Before the festivities begin, it is smart to get ahead of the holiday laundry rush. Here is how to prep like a pro.
1. Freshen Up Your Winter Wardrobe
Pull out those sweaters, scarves, and holiday outfits early. Give them a wash, check for any lingering stains from last year, and refresh items that have been in storage.
2. Wash Your Linens Before Guests Arrive
Fresh sheets, soft towels, and crisp table linens make your home feel warm and welcoming. If you are hosting, consider bringing bulky loads like comforters or tablecloths to Lapels Laundromat for fast, commercial grade washing.
3. Prepare for Back to Back Events
Plan ahead by laying out outfits for events, gatherings, and family photos. Doing a few extra loads this week will save you from scrambling later.
How to Treat Common Holiday Stains
Accidents happen, especially when there is food, fun, and full houses involved. Here are some of the most common holiday stains and how to tackle them safely.
1. Gravy and Meat Juices
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What to do: Gently scrape off any excess. Blot with a napkin, do not rub.
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Pre treat: Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent.
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Wash: Warm water works best for greasy stains.
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When to stop: If the fabric is delicate or the stain will not budge, bring it to us.
2. Wine (Especially Red Wine)
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What to do: Blot immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid scrubbing.
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Quick fix: Sprinkle salt on the stain to help absorb moisture.
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Rinse: Use cold water from the back of the fabric.
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Warning: Heat sets wine stains. Do not dry it unless the stain is gone.
3. Hot Chocolate and Cocoa
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What to do: Rinse the stain with cold water.
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Pre treat: Apply a mixture of detergent and warm water.
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Note: Chocolate contains proteins and hot water too early can set the stain permanently.
4. Candle Wax
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What to do: Let the wax fully harden. Ice cubes help.
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Remove: Gently chip away the wax.
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Lift residue: Place paper towels above and below the spot, then apply low heat from an iron to pull wax into the paper.
5. Cranberry Sauce
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What to do: Rinse with cold water as soon as possible.
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Pre treat: Use an oxygen based stain remover.
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Wash: Start with a cold water cycle, then warm if needed.
6. Holiday Makeup (Lipstick or Foundation)
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What to do: Dab with rubbing alcohol or oil free makeup remover.
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Pre treat: Apply a small amount of dish soap before washing.
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Note: Oil based makeup can set deeply, so do not wait long to treat it.
When Dry Cleaning Is the Better Choice
Some holiday garments need a level of care beyond washing. Many festive fabrics are delicate, structured, or decorated with embellishments that cannot go through a standard wash cycle.
Your holiday items may need professional dry cleaning if they include:
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Wool or cashmere sweaters
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Delicate evening tops
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Dresses or skirts with beads, sequins, or lace
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Blazers, jackets, and formalwear
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Table linens made of fine fabrics
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Clothing labeled dry clean only
Lapels Laundromat proudly offers professional dry cleaning services, making it easy to keep your holiday wardrobe and specialty linens looking perfect. If you are unsure whether an item needs special care, we can tell you right away.
When in Doubt, Bring It to Lapels Laundromat
Some fabrics require a gentle hand, some stains are stubborn, and some items need professional dry cleaning from the start. If you are not sure what to do, or if you do not have the time to deal with laundry during the busy holiday season, we are here to help.
Whether it is a favorite sweater, a special tablecloth, or your go to holiday outfit, bring it in before a simple stain becomes a permanent memory. Our commercial grade machines and dry cleaning specialists ensure your items get the proper treatment every time.
Enjoy a cleaner, brighter, and more stress free holiday season with Lapels Laundromat.