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Yes, food and drinks are key, but holiday entertaining also requires a stash of stain removers—and a cleaning strategy. Deputy Home Editor Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman fielded readers' questions during a recent Facebook live chat. Here is her advice:
Before. Set aside a stack of clean, white cloths and prepare our go-to "recipe for disaster," a detergent solution, in case things get messy. Mix 1 teaspoon of mild clear or white dishwashing liquid without bleach in 1 cup of water. Also keep 3 percent hydrogen peroxide on hand.
During. Clean as you party: Plates can go straight from table to dishwasher (just scrape off big pieces of food first). If white rings on your wood furniture don't disappear when you blot them with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth, try non-gel toothpaste or a little liquid or cream car polish. Rub with the grain and wipe with a dry cloth.
After. Did someone slosh wine or drop chocolate on your rug? First, blot with a white cloth. (Don't rub!) Then try our detergent solution (test first on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric). Blot on the solution, working from the outside edge in. Rinse with water, blot, then place a white cloth on top, weighed down by a stack of books, for several hours. Some of the wine or chocolate still there? Try the hydrogen peroxide.
In Consumer Reports' tests of dishwasher detergents, Cascade edged out three products from Finish. All four are a good bet for dealing with a load of dirty dishes.
—Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman
For more advice on how to get your home ready for the holidays visit our Holiday Planning & Shopping Guide. You'll also find plenty of recommendations for top-rated gifts from Consumer Reports' tests.
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