The scariest night of the year is almost upon us, where ghosts, witches, devils and Freddy Kruger roam the streets. However, the scariest part of the evening can be the cleaning aftermath that follows.
October the 31st is a day to be creative and allow yourself and your children to dress up as scary (or as cute) as possible! However, alongside Halloween comes spills and stains that are impossible to get out… or so you thought!
Cleaning and laundry experts Dr. Beckmann have identified the top ten scary stains you are bound to encounter this Halloween and how to frightback!
Top 10 Halloween Stains
1. Makeup
If you catch the stain quickly a trusty baby/make-up remover wipe may do the trick! However, if it has smeared into the carpet you’ll need to tackle it with a stain remover and keep scrubbing!
2. Fake blood
Fake blood is the most popular Halloween item and stain scare! It can be tough to remove, so make sure the stain soaks in cold water as soon as possible, before washing in hot water. Rubbing lemon juice into the stain before washing will also help!
3. Hair dye/coloured hair spray
Halloween is the night to completely transform yourself and what better way than to change your hair!? However, hair dyes and coloured hair sprays leave behind extremely stubborn stains. Rub alcohol or a solution of vinegar and detergent into the stain and then leave to soak and cross your fingers!
4. Mud
Trick-or-Treating can be a messy job, especially with the unpredictable English weather! The chances of being covered in mud whilst doing the rounds are very high. Remember, resist the temptation to wipe at the stain. Let it dry and then scrape off the dried dirt, before washing the clothes/costume as normal!
5. Sweets
Halloween is a night filled with sugar rushes due to eating too many sweets, so here’s a trick to get the stickiness out of clothes/costumes that is inevitable. Grab an ice cube and place it on the stain for an hour, then scrape off some sweet residue with a blunt knife. Afterwards, apply a stain remover on the fabric and allow to soak.
6. Caramel from candy apples
Once again try scraping away the excess caramel from the carpet with a blunt knife or spoon. Do not rub or wipe with a cloth as the caramel will just sink deeper into the fabric fibres. Dab at the stain with a damp cloth and for any lasting stains, use Dr. Beckmann’s Carpet Stain Remover and that should lift the remaining stain right out!
7. Pumpkin
The statement Halloween item can leave a permanent stain on your clothes if not treated quickly. Blot the stained fabric with a damp cloth then prepare to wash the garment. Use a stain remover to help break apart the stain.
8. Face paint
Another common stain of the October holiday, if the face paint is dry then try and scrape it off the fabric with a knife. Water-based paints are easy to remove, just wash with hot water. Oil-based paints are slightly trickier, so use Dr.Beckmann’s Stain Devils Lubricant and Grease to tackle the stains in a speedy 3 minutes!
9. Lipstick
Requires its standalone tip, as it can be a nightmare to get out of clothing and furniture! Remove as much excess lipstick off the fabric as possible without smearing it further. Dab the stain with a warm, damp cloth, once this has been done apply a stain remover and this should do just the trick (or treat)!
10. Alcohol (Halloween punch)
Halloween parties can be a very messy affair and alcohol stains can be a horror to get out of your carpets and furniture, especially red wine. If you have an unfortunate spillage, make sure you blot the alcohol with a cloth until the liquid is absorbed. Then sponge with cold water. Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Devils Fruit & Drink remover is great to have in the cupboard ready and waiting!
On the top tips to help everyone have a deep hallo-clean, Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor said, “Getting your homes back to normal after a night as big and as messy as Halloween is a huge task. Carpets are covered in fake blood, clothes are sticky from the caramel from candy apples and there’s pumpkin everywhere! However, at Dr. Beckmann we offer a wide range of products that can help turn your house back to normal… just in time for the Christmas festivities.”
