“Baby, it’s cold outside.” The air is crisp, there’s snow on the ground and you and your family are enjoying all the fun and splendor that winter has to give. You’ve built snowmen, attended festive New Year’s Eve celebrations or snuggled close by a romantic fire. Now it’s time for the clean up from some of winter’s most memorable stains!

Hot Chocolate Heaven

Hot chocolate has a long history dating back to the early Aztecs, but it wasn’t the original sweet goodness we drink today. Hot cocoa was originally a mixture of ground cocoa beans, water, wine and hot peppers. After the Spanish invaded Mexico, that sugar was added. It wasn’t until hot cocoa was introduced to the English that it took the shape of the wonderful libation we know today being made with milk, sugar and cocoa.

Removal Guide

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric.
• As soon as possible pretreatment spray stain remover, spray stains and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
• After the pretreatment soak, pour a small amount of a heavy-duty liquid detergent on the stain and lightly rub.
• Wash according to the care label.

Bubbly Everywhere*

Initially, champagne was a holy wine served during communion, today, champagne is the wine of choice for celebration. It has been used to launch ships, celebrate Olympic victories, wedding vows and ring in the New Year. It is also a very stubborn stain!

Removal Guide – Light Stains

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric.

• Wash the stained item in the hottest water safe for fabric. Do not use any soap (natural soap, bars or flakes) since it could make the stain permanent or harder to remove.

Removal Guide – Heavy Stains

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric.
• Using 1 quart of warm water and 1 teaspoon of an enzyme presoak product, soak the garment for 30 minutes.
• Wash according to the fabric care label.

*Note: if all the sugars are not removed, a brown stain will appear on the garment when it is heated in the dryer or by an iron. The sugar caramelizing causes this.

Smoked Out

After an evening in front of the fire, and the chimney sweep is no where to be found, you decide to tackle the job yourself. So, now that the fireplace is clean, how do you get the soot out of your clothing?

Removal Guide

• Always read the care label on clothing or fabric
• Put down a blanket and carefully remove the soiled clothing. Take them outside and shake off any excess soot.
• Using a heavy-duty liquid detergent or phosphate-based detergent, add 1 cup of water conditioner and a ½ cup of all-fabric bleach; wash clothing in the temperature recommended on the care label.
• Allow to air dry.

Inspect clothing for odor and repeat as needed. Cottons like to hold odors; they may require additional washes.

See more stains by viewing our stain removal guide!