Are you as ready for Christmas we are? The stockings hung by the chimney with care, presents wrapped by the tree and everyone tucked into bed waiting impatiently for the big day? Christmas will be here soon enough, and you'll be ready to take down the tree and all the decorations as you look ahead to the future. But how do you properly wash all that decor - or do you wash it? Today we'll discuss how to properly wash your Christmas Stockings, Tree Skirts, and other festive decor to keep the holiday spirit alive for many years to come.
How to Wash Christmas Stockings
While it's not necessary to wash your Christmas stockings, we know that accidents happen - especially over the holidays. Maybe the baby knocked over a drink, or your toddler grabbed their stocking after playing with sticky slime, or your dog thought the stockings were toys or they just got lost in a cloud of dust. Whatever the case, we got you; but first, let's consider the various types of stockings and how you might clean them.
1. Velvet Stockings
Should your velvet stockings get dirty, take them to the dry cleaners for a professional cleaning. While you can steam out wrinkles (don't iron them) if necessary, these types of stockings really don't have to be cleaned in-between seasons.
2. Needlepoint or Cross-Stitch Stockings
Needlepoint and cross-stitch stockings are typically handmade and should be handled with care, but don't really need much cleaning unless they get stained. Should that occur, take your needlepoint stockings to the dry cleaner. Meanwhile, you can typically throw anything that has been cross-stitched in the wash on a delicate cycle or hand wash it. You can also use the upholstery brush on your vacuum to gently go over the design to brighten up the colors should they start to dull after a few years.
3. Knit or Crochet Stockings
Knit or crochet stockings are often the easiest to clean. Simply hand-wash (or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine) in lukewarm water with gentle detergent in the same way that you might wash one of your favorite sweaters. Rinse well, but don't wring it out. Just lay it flat to dry and allow it to reshape.
4. Wool Stockings
Wool stockings can also be hand-washed, but you may prefer to send them to the dry cleaners for a professional clean (particularly if they are of any sentimental value).
5. Quilted Stockings
Much like many of the other stocking options, quilted stockings can also be hand-washed in cool water to prevent color fading or bleeding. Just make sure to rinse well and dry flat.
6. Felt Stockings
Finally, felt stockings are pretty common and should definitely head to the dry cleaner should they need to be cleaned after the holidays. Felt is particularly prone to shrinkage and color fade, so make sure that they are never fully saturated in water. Also note that should your felt stocking have any sort of embellishment (beading, sequins, etc), any type of cleaning may cause permanent damage. While felt stockings are often inexpensive, they are also quite difficult to clean.
How to Wash Christmas Tree Skirts
If you've ever bought a real tree, then you know the importance of having a washable tree skirt. Not only do real trees drip sap, but there are often water stains from watering your tree during the holiday season. Fortunately, Christmas tree skirt manufacturers recognize this and design most tree skirts to be washed. That said, you should still treat any stains as quickly as possible by blotting away any liquid and removing any solid material with the edge of a dull knife. Furthermore, should your tree skirt be adorned with decorative beads, threads, sequence, etc, plan to take it to the dry cleaners for a proper clean.
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