Remove tough Christmas stains with these easy to follow tips (Image: Getty)
With Christmas just days away, a recent study conducted by the sofa experts at ScS has revealed that four in five (81 percent) Brits are likely to have a meal on their sofa during the festive period.
A staggering 45 percent of respondents admitted they were contemplating having their Christmas dinner on the sofa.
Eating on the sofa is like walking on a tightrope when it comes to avoiding stains, and the risk is heightened at Christmas with the increase of gravy, seasonal sauces, and a glass of fizz.
The study also revealed that Google searches for ‘red wine stain’ amassed a thousand searches in the UK last month – with 44 percent of Brits fearful of spilling it during the festive season.
It is no surprise that red wine was voted as the most likely spillage, followed by the festive staple Baileys.
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44 percent of Brits are nervous of spilling red wine this festive period (Image: Getty)
Rosen Delchev, a cleaning specialist from Fantastic Services, has provided their advice on how Brits can tackle the toughest Christmas stains.
Red Wine
“Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb the excess liquid. Make sure to mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Continue with gently dabbing the stain with the solution using a clean cloth. After that, rinse with water and blot dry,” Rosen recommends.
Baileys
“Once again blot the Baileys stain with a paper towel. Mix a mild detergent with water and blot the stain with it. Rinse the area with clean water and again blot dry.”
Spirits
“With most stains it is important to blot. So, blot the stain with a clean cloth. Then mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Gently dab the stain with the solution, then rinse with water and blot dry,” the cleaning specialist suggests.
Guinness
“Blot the stain, once again, with a clean cloth to remove the excess liquid. Mix a solution of water and mild detergent (for example dish soap). Continue with gently blotting the stain, then rinsing and blotting dry.”
Baileys is a Christmas staple, but also likely to stain sofas if spilled (Image: Getty)
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Fruit juices
“Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Mix a solution of water and white vinegar. Gently dab the stain with the cleaning solution, then rinse with clean water and blot dry,” Rosen says.
Gravy
“Unlike the other stains, you need to scrape off the excess gravy with a spoon. Of course, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap. Blot the stain gently with the solution, then rinse and blot dry.”
Cranberry sauce
“Remove the excess sauce and blot the stain. Mix a solution of water and ammonia, this time. Dab the stain with it, then rinse and blot dry.”
Apple sauce
“Scoop away the excess sauce. Mix a solution of water and mild detergent. Blot the stain gently with it, then rinse with clean water and blot dry,” the cleaning expert recommends.
45 percent of Brits are considering eating their Christmas dinner on their sofa (Image: Getty)
Mint sauce
“As usual for most sauces, you will need to blot this stain with a clean cloth. Mix a solution of water and white vinegar. Gently dab the stain with the solution, then rinse with water and blot dry.”
Dessert/custard
“Yet again scrape off the excess with a spoon. Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap. Blot the stain gently with it, then rinse and blot dry.”
Mud brought in from pets
“Unlike the other stains, you will need to allow the mud to dry. Once it is dry you can then vacuum it or brush off the loose dirt.
However, just like any other stain you will need a cleaning solution, so mix warm water and mild detergent. Blot the stain with it, then rinse and blot dry.”
Hairspray/makeup from getting ready
“For hairspray stains – Blot the stain and apply rubbing alcohol,” Rosen suggests.
Muddy paw prints are also likely to stain sofas this festive period (Image: Getty)
“For makeup stains – Use a mixture of dish soap and water. Make sure to gently blot the stain with the solution, then rinse and blot dry.”
Paul O’Reilly, upholstery expert at ScS, said: “At ScS, we understand that a fabric sofa is a considerable investment and therefore you want to enjoy and cherish it for years to come.
“Equally we understand that there are certain periods during the year when the likeliness of stains increases – particularly during the festive season where there’s increased excitement amongst children, adults and pets alike.
“The combination of an abundance of food and drink, increased socialisation, and wet and muddy outdoor conditions can mean a stain is never too far away.
“The best way to prepare for this inevitability is to make sure you have the best cleaning products at hand, absorbent kitchen roll will be your best friend.
“Lastly, make sure any stains or marks are treated immediately in the correct way, to avoid inadvertently making the stain worse. Make sure to clear excesses as soon as possible and always blot don’t rub!”
