Tips & Trips for Thanksgiving Cleanup

After hours in the kitchen and hovering around the stovetop and in front of the oven, the entree and multiple sides dishes take their resting spot on the perfectly laid out table. The meal and lively conversation commence and before long, bellies are full and platters and plates are bare.

It’s a dinner party well done. But it’s not over.

What lies ahead is cleaning, rinsing, drying and stacking. And don’t forget the laundering of linens. Before you dread the mess, consider a few easy ways to make cleanup go smoothly.

Empty the trash.There’s nothing less frustrating than an overflowing bin, especially when you’re busy cooking and entertaining.Before guests arrive, be sure to take out the trash and double layer plastic bags so it’s easier to repeat the process. Remember to toss containers, plastic wrap and any other trash lying on the counter or in the sink.

Clean as you go. As you’re waiting for a pot to boil, begin washing dirty dishes and utensils. Transfer the gravy and mashed potatoes into serving ware and get to work on those pans. Load up the dishwasher and start a cycle so there’s room for the next round of dishes. Even before dessert is served, pop in the kitchen to do a little clean up in between courses.

Keep stain remover handy. If your family is like mine, spills are just part of the dinner table. Whether wine or sauce, a trusty stain stick will get the red out and prep linens for a successful wash.

Launder sooner than later.You’ll have better luck at removing stains if you wash when they’re fresh.Don’t forget toclean aprons, hand towels and tea towels, especially those used to soak up greasy drippings. Experts suggest pretreating wine, tea and coffee stains with stain remover, let sit for five minutes, then wash in cold water. Treat stubborn stains with white wine vinegar and baking soda. When it comes to grease stains, spot clean with dish soap and water and let air dry. For gravy stains, scrape off excess from the tablecloth and blot with dish soap and warm water. If you’re using cloth napkins, don’t forget to soak and spot clean each one as well.

Remove wax. Candles illuminate the table and add to the festive atmosphere. They can also be messy, dripping down and onto your linens. Laundry experts suggest placing your linens in the freezer for a few hours. You can also fill a plastic bag with ice and let it sit on the stain for just as long. Remove and gently scrape off the wax with your fingernail, butter knife or credit card then apply laundry detergent onto the wax stain, let sit for half an hour and wash. If wax remains, melt with a hair dryer or iron set on low, then gently blot the melted wax with a paper towel or clean cloth.   

Wash separately. For special gatherings with family and friends, I get out my favorite red linen tablecloth. It has retained its bright color and rectangular shape quite well over the years. That’s because I treat stains right away and clean on cold cycle. I also wash darks and white separately to avoid color bleed. Then it’s in the dryer on low or no heat with a handful of LooHoos to fluff dry. When the tablecloth is thoroughly dry, I iron it, fold in half lengthwise, then hang on a clothing hanger until the next festivity.

Crank up the tunes. If you make clean up look fun, they will come. Invite a few family members or friends into the kitchen to catch up—and lend a helping hand. Before you know it, the stacks of dishes will disappear into the dishwasher and handwashing and drying will yield fast results. Then back to the party you’ll all go!