Defining Your Personal StyleDefining Your Personal Style

You open up your presents on Christmas morning to find that you have received the cashmere poncho you have been eyeing. You are thrilled as this sweater-like top is stylish, trendy and can help to keep you toasty warm. You decide to show it off and wear it for Christmas dinner. However, your mood dampens a bit when you realize that in addition to wearing the new sweater, you are wearing some of your dinner atop the sweater. Working quickly to remove this food will help to minimize the chances of a permanent stain setting in, as will learning how to properly remove the food type from your sweater. Here are three common foods that may stain your new cashmere sweater and how to remove them without damaging this delicate material.

Chocolate

Many people indulge in sweets and treats during the holiday season. However, you may come to regret it when you notice chocolate has fallen on your new cashmere poncho and left a mark behind. Fortunately, this chocolate smudge or spot can be lifted and removed, allowing you to get back to your chocolate indulgences. Follow these directions to remove chocolate from your cashmere poncho.

1. Rinse the stained area under cold water as soon as you notice the spot.
2. Use a clean, soft cloth to blot the affected area and lift the chocolate. Do not rub, as this can spread the stain and damage cashmere fabric.
3. Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Dip a soft cloth in the bowl and begin blotting the affected area with this solution.
4. Dip a soft cloth in liquid laundry detergent. Carefully work the laundry detergent into the stained area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Rinse out your soft cloth and dab at the area to remove all of the detergent and soap residue.
5. Follow the manufacturer's care and cleaning directions to launder the poncho. Typically, cashmere must be washed in cold water on the delicate cycle or by hand.

Gravy

Gravy is greasy and oily, which makes it challenging to remove. You have to remove both the gravy and the grease stain it leaves behind. As such, if you are eating and notice you spilled some turkey gravy on your poncho, you will want to excuse yourself and treat the stain as quickly as possible. Follow these directions to remove gravy from your poncho.

1. Dab at the area with a dry, soft cloth to remove as much of the liquid as possible. Do not use a dampened cloth as you want to absorb as much of the liquid as possible and not spread it.
2. Fill a tub or your sink with cool water. Add in a few drops of a mild shampoo or a mild, grease-cutting dish washing soap. Place the sweater in the sink and allow it to soak for at least a couple hours.Soaking the sweater will give the soap the opportunity to break down the stain.
3. Follow the manufacturer's directions to launder the poncho.

Wine

Red wine can be challenging to remove from a cashmere poncho. Most people recommend taking your poncho in to a dry cleaner and having it professionally stain-treated and cleaned should wine be spilled on it. However, the chances of finding a dry cleaner open on Christmas day are slim, and who wants to leave their family? Luckily, there is a trick that will help to lift the stain in a pinch. Follow these directions to lift red wine from your new cashmere poncho.

1. Rinse the affected area in cool water. Do not use hot water as it can shrink cashmere.
2. Lay the poncho flat. Place a similarly colored towel or even a layer of tin foil underneath the affected area to ensure the treatment doesn't seep through to the other side of your poncho. Do not use newspaper as the ink can transfer onto your poncho. And if your poncho is light, don't use a dark towel as the dye can transfer and stain your poncho.
3. Spray a quarter-sized drop of WD-40 on a clean, soft cloth. Dab it into the poncho. Do not rub as this can damage cashmere or cause a hole. Allow the WD-40 to sit for about 10-15 minutes. Dampen a soft cloth with cool water and dab at the area to remove the WD-40 residue. Repeat this process until the stain has lifted.
4. Launder the poncho as recommended by the manufacturer.

No one wants their new Christmas gifts to be ruined the first day they wear them. Unfortunately, there are many staining agents you may encounter if you wear your new poncho during the holiday season. Learning how to properly remove these stains will help ensure they don't cause long-lasting effects that could diminish the look of your new holiday gift.