Q: Pie is always a favorite dessert in our house. So when we found out that January 23rd is National Pie Day, we thought it was a great excuse for a dessert party! We'd like to make it a fun evening, maybe with checked tablecloths and napkins. But we realize that inviting a bunch of people over to eat pie is also an invitation to stains. How do we get rid of them (the stains, not the guests!)?
A: Blueberry, cherry, boysenberry, strawberry, apple, rhubarb … no matter what your pie pleasure ... and whether it's baking them or eating them ... stains are bound to happen.
If the stain is fresh, flush it with cool water to remove some of the residue. Then, whether the stain is fresh or has set for a bit, follow these easy steps. 1) Mix one tablespoon of pre-treater and ½ teaspoon of liquid laundry or dish detergent with one quart of cool water. Soak the item in this solution for 15–30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. 2) If the stain remains, sponge it with rubbing alcohol and then rinse thoroughly. 3) If the stain still remains, soak for 30 minutes in a solution of one quart of warm water and one tablespoon of an enzyme presoak product. Launder, using warm water, your favorite laundry detergent, and chlorine or oxygen bleach if safe for the fabric.