Holi Cleaning Tips: How to Remove Holi Colours From Walls, Floor & Furniture?

by Juhi Advani | March 15, 2024 | 7 mins read

How to remove holi colour from house after holi celebration

A post-Holi home clean-up guide that will make your festival a joyful experience.

‘How to remove Holi colours?’ – Every homeowner ever! 

Holi, the festival of colours, brings immense joy and vibrancy into our lives. Whether it’s kids getting excited early in the morning or planning a party for your friends and family at your home, the festival infuses happiness, freedom, and vibrant colours — not just into our lives but also into our homes. But once the day ends, we are left with a colourful conundrum. This blog offers super effective post-Holi clean-up tips for your home’s insides.

Pre & Post-Holi Cleaning Ideas for Home Interiors

How to Remove Holi Colours From the Walls?

Walls often bear the brunt of the colours. We have a set of pre and post-Holi cleaning tips to keep your walls looking pristine.

Before Holi Tips for Home 

  • Apply a thin layer of clear varnish or water-resistant coating as a protective layer, which will simplify the removal of colours later.
  • Temporarily replace framed pictures with fabric hangings to enhance the festive vibe while safeguarding your artwork from potential stains.
  • Test a small area with a clear adhesive vinyl sheet if you have wallpaper. This could act as a shield against colour absorption.
  • Opt for washable decorations, temporarily swapping out delicate items for those that can withstand a bit of colour.

After Holi Tips for Home – How to Remove Holi Colours Instantly? 

  • If the colours are dry, sweep them as soon as possible using a broomstick.
  • Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the walls gently. This is especially effective for water-soluble colours.
  • For stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply, let it sit, and gently scrub without damaging the wall paint.
  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a potent solution effective against tougher colour stains. Test on a small area first.
  • Refrain from using abrasive or harsh cleaning chemicals to prevent damage to your wall paint or wallpaper.
  • Allow cleaning agents to sit for a few minutes before wiping them off. Repeat the process if needed, ensuring a gradual and gentle removal of colours.
Remove Holi colour from a wall using either detergent with water or baking soda mixed with water
Remove Holi colour stains from the walls
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Easy Ways to Remove Holi Colour Stains From the Furniture 

Be it a leather sofa, a wooden coffee table or your stunning bookshelf- they can become victims of Holi colour. 

Before Holi Tips for Furniture

  • Shield furniture with washable covers or plastic sheets to minimise direct colour contact.
  • Remove delicate or non-washable decor from the space. 
  • Apply a light coating of furniture polish or wax for an added layer of protection.

After Holi Tips for Furniture

  • Begin by gently dusting off dry colours from furniture surfaces using a soft cloth.
  • Wipe surfaces with a mild soap and water solution for a gentle clean.
  • Create a paste using baking soda and water for stubborn stains. Apply, let it sit, and then gently scrub.

Remember, patience is key when dealing with colour stains!

Protect living room furniture from Holi colour by covering with plastic sheets.
Easily remove colour stains from the furniture

How to Remove Holi Colours Instantly: Kitchen Edition

While our biggest tip is to keep the kitchen out of your Holi celebrations, but if that seems like a distant dream with kids at home, then this is how you could manage the day: 

Before Holi Tips for Kitchen

  • Cover appliances and utensils with plastic sheets or tarps to prevent direct colour contact. If you are planning new home interiors before Holi, adding an appliance garage or a pantry unit would be perfect to keep your kitchen accessories hidden away and free up platform space. 

Find pantry unit designs here: Latest Kitchen Pantry Design Ideas

  • Ensure all food containers are sealed tightly to prevent colour contamination.
  • Replace delicate kitchen decor or towels with items that are easy to clean.
  • Keep a ‘No Food If Colours Touch the Kitchen’ board outside your kitchen!

After Holi Tips for Kitchen Units 

  • Wipe down kitchen surfaces with a mild detergent solution to remove colour stains.
  • Use a paste of baking soda and water for stubborn stains on countertops. Apply, let it sit, and gently scrub.
  • Clean appliances with a damp cloth while being cautious of electric areas and sockets.
  • For stubborn stains on kitchen cabinets, use acetone on a damp cloth. 
How to remove holi colours from kitchen countertops
Have a spick & span kitchen with Post-holi cleaning tips!

