Top 10 Halloween Stains
And How To Remove Them

Here is a list of the top 10 Halloween stains, plus instructions for how to remove them, so you and your family can have a fun holiday this year.

Trick or treating with your kids can be a lot of fun, but all the prep work for getting costumes and decorations ready, along with all the different types of treats the kids receive, can all cause some major spots and marks on your clothes, upholstery or carpet.

The list below contains what I believe to be the most staining items around this holiday, and the link to the page on the site where I've provided instructions for removing them.

1. Pumpkins

While at Thanksgiving we eat pumpkins during Halloween we carve them up. Which one is messier? Who knows, but when kids are involved with the carving I know mine, at least, tend to get seeds and "guts" all over them, resulting in a big mess.

So, here's instructions for removing pumpkin stains from clothes, upholstery and carpet so pumpking carving doesn't turn into a disaster.

2. Candle Wax

Since Halloween is a spooky holiday we use a lot of candles, both inside Jack-O-Laterns and also as decorations.

All that melting wax can make quite a mess though, so be sure to use these candle wax stain removal instructions if necessary.

3. Makeup

Many of us put on makeup everyday, but when we're getting on costumes and getting decked out for the night, we tend to put a lot more on.

Plus, we also let our kids put a little makeup on their faces and bodies as well, and you get kids and makeup together and it can be a disaster waiting to happen. Here's some general instructions for removing makeup from your clothing.

4. Lipstick

While lipstick is a type of makeup, it deserves special mention all its own since it can be such a difficult stain to remove.

If you've got some smeared lipstick, or dropped the tube causing a streaky mess, check out these instructions for removing lipstick stains.

5. Nail Polish

The final touch to many Halloween costumes is a nice bright (or dark) shade of nail polish. While it may make your costume look great, it doesn't look so great anywhere else but on your nails.

If you tried to use your hands too soon, before the polish was dry and transferred some polish somewhere else, or spilled the bottle while applying it, check out these tips for removing nail polish stains.

6. Hair Dye

Hair dye, of either the permanent or non-permanent variety, can really make you look like the character you're trying to portray for your costume.

This Halloween stain, however, is one of the worst to try to remove. Plus, doesn't it seem like those dyes which promise to only be temporary sure do seem to get permanent from time to time?

Here's the site's hair dye stain removal guide to help you lighten or remove these spots and drips.

7. Apples

Bobbing for apples, as well as various apple treats are a staple of many Halloween traditions.

While apples don't stain too badly, normally, they can if they've browned a bit, the stain sits for a while, or if its part of a combination stain.

Here's some instructions for removing apple stains from clothing, upholstery and carpet.

8. Chocolate

Chocolate stains are probably my personal favorite Halloween stains, at least from the perspective of having fun while you're making them!

What is Halloween without a little candy, and melty gooey chocolate, while yummy, can make quite a mess everywhere.

Instead of banning this treat from the house (which I could personally never do anyway!) why not be prepared with this chocolate stain removal guide.

9. Gum

Another very popular Halloween treat is chewing gum, which can make quite a sticky mess quickly.

It doesn't matter whether it gets in your hair, or ground into your carpet, it is perhaps the most exasperating mess for a parent to deal with! (I definitely speak from experience since I've got 3 kids!)

If you find yourself, after Halloween, with one of these messes don't panic. Instead, consult the gum stain removal guide for instructions for how to proceed.

10. Mystery Stains

Finally, last but definitely not least, are those mystery stains you seem to find on costumes, clothing, your home, etc. after Halloween is over.

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, stains happen, and it can often be difficult to identify exactly what it is that caused the mess.

In those intances make sure you use the instructions for removing stains of unknown origin so you don't accidentally set the spot it in the process of trying to remove it.

So that's my list of the top 10 Halloween stains. Did I miss one that you think should have made the list?

If so, make sure you mention it to me in the comments below and I'll point you to the directions here on the site for how to remove it, or I'll add it to my list of new instruction pages to create so I've covered all the bases for this fun, but messy holiday.

Related Pages You May Enjoy

Top 10 Tips For Removing Stains Plus Glossary Of Techniques

Go From Top 10 Halloween Stains To Home Page

CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.