Some people may love Halloween for the Haunted Houses, scary movies and spooky decor around the house.  Maybe they love it because it kicks off fall and the yummy dishes and spicy ciders to be enjoyed this season.  But, if you’re a kid – you know Halloween is all about dressing up and the candy.

Unfortunately, the face makeup and candy can end up on your clothes.  Here’s how to “clean up” after trick or treat.

1. Chocolate

1. Lay the stained area down on a couple layers of paper towels and blot the backside of the stain with a heavy-duty liquid detergent. This will help the stain leech out onto the towels.
2. Launder according to fabric care label.
3. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.

2. Chewing Gum

1. Place garment in plastic bag and put in freezer.
2. Scrape off frozen gum.
3. If residue remains, blot with oil solvent or mineral spirits.
4. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol; let dry.
5. Follow up with an enzyme detergent before washing.
6. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.

3. Hard Candy

1. Pick off any bits of candy first.
2. Use a bit of vinegar and warm water and rinse the stained area.
3. Add some stain-pretreater and let it soak in for 5 minutes.
4. Launder according to the care label.
5. If the stain is persistent, like you’ll find with red stains, soak in oxygen bleach for 30 minutes then re-was.
6. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.

4. Lipstick

1. Gently scrape off excess lipstick.
2. Using an eyedropper, apply a dry solvent such as mineral spirits and tamp with a soft-bristled brush.
3. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol and tamp.
4. Repeat until all of stain is removed.
5. Once removed, spray area with diluted dishwashing-soap solution.
6. Follow up with an enzyme detergent before washing.
7. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.

5. Fruit-based stains (pumpkin, apple cider, fruit punch)

1. Treat immediately.
2. Remove any fruit and run cold water over the stain.
3. Rub the stain with laundry detergent or dish soap and rinse.
4. Launder the item as soon as possible using the warmest water safe for the fabric.
5. Check the stain has been removed before drying.
6. If the stain is not completely gone, air dry and steps 3 & 4 until the stain is gone.
7. If the stain remains, take it to your dry cleaner.

Have you encountered any tough stains after the Halloween festivities that weren’t mentioned above?  We’re here to help and answer any cleaning questions you have.  Contact us any time with your cleaning questions.

– S.O.