Cleaning expert shares how to tackle the most common Christmas stains – from wine to gravy

is over for another year, and if you hosted any plans over the festive period, you might now be faced with a that’s messier than usual. 

The hustle and bustle of the festivities mean that it can be easy to knock a glass over, spill food or make a mess – and the last thing you want to do is hover around and it up on the spot. 

So you might now be faced with unfortunate red wine, gravy or beer on your carpet folllowing a day of eating, drinking and merriment. 

But not to worry – one cleaning expert has lifted the lid on the most common Christmas stains and how to get rid of them. 

Aggie MacKenzie, best known for her appearance alongside Kim Woodburn on How Clean Is Your House, has shared her valuable expertise on stain removal which could come in very handy for anyone who has hosted Christmas this year. 

She’s teamed up with to help homeowners tackle Christmas mishaps, from spilled candle wax to cranberry sauce stains – allowing you to give your home a much-needed refresh after the festivities. 

Here is Aggie’s expert advice for tackling some of the most common – and tough – festive stains. 

Candle wax

Aggie’s top tip for removal is as follows: “Fill a plastic bag with ice, and place it over the area to allow it to harden the wax. After it’s hard, you can chip away at the wax with a utensil. Then wipe away what remains with a damp cloth.”

Gravy 

Aggie suggested: “Start by blotting the stain immediately with a paper towel or clean cloth to absorb as much grease as possible and sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda or cornflour over the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. 

“Next, add warm water mixed with washing up liquid and apply the solution to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge, dabbing gently without soaking the carpet. Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to work the cleaning solution into the carpet fibers gently. Then, blot the area with a clean, dry towel to lift the loosened grease.”

Red or mulled wine 

For red wine, you can use soda water, which is about 85p in the supermarket. Douse in soda water and, using a clean white towel and work from the outside in. Dab and re-wet until all the colour is out of the carpet and on to the towel.

Makeup 

Aggie recommends make-up remover wipes for spilled make-up, but if you find yourself without, she suggested: “Try mixing a small amount of clear vinegar with twice as much warm water. Gently dab the stain from the outer edges toward the center. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage the fibers of the carpet and spread the stain further.”

Chocolate 

Removing dairy-based stains like chocolate from carpet requires prompt action to prevent staining and odors caused by spoiled proteins and fats.

Aggie said: “For solids like chocolate, scrape off as much as possible before applying any water or solution. Use cold water to prevent the stain from spreading or setting, then apply the washing-up solution and work gently, blotting repeatedly to remove the stain.”

Milk, cream or Bailey’s 

Aggie suggested: “Follow the general steps for chocolate, but pay special attention to neutralising odors with bicarbonate of soda or vinegar, as spoiled milk can leave a strong smell. Treat quickly to remove both the cream and alcohol components. If the stain has dried, apply the washing-up solution and blot repeatedly to lift residue.”

Mud 

Winter naturally brings rainy or snowy weather, and if you go out for a Christmas walk, you might end up bringing some of the outside in.

Aggie advised: “Leave mud to dry overnight, vacuum off the worst in the morning, then take a damp cloth with plain water to remove the residue.”

Glitter 

Whether it’s decorations or just festive fun, glitter is all around at Christmas, but it can be a pain to remove if spilled. But you can use a vacuum to get as much as possible, then duct tape, and even a lint roller for the smaller bits.

Soot

Soot, whether from candles or fireplaces, is a tough stain to remove. Vacuum soot using the nozzle, avoiding direct contact. Apply baking soda, brush it in gently, and let sit for 30-40 minutes.

Vacuum again before repeating the process. Finally, use soda water to lift any remaining stains.

Beer or Guinness

Aggie advised: “For older or stubborn stains, add a tablespoon of clear vinegar to the solution. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently apply the mixture to the stain, being careful not to scrub too hard, as this could damage the carpet fibers.

“If there’s a lingering odor from drinks like beer, sprinkle a light layer of bicarbonate of soda over the damp area. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.”

Tree sap

Tree sap is an unlikely stain but more common than you might think. If it ever stains your carpet, freeze it by putting ice or frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on there, then break it off. If this doesn’t work, dust it with cornflour.

Cranberry sauce

Aggie said: “Cranberry sauce can leave a sugary residue. Ensure the stain is fully rinsed to avoid attracting dirt later.The longer acidic stains sit, the more likely they are to set and cause permanent discolouration. Always test cleaning solutions on a hidden area to check for colourfastness. Never use hot water, as it can set acidic stains.”