8 Tips for a Stain-Free Holiday Season

Food is a big part of the holiday season – from baking cookies to roasting turkeys. But, food can be messy. Nothing puts a damper on a holiday like a huge mess. At Meurice, we’re ready for any and all holiday spills, stains and accidents. Here are 8 tips to keep your end-of-year clean, straight from our expert team that has seen every stain under the sun:

1. Use stemless wine glasses.

Red wine stains are almost a given when you’re having a great dinner, so try using stemless wine glasses if your family gets a little rowdy. They’re less top-heavy and don’t get as easily knocked over. Like these stemless wine options from CB2. Much less likely to get spilled! 

2. Prep like a chef & do it the night before.

Chopping, grating, slicing, etc. This helps you keep cooking and baking timely, and you’re less likely to get overwhelmed or frantic the day-of. Less stress means less mess. 

3. UTILIZE YOUR SPACE PRODUCTIVELY.

Nothing is worse than scrambling while your roux burns on the stove. Like a good head chef, make sure that everyone in the kitchen uses the space productively. Separate workstations, ingredients into prep bowls, and four-legged, hungry friends out of the kitchen.

4. HANDLE STAINS CORRECTLY WHEN THEY HAPPEN.

It’s bound to happen. Here’s a list of common holiday stains and how to get rid of them. Schedule a pickup with us for the day after if you feel that this treatment isn’t effective. Remember to never let stains sit – treat them as soon as possible or you may not be able to ever resolve it.

5. Blot, don’t rub.

As Meurice President Wayne Edelman always recites (even to his daughters), “Blot, NEVER rub.” For interiors, like couches or carpets, be sure not to soak the stain. This can lead to the stain bleeding to other parts of the textile, or deep within the padding. 

6. Grease stains – The worst of them all.

They stick around forever and are hard to lift. Blot the stain immediately, and use salt to soak up whatever possible. Then, use dish soap (they’re made to lift grease) to spot-treat. Rinse on the hottest setting, if possible. Some garments don’t do well in hot water, so live by the care labels, do what you can, then send it to us!

7. Have essential supplies on hand –

If your kids are home for the holiday, have them make a quick run to grab the essentials. Dawn Dish Soap, white vinegar, club soda, baking soda, white paper towels (nothing with dye) and a spray bottle. Trust us.

8. For the delicates – like silk or cashmere –

it’s a good idea to send to the cleaners as soon as possible. We’ll be there first thing Friday morning to help you out. 

We are thankful to take on such a responsibility to help your family keep warm and continue to clean your favorite garments. Education is one of Meurice’s pillars – making sure you have the resources at arm’s reach to deal with the spills that occur. You help us continue our tradition of giving New York the finest cleaning it deserves. No matter how small the gathering this year, we wish you a fun, restful and healthy holiday season.