With Halloween just around the corner, it’s safe to say that a fair few people will have already started planning their costumes for this year’s festivities.
From face paint to toffee apples, Halloween can certainly be a hazardous time for your fabrics, which is why specialists in natural fabrics and clothing at Nomad the Label have shared some essential tips on how to keep your clothes stain-free during this year’s spooky season celebrations.
Fake Blood
Fake blood is an essential part of every spooky Halloween costume, but it can be a pain to remove from fabrics. To help with effortless stain removal, experts recommend immediately soaking the fabric in cold water and treating the stain as soon as possible.
Applying lemon juice directly to the stain can also work wonders. Lemon juice acts as a mild natural bleach due to its citric acid content, helping to remove any tough stains.
Applying a small amount of white vinegar directly onto the stain can also help to prevent any lasting stains. Thanks to its acidic properties, white vinegar is especially useful for removing the oil-based stains caused by fake blood. However, it’s important not to mix vinegar with bleach or chlorine products to avoid creating any harmful reactions.
Remember to always blot or rub vinegar into clothes to reduce the risk of pushing the stain further into the fabric.
Once this has been applied and left to soak, the fabric can be placed in a cold wash with detergent.
It’s also advised to leave the fabric to soak overnight to ensure that the stain is thoroughly removed. If the stain is still visible after washing, then repeat these steps and remember not to place the fabric in the dryer, as the heat can cause the stain to set permanently.
Pumpkin
While pumpkin carving is a key component of any Halloween festivity, pumpkins may end up leaving a stubborn stain if not immediately treated. As pumpkin stains contain pigments, they pose the risk of leaving your clothes with a vibrant orange stain.
Begin by carefully scraping any solids away with a blunt knife, being careful not to damage the fabric.
You can then carefully dab the material with cold water. Ensure that you’re not rubbing the cold water into the fabric, as this can enhance the stain.
It’s recommended to wash the fabric under cold running water, being sure to avoid using hot water to avoid the risk of further ‘setting’ the stain. Cold water can be incredibly effective in helping to remove the stain before washing.
You can then apply a prewash liquid detergent to the stain. Combining a mixture of dish soap and water can also act as an effective stain remover. It’s then recommended to wash the fabric as usual based on its individual wash instructions.
Face Paint
Although face paint is perfect for giving your Halloween costume a bit of extra life, it can also be difficult to remove from clothes.
When opting for face paint this Halloween, it’s often better to go for water-based solutions rather than oil-based, as these are increasingly challenging to remove from fabrics. Oil-based products can also wreak havoc on your skin, which is why it’s always better to err on the side of caution when selecting your face paint this Halloween.
To help with thorough stain removal, it’s best to tackle these stains as soon as possible to avoid them permanently setting into the fabric. If the stain has already dried, then gently scrape off any excess face paint with a blunt knife.
Try holding an absorbent pad behind the stain to absorb as much of the face paint as possible.
Immediately rinse the stain with cold water. Soaking in a pre-wash stain removal product before washing can also reduce the risk of stubborn stains.
If you are trying to remove an oil-based face paint stain, then blotting in some white vinegar before washing may also be helpful.
Makeup
Makeup is always important for adding that finishing touch to your Halloween costume, or you may even try experimenting with some spooky Halloween makeup for this year’s festivities.
However, makeup can easily end up staining your clothes, which is why it’s always best to take some preventative measures to reduce any staining.
Using a setting spray or powder can help to keep your makeup in place and prevent it from rubbing onto your clothes.
It may also be easier to carefully put your Halloween costume on after doing your makeup to prevent any spills while getting ready for the evening’s festivities.
If you do end up having a makeup-related disaster this Halloween, then immediately use a tissue to dab away any excess. Ensure that you’re not using a rubbing technique, as this can cause the stain to spread. Using a makeup removal wipe can also help to gently blot the stain initially.
Using a mixture of water and a small amount of dish soap can often perfectly remove makeup stains.
Lipstick
Lipstick stains are often considered considerably harder to remove as they are heavily composed of grease and pigment. This is why it’s always essential to pre-treat lipstick stains before washing.
Ensure that you gently scrape off any dried lipstick stains with a blunt knife before you begin any treatment. Soaking the material in cold water with a pre-wash laundry detergent before washing is essential.
Applying a dab of rubbing alcohol, or even hand sanitiser, before washing can also be beneficial, but ensure that you’re not doing this with any delicate materials like silk.
Toffee and Caramel
Toffee and caramel apples are essential for every Halloween party, but any spills can easily end up staining your clothes. Sticky stains can be particularly difficult to remove, which is why it’s essential to immediately scrape off any excess substance with a blunt knife if it’s already had the chance to harden.
Applying ice to any caramel and toffee stains can help to speed up the hardening process, making the stain easier to scrape off and treat.
Rinse the fabric under running water before soaking the material in a laundry detergent for up to 30 minutes. As toffee and caramel stains are heavily comprised of sugar, placing the material under lukewarm water can also be beneficial. You can then place the clothes in the wash as normal.
If the stain persists, then treating again with vinegar or baking soda may also be helpful.
Louisa Warman, the Founder of Nomad the Label, commented:
“This Halloween, the importance of pre-treating stains cannot be underestimated. While it may often seem easier to just place stained fabrics straight in the wash, this will often cause stains to linger and become further embedded in your clothes.
“Undeniably, Halloween is a highly anticipated time of year, but it’s important not to let your festivities be ruined by any permanent stains. The key to keeping your wardrobe looking its best this Halloween is to act quickly. The quicker you start pre-treating a stain, the easier it will be to remove.
“If in doubt, always hold the fabric under cold water before placing it in a wash. Household items like lemon juice, white vinegar, and baking soda can also be incredibly beneficial for gently lifting any stubborn stains this Halloween.”
This information was provided by specialists in natural fabrics and clothing at Nomad the Label.
Post courtesy NomadtheLabel.com, as they conducted the research for this story.
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