Whether you’re planning a romantic evening with a special someone or hosting a “Gal-entines Day” party with friends, chocolate and red wine or champagne and strawberries are likely to be on your grocery list. Though these pairings create that sought-after Valentines Day feel, they can wreak havoc on your wardrobe when spilled or dripped. Rather than let a spill ruin the moment, follow these quick tips to keep your Valentine’s Day stain free.

Chocolate

Chocolate is sweet until it’s found its way onto your clothes! Chocolate contains fat, which can eat away at your garment’s fibres, so it’s essential to treat as soon as possible. First, throw the garment in the freezer so the stain is hardened before you get to work. Next, gently scrape the stain with a dull knife or spoon, scraping towards the center of the stain to prevent it from spreading. Mix one tablespoon of detergent with one cup of water and soak the stained area for 10 to 15 minutes in cold water. Then, wash your garment as per its care label’s instructions. Before drying, inspect the garment for left-over stains. If there are residual stains, try washing the garment for a second time. Heat can cause stains to set deeper into the fabric, so it’s critical you remove the stain first.

Red Wine

Whether you’re drinking Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet, you can use the same technique to erase red wine stains. Grab a clean white cloth or new sponge and blot up as much of the stain as possible. Make sure to dab or blot the stain as rubbing will only work the red wine deeper into the fabric and risk damaging your garment. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of salt on the stained area for 5 to 10 minutes. While the salt is setting, boil the kettle or a pot of hot water on the stove. After the waiting period is over, slowly pour the hot water over the stained area. Toss your garment in the machine to wash. If the stain is gone after the wash, dry as normal, if not, try washing it again or take it to your dry cleaner.

Champagne

Good news! There’s another reason to love this bubbly beverage – champagne stains are not difficult to remove. Though champagne is rather clear, it’s important to treat the stain to remove any stickiness and to prevent brown rings from forming and setting into the fabric later. First, combine one tablespoon of dish soap and water in a cup or bowl and mix it together. Next, grab a clean white cloth or new sponge, dip it into the solution and blot the stained area. You can follow the care label instructions from there.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the quintessential Valentines Day treat. Their ruby red colour fits the theme of the holiday, but natural sugars can damage your favourite article of clothing. To treat a strawberry stain, turn your garment inside out and run it under cold running water. Then mix ½ teaspoon of your household detergent with ½ teaspoon of white vinegar. Soak the stained area for 10 minutes and rinse. If the stain has not been removed, try applying alcohol to cotton swab and dab the stain gently.

Remember – it’s critical to check your garment’s care label before trying any do-it-yourself methods at home. If you happen to stain a luxury garment or favourite item of clothing, it’s always best left to the professionals. Take it to your dry cleaner as soon as possible and let them know the type of stain. This will give them the knowledge they need to use the right treatment method. Wishing you a Happy and Stain- Free Valentine’s Day!

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