· By Samantha Freres
How to Remove the 7 Most Common Thanksgiving Stains (Wine, Gravy, Cranberries + More)
November brings cozy gatherings, full tables, and the kind of holiday memories that always seem to include… a few inevitable spills. Whether you're hosting, attending, or simply taste-testing your way through the season, Thanksgiving stains happen to even the most careful among us.
The good news? Most holiday stains are completely fixable with the right approach, and the sooner you treat them, the better. Here’s your ultimate guide to removing the seven most common Thanksgiving stains using simple, effective steps.
1. Red Wine
Red wine feels like the classic holiday stain, but luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to lift when handled properly.
How to remove it:
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Blot gently (never rub).
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Rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric.
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Pretreat with Wishing Well or another enzyme-packed detergent.
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Wash cold and air dry.
Why it works:
Cold water prevents pigment from setting, and enzymes help break down the tannins.
Cold water prevents pigment from setting, and enzymes help break down the tannins.
2. Gravy, Butter & Other Greasy Goodness
These stains are oil-based, which means you want to absorb the grease first, then lift it.
How to remove it:
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Blot off any excess.
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Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb grease (10–15 minutes).
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Brush off the powder and pretreat with Wishing Well detergent.
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Wash in warm water.
Why it works:
Warm water dissolves oils (but avoid hot, which can set protein components in gravy).
Warm water dissolves oils (but avoid hot, which can set protein components in gravy).
3. Cranberry Sauce
Anthocyanin pigments (the deep red/purple color) are heat-reactive, so cold is key.
How to remove it:
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Rinse cold.
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Pretreat with Wishing Well's enzyme-packed detergent.
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Wash cold.
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Air dry: heat can set any remaining pigment.
4. Pumpkin Pie or Sweet Potato
These stains have sugar, oil, and natural pigments, a fun trifecta.
How to remove it:
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Scrape off excess pumpkin.
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Pretreat with detergent.
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Soak in cold water.
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Wash warm.
Why it works:
Warm water helps dissolve the oily/sugary components, while enzymes handle the pigments.
Warm water helps dissolve the oily/sugary components, while enzymes handle the pigments.
5. Coffee
Whether it’s black coffee or full of cream, coffee stains respond well to a simple cold-to-warm treatment.
How to remove it:
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Rinse cold.
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Pretreat.
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Wash warm.
6. Chocolate
Chocolate stains are a mix of fat, protein, and tannins, so treating with both cold water and enzymes is essential.
How to remove it:
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Rinse cold.
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Pretreat with Wishing Well detergent.
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Wash warm.
7. Lipstick & Makeup
Lipstick and foundation are waxy and oil-based, which means they need a solvent to break them down.
How to remove it:
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Dab gently with rubbing alcohol on durable fabrics only (cotton, denim, poly blends).
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For delicate fabrics (silk, wool, rayon), use oil-free makeup remover instead; much safer and often more effective.
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Pretreat with Wishing Well detergent.
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Wash warm.
A Few Extra Tips to Save the Day
✔ Always treat stains ASAP for best results
✔ Air-dry when you’re unsure — heat can permanently set stains
✔ For stubborn spots, repeat the process rather than increasing water temperature
✔ Keep an extra bottle of Wishing Well nearby… holiday magic can get messy
✔ Air-dry when you’re unsure — heat can permanently set stains
✔ For stubborn spots, repeat the process rather than increasing water temperature
✔ Keep an extra bottle of Wishing Well nearby… holiday magic can get messy