How to Get Rid of Halloween Stains
After the festivities are over, the trick's on you when you have to clean up after all the treats. But don't fret...here's how to clean up after goblins and ghosts.
1. Face Paint: If the paint's oil-based, scrape off the excess with the dull side of a knife or the back of a spoon. Treat the stain with a prewash stain remover and wash in the hottest water the fabric can tolerate. For water-based paint, immerse the stain in cold soapy water and with your fingers slowly work the soapy solution into the stain to help release the paint. If necessary, replace the soapy water and continue working it into the paint. Once the spot is out, wash the item as normal.
2. Chocolate Candy: Scraping chocolate when it's moist can spread it further into the fabric. Allow it to dry on and harden before you tackle it. Then scrape off the pieces, spritz with a stain remover, and wash in warm water with an all-fabric safe bleach.
Related: 5 Top Safety Tips for Halloween Costumes
3. Apple Cider: Mix a tablespoon of hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water. With a clean white cloth, sponge the solution onto the stained carpet, working from the edge of the spill to the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Then blot the liquid until it's absorbed. Repeat this until the stain disappears or is no longer absorbed into the cloth. If the stain's still there, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution and then blot the area until the liquid is absorbed. Lastly, sponge the stain with cold water and blot dry.
For more stain removal tips, check out the Good Housekeeping Stain Buster Guide
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