Cosy season brings hot chocolate and mulled wine, but spills can leave permanent marks on clothing. Emily Hayes, senior fabric technologist at Joules, has shared her top tips for removing seasonal stains, starting with an item already in the kitchen: liquid laundry detergent.
How to Remove Hot Chocolate Stains
Hot chocolate presents a tricky stain because it contains milk, cocoa, sugar and fat. To treat it, scrape off any excess spillage with a spoon, then rinse with cold water. Hot water should be avoided as it will set the stain further.
Rinse from the back of the stain, then pre-treat it with liquid laundry detergent before washing on a cool cycle to remove the last of the stain.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains
Mulled wine season is approaching, and spills while at a Christmas market require quick action. The drink contains tannins, sugar and a deep red colour that can leave permanent stains.
Blot the stain rather than rubbing it, then rinse with cold water and pre-treat it with liquid laundry detergent before washing. Avoid hacks such as using salt on the stain or pouring white wine over it to counteract the red, as these can sometimes make the stain stick harder. Rinsing and pre-treating is a safer approach.
Hayes said: "The good news is that acting quickly and using the right approach can make a huge difference. The biggest things to remember are to blot rather than rub, start by treating the stain with cold water and avoid heat from tumble dryers, irons or radiators until you're certain the stain has completely gone."
