Trick or Treat, Cleanup Complete - Your Halloween Mess Survival Guide

The Dust Devils: 10/4/2023

Halloween, the spookiest time of the year, is synonymous with fun costumes, delicious treats, and creative decorations. But along with the festivities comes the inevitable mess. Whether it’s fake blood splatters, pumpkin guts, or hair dye mishaps, Halloween can leave your home looking more like a haunted house than a cozy abode. But don’t worry; as experts in residential cleaning, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips for tackling every type of Halloween mess, so you can enjoy the holiday without the cleanup nightmares.

1. Fake Blood

Fake blood is a staple of many Halloween costumes, but it can be a nightmare to clean. Here’s what you can do:

For fabric: Blot the stain with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid hot water, as it can set the stain. Wash the item in cold water.
For hard surfaces: Wipe up excess blood and then use a mixture of cold water and dish soap to clean the area.

2. Pumpkin Guts

Carving pumpkins is a beloved Halloween tradition, but those slimy pumpkin guts can make a mess. Follow these steps:

Scoop up as much of the guts as possible with a spoon.
For fabric: Rinse the fabric with cold water, then apply a mixture of water and mild detergent. Wash as usual.
For hard surfaces: Use a spoon or spatula to scrape off the pumpkin guts, then clean with soapy water.

3. Face and Body Paint

Face and body paint can lead to colorful stains. Here’s how to remove them:

For fabric: Scrape off excess paint, then blot the stain with a mixture of dish soap and cold water. Wash the fabric in cold water.
For skin: Use a makeup remover or baby oil to gently wipe away the paint.

4. Glitter

Glitter is the bane of many homeowners’ existence. To clean up glitter:

Use a lint roller or sticky tape to pick up as much glitter as possible.
For hard surfaces: Dampen a microfiber cloth and gently pat the glitter to pick it up.

5. Candle Wax:

Candles are a must for creating a spooky ambiance, but spilled wax can be a mess. Here’s how to remove it:

Let the wax cool and harden.
For fabric: Place a brown paper bag over the wax and iron it on a low setting. The wax will transfer onto the paper.
For hard surfaces: Gently scrape off the hardened wax with a plastic card or a butter knife.

6. Hair Dye:

Getting creative with hair dye can lead to unexpected spills. To clean up hair dye:

Act quickly. Blot the stain with a mixture of dish soap and cold water.
For fabric: Wash the item in cold water.
For hard surfaces: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply it to the stain, let it sit, and then wipe it away.

7. Candy and Food Stains:

Halloween wouldn’t be complete without candy and treats. To tackle food stains:

Scrape off any excess food.
For fabric: Apply a mixture of water and mild detergent to the stain, then wash in cold water.
For hard surfaces: Clean with soapy water, and for stubborn stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water.

8. Cobwebs and Dust:

Decorations like cobwebs and dust can accumulate during Halloween. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove them from ceilings, corners, and decorations.

9. Balloon Residue:

Balloons are a common decoration, but removing tape or balloon residue can be tricky. Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to remove the sticky residue from surfaces.

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, and a little mess is part of the package. But with these cleaning tips, you can easily handle any Halloween-related mess that comes your way. Remember, the key to successful cleanup is to act promptly and use the right cleaning methods for each type of mess. So go ahead, enjoy the festivities, and don’t let the fear of Halloween messes haunt you. At The Dust Devils, we’re here to help you keep your home clean and welcoming, no matter what Halloween may bring.