Turn to The Laundry Evangelist to Conquer Stains of Christmases (and Thanksgivings, Hanukkahs and New Years) Past, Present and Future

Article by Becky Fillinger

Patric Richardson                                                          Photo credit: Minnesota Monthly

You pull out your special holiday tablecloth and there are stains from celebratory feasts from years gone by. Guests at your current holiday parties will spill red wine or cranberry sauce, candles drip wax and gravy and butter leave a greasy residue on many items of clothing and home linens. What to do? In our area, we are lucky to have the The Laundry Evangelist nearby or as close as a YouTube video. We talked to Patric Richardson about facing common holiday stains without fear.

Q:  What about old stains on table linens from prior years’ feasts?

Oxygen bleach powderA:  First, don’t panic! Stains from the past can be handled with ease. Wash the item with laundry soap and oxygen bleach powder - 90% of old stains will be gone after this process. Don’t put the item in the dryer – air dry it to determine what stains remain. For remaining stains, sprinkle on an oxygen bleach powder and rub with an oily soap. In a few hours, run under hot water – then put it back in washer.

Here’s a tip for your readers: On the nights after your dinner parties, take the simple approach first. Wash your linens with a little soap and oxygen bleach powder – don’t dry them. After air drying, check for remaining stains. 

Q:  Moving to the present - please give us a remedy for gravy/butter/greasy stains.

A:  Of course, first spray the stain with white vinegar and water – then run it through the wash. If that doesn’t do the trick, you need to add an oily soap to your solution. Please don’t use dish soap – it can wreck the fabric. 

Q:  Are you ever asked how to remove candle wax?

A:  Every month I’m asked about removing wax from linens. First, brush away any chunks of wax. Then, get two pieces of brown craft paper – one for over and one for under the stained item. Then press with a warm iron. The stain will melt and release into the paper on both sides. When you finish this process, treat any remaining stain with an oily soap as we do with grease stains and launder. 

Q:  I need a solution for red wine stains.

A:  I have one for you. This will also work for cranberry stains. Mix oxygen bleach powder with warm water. Immerse your item in this mix. When the water turns color, you may remove the item and run through the wash.

Q:  And for stains of the future?  

A:  Please refer to my YouTube channel for answers to the many stain dilemmas of holidays yet to come! My book, Laundry Love, Finding Joy in a Common Chore is available wherever books are sold or you may purchase a signed copy at my website. It makes a great holiday gift for college students (or anyone just learning to do laundry) and new home owners. I’ve also learned that parents are using it to teach children at home how to take care of their clothing – weekly lessons in laundry. So, I think any family that does laundry could benefit from my book. Also follow me on Instagram and Facebook.