After a season of celebrating and toasting the coming New Year, you are bound to find yourself cleaning up a few unexpected spots and spills. If the spots become stains, you need to take remedial action to preserve the ambience of peace and good cheer. Some of the most common post-holiday fabric stains are listed below and what you can do to minimize or remove them.

CANDLE WAX

If the wax is still soft, freeze to harden, and then carefully scrape off the excess. Place the stain between clean paper towels and press with a warm iron to transfer the wax to the paper towels. Replace the paper towels frequently to absorb more wax and prevent transferring the stain to other places on the fabric. Pretreat the stain with a prewash stain remover. Wash according to the care label instructions. If any stain remains, repeat the the application of stain remover and wash again.

CHAMPAGNE OR WINE

Immediately upon noticing the spill, dampen with club soda or cool water. Later, sponge the spot with cool water or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water. Pretreat the stain with a prewash stain remover following the manufacturer’s advice.

CHOCOLATE

Sponge the spot with cool water or soak for about 30 minutes in a basin of cool water. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover or pour a small amount of liquid detergent on the stain following the manufacturers’ instructions. Wash according to the care label instructions. Air dry. If the spot remains, repeat the procedure. Tumble dry only when the stain is removed.

FIREPLACE ASHES

Hold the fabric taut and vacuum off as much soot as possible. Sprinkle an absorbent powder, such as talcum powder or baking soda, on the stain. Let it stand for several minutes, then vacuum again. Wash according to the care label instructions. Air dry. Repeat the use of powder or baking soda if the stain remains. Tumble dry only when the stain is not evident after washing.