It’s fall, of course you’re going to end up with a cranberry stain. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there—whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy fall brunch, that bright red blob is bound to make an appearance on your favorite sweater or tablecloth (or both 😬). But before you panic, let's break it down into a few simple steps to save your wardrobe (and your sanity).

Act Fast, But Don’t Stress!

The key to any stain removal is speed, but there’s no need to freak out. The faster you act, the better your chances of success. First, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing—it just spreads the mess and pushes the cranberry deeper into the fabric. You want to absorb as much of that juice as possible before moving on to the next steps.

Got a bit of the sauce left on your fabric? Use a spoon or a dull knife to carefully lift it off. Now that the worst of it is under control, it’s time to dive into the deep cleaning.

Cold Water Rinse

Next up, head to the sink and give the stain a cold water rinse. Hold the fabric under the faucet and let the water flow through the stain from the back side. Cold water helps prevent the stain from setting in and dilutes the cranberry juices. This works wonders, especially if you get to it right away.

If you’re dealing with a tablecloth or something you can’t throw under a faucet, dampen a clean cloth with cold water and blot the stain. This will help flush out as much of the cranberry as possible before it really settles in.

The Magic of Vinegar and Dish Soap

If water alone isn’t doing the trick, it’s time to bring out the heavy hitters: vinegar and dish soap.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
• 2 cups cold water

Gently blot the cranberry sauce stain with a clean cloth or sponge soaked in the solution. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Repeat until stain is removed. It’s like your secret, chemical-free weapon against cranberry sauce!

Laundry Time

Once you’ve treated the stain, toss the item into the wash. Be sure to use the stain fighting laundry leaf detergent sheets and wash it in cold water. Hot water can cause any leftover stain to set in, and we definitely don’t want that. If the stain isn’t fully gone after the wash, resist the urge to throw it in the dryer—the heat will lock it in for good. Instead, repeat the stain treatment process and wash again.

Prevention Tips for the Future

Now that you’ve conquered the cranberry stain, it’s time to think about prevention for the next feast. Consider wearing an apron while cooking (yes, they’re still cool!), or switch to cranberry jelly if you’re prone to spills. But let’s be honest—what’s a fall meal without a little mess?

Stains happen, but with a little quick thinking and some household remedies, your favorite fall outfits and table linens can stay fresh and stain-free all season long. Cranberry sauce doesn’t stand a chance!