Authored by Raghunandan Saraf. Founder & CEO, Saraf Furniture
Holi is widely known as the festival of colors, it is a celebration that brings joy, laughter, and hues into our lives. But as it often goes with many celebrations, it leaves behind its own set of challenges; in this case how to deal with the stains on the furniture. Wooden surfaces, upholstered pieces, and even glass surfaces can be tricky to clear off if their stains are not treated timely or properly. Irrespective of whether you plan to actively partake in the color celebrations or are just hoping to witness it, this guide will enable you to protect your furniture prior to Holi in addition to supplying effective cleanup methods for after the celebration.
Protecting Your Furniture Before Holi
Strategic prevention steps taken prior to Holi can save you time and effort which would have to be invested for cleanup after the celebration. Here’s how you can safeguard your furniture:
1.Cover Your Furniture with Protective Sheets
Utilize protective covers such as bed covers, curtains, or thick cotton sheets to cover floors, tables, sofas, windows, and doors. This prevents the furniture from Holi stains and ensures your furniture is protected even if colors are splattered around. The covers and the furniture should be taped and secured to prevent slipping during the celebration. Thick plastic sheets or cotton covers will do a fine job of keeping stains away from the furniture.
2.Apply Protective Sprays or Coatings
To prepare for Holi, it can be useful to apply protective wax or polish on wooden furniture since it can block the color from soaking into the wood. For Scotchgard protectors, sofas and curtains can be rendered stain resistant. Protecting furniture a day before with a spray coating polish can help reduce the damage caused by powders and colors in water.
3.Limit the Playing Zone
Setting boundaries on where colors can be played with can help maintain furniture in its state. Encourage family and guests to engage outdoors during Holi in spaces like the garden, terrace, or balcony to avoid indoor furniture from getting stained. If playing indoors is unavoidable, cover the floors and furniture using mats or old sheets in the designated area to control the mess created.
4.Use Waterproof Covers for Cushions and Upholstery
Waterproof covers over cushions are excellent for preventing colors in liquid form from infiltrating the fabric. Use waterproof slipcovers made of plastic for sofas and chairs. After the party is done, all you have to do is take off the covers, and wash them, and you won’t have to deal with the stubborn stains. This approach is efficient and effortless.
Cleaning Wooden Furniture After Holi
- Mild Soap Solution for Light Stains:
A few drops of mild soap dish mixed with warm water will do the trick. Take a soft cloth, dip it into the solution, and gently rub it over the stain while following the direction of the wood grain. Soaking the wood is not a good idea, so be mindful of the amount of water used to prevent wood foreclosure/expansion or damage.
- Lemon Juice and Baking Soda for Tough Stains:
Equally mixing some lemon juice with baking soda will suffice. Apply that paste to the stain and leave it for five to ten minutes. Wipe it off with a damp cloth afterward and watch as it aids in breaking the color down.
- White Vinegar and Water for Stubborn Stains:
Put white vinegar and water in equal measures into a spray bottle. Lightly spray the target area and let it remain for a few minutes before wiping it with a dry, soft cloth. Take care not to use too much vinegar on polished wood as it drags out the finish.
- Olive Oil and Salt for Deep Stains:
Using a piece of clothing, create a mixture that consists of fine salt and olive oil. Start buffing the clothing against the target area in a circular motion for the salt to act as an exfoliant and the oil to moisturize the wood. Then, wipe with a dry cloth afterward.
- Conditioning for Lasting Protection:
Use soft cloths to rub cushioning oil against your newly cleaned wood. Oiling with linseed oil or even coconut oil works wonders in helping the wood shine while covering it from future stains.
Effective cleaning and protection of wooden furniture during Holi requires some precautions as well as effective cleaning techniques. Stains can be limited with effective covering and coating of the furniture. However, if stains occur, then they can be effectively removed with quick action by utilizing mild soap, lemon juice, or even baking soda, as well as proper conditioning of the wood. With suitable care, your wooden furniture can outlive all the colors of Holi.
