold, damp cloth.
- Bring it in promptly.
What Not To Do
- No hot water!
- No scrubbing—the sugars will bond to the fibers.
Chocolate is a “combo stain”—oil + sugar + dye—which is why professional treatment works best.
5. Cranberry Sauce, Berries, & Bright Holiday Foods
Cranberries, pomegranate, red velvet cake, berry glazes—they all leave bright, acidic stains.
What To Do
- Blot with cool water.
- Keep the stain damp.
- Bring it in quickly.
What Not To Do
- Don’t use baking soda.
- Don’t let it dry.
- Don’t try home stain removers—they often set berry pigments.
6. Lipstick, Makeup & Foundation Stains
Holiday photos mean holiday makeup—and makeup loves to transfer onto collars, napkins, and dress shirts.
What To Do
- Blot lightly—don’t smear.
- Bring to Deluxe for oil-based stain treatment.
What Not To Do
- Don’t apply water; it makes makeup spread.
- Don’t use rubbing alcohol on fine fabrics.
LeeAnn’s team sees this stain daily—they’ll know exactly what to do.
7. Coffee, Cocoa & Holiday Drinks
These stains have both tannins and sugars—two things fabric does not love.
What To Do
- Blot with a clean cloth.
- Keep the area cool.
- Bring in for treatment.
What Not To Do
- Don’t use hot water.
- Don’t treat with vinegar (another myth).
Special Fabric Considerations
Velvet
Never apply water.
Never scrub.
Never apply pressure.
Always bring directly to Deluxe.
Wool & Cashmere
If wet, gently blot.
Never rub.
Never wring.
Silk
Avoid water—it can create water spots.
Blot dry only.
Sequins, Beads, Embroidery
These fabrics require gentle, professional cleaning. Stains can hide beneath embellishments, so bring them in before they set.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
One of the biggest differences between a removable stain and a permanent one is time. During the holidays, many people wait until January to bring in stained items—but by then:
- Stains oxidize
- Oils spread
- Pigments set
- Heat exposure deepens stains
- Fabric fibers weaken
The sooner Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations treats the item, the better your results.
And the good news? LeeAnn’s team has exceptional stain removal success because they understand how different stains bond with fibers and how to reverse that process without harming your garment or linens.
Holiday Stain Kit: What to Keep on Hand
You don’t need a full arsenal of cleaning products—just a few gentle tools.
Stock:
- White cotton cloths (for blotting)
- A dull knife or credit card edge (to lift debris)
- Cold water
- A sense of calm
- Deluxe Cleaners’ address saved in your phone
- Two West Chester locations for easy access
- Pick-up and delivery available
Leave the complex chemistry to the professionals—that’s what they’re here for.
Why West Chester Families Trust Deluxe During the Holidays
Holiday stains aren’t just messes—they come with memories attached. Your grandmother’s lace tablecloth. The dress you wore to your first holiday party with your partner. The wool coat you’ve had for years.
Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations treats each item with the same care and respect you would—because they truly understand how meaningful your textiles are. As a family-owned, woman-owned business rooted in the West Chester community, they bring both expertise and heart to their work.
With two local locations plus convenient pickup & delivery, protecting your garments and linens is wonderfully easy.