How to Keep Outdoor Areas (Balcony, Terrace or Backyard) Clean & Safe for Holi? 

Before Holi:

  • Use plastic covers for outdoor furniture to shield them from direct colour exposure.
  • Designate specific areas as ‘chill zones’ where guests can enjoy festivities without direct colour interaction.
  • Offer guests disposable seat covers or blankets during the celebration to protect outdoor seating.
  • Safeguard potted plants by moving them indoors.

After Holi:

  • Begin by gently brushing off dry colours from outdoor furniture and surfaces.
  • Use a hose to rinse outdoor surfaces and furniture to remove loose colour particles.
  • Consider using a power washer on outdoor surfaces for stubborn stains, ensuring it won’t damage materials.
  • Water plants and grassy areas thoroughly to help cleanse them from colour residues and promote recovery.
how to remove holi colours from balcony and plants
Take preventive measures for your outdoor spaces

The Pit-Stop, Bathroom. How to Remove Holi Colours From the Floor? 

Apart from the designated Holi area, the bathroom is the next warzone of colours when people rush to wash their hands and faces. 

Pre-Holi Tip

  • Apply mustard oil or petroleum jelly on doorknobs, door handles, and bathroom fixtures to create a protective shield against potential colour stains.

Post-Holi Bathroom Tips:

  • Head to the shower post-Holi to prevent staining areas of the bathroom floor during clean-up.
  • Boil 2-3 cups of water, add one tablespoon of salt, pour the mixture on the floor, dust with baking soda, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the floor with a cotton cloth for effective Holi colour removal.
  • Quickly wipe down door knobs and handles and bathroom fixtures to remove any colour residues.
Bathroom tiles cleaning holi stain with baking soda and water paste is how to remove holi colour from tiles.
Remove Holi colours from the floor easily

Remember, with a dash of patience and the right cleaning strategies you can conquer the post-Holi clean-up and leave your home as colourful as the memories you created during the festivities.

And if you are ready for a home transformation before the festival, consider exploring new interiors with DesignCafe. Our ideas infuse elegance and are crafted to amplify the vibrancy of celebrations like Holi. With DesignCafe, every festival becomes an opportunity to enhance the beauty of your home. Happy Holi!

Also, check out How To Design An Easy To Clean Home

FAQs On Holi Hacks

1. What are some tips to minimise the spread of Holi colours inside the home?

To minimise the spread of Holi colours inside the home, create a designated play area outdoors. Lay down plastic sheets or old newspapers in this area to contain the colours and make cleaning easier.

2. Are there any areas of the home that require special attention to prevent colour stains?

Certain home areas, such as carpets, rugs, upholstery, and curtains, demand extra attention to prevent colour stains. Safeguard these surfaces by using protective covers or temporarily relocating items, ensuring a vibrant yet stain-free post-Holi home.

3. How can I protect carpets, rugs, and upholstery from Holi colours?

Cover them with thick sheets or plastic covers before the celebration to shield carpets, rugs, and upholstery from Holi colours. Consider temporarily relocating these items to prevent direct exposure, ensuring their protection during the festivities. 

4. What should I do if Holi colours get on walls or ceilings?

If Holi colours get on walls or ceilings, acting quickly is essential. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently blot the coloured areas. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can spread the colours further. You may need to use a mild detergent or baking soda paste for stubborn stains.

5. How can I clean Holi colours from glass surfaces, such as windows or mirrors?

Begin by dusting off any loose colour particles from the glass surface.

  • Use a mixture of water and a mild glass cleaner, or create a solution with baking soda and water.
  • Wipe the glass gently with the chosen solution, ensuring thorough removal of Holi colours without scratching.

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Juhi Advani works as a content writer

Juhi Advani

Juhi Advani, our in-house content writer, comes with 2 years of experience and a knack for storytelling. She is passionate about traveling, obsessed with rom-coms, and has an insatiable appetite for new experiences. Apart from writing passionately about home interior design and decor, she immerses herself in the world of acrylic art. Juhi also spends her weekends creating lifestyle content.

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