Summertime typically (or hopefully!) means more time spent outside, and a lot more potential for getting grubby and stained!
With plenty of activities aimed at getting members of the household out into the fresh air and enjoying the summer weather, stains from food consumed on a picnic or at a BBQ, sunscreen or ice cream can be prevalent during the summer months, but fortunately, there are a few effective ways to eliminate them without having to throw soiled clothes away:
How to get rid of grass stains
This common stain can only be achieved from spending time outside, and while more often seen on kids as they frolic around on the grass, sportspeople can also come home to find their kits covered in grassy stains that need to be eliminated, or adults playing a friendly game of baseball or chase!
- Firstly, make up a solution comprised of two parts water to one-part vinegar.
- Take the stained items of clothing and soak them in the solution for around 15 minutes.
- Then, dab the stain again with the vinegar and water solution, before throwing into the washing machine with a detergent that’s enzyme-based.
How to get rid of greasy stains
Ever been enjoying a burger or hotdog fresh from the BBQ, only to find grease dripping down your chin and onto your t-shirt? We’ve all been there, but you can get rid of the stains using the following technique:
- Carefully blot the stain with clean kitchen paper
- Then, put dish soap onto the stain directly
- Leave the dish soap to permeate the fabric for a few minutes before popping the item into the washing machine and running it on a normal cycle
How to get rid of sunscreen stains
It’s important to protect your skin while enjoying time in the sun, but it can be all too easy to squirt it where you don’t want it to go. Follow these tips to help remove sunscreen stains from your clothing:
- Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth
- Then, dab on some cornflour to absorb any oiliness that might remain; leaving it for up to 30 minutes
- Once the 30 minutes are up, shake off any remaining cornflour and rub in a mild detergent
- Soak the item in hot water and mild detergent for a further half an hour, before throwing it into the machine on a regular wash cycle (or as directed on the garment label).
How to get rid of ice cream stains
Ice creams are a delicious way to refresh our mouths when temperatures rise, but on a really hot day, they can melt quicker than you can eat them! To get rid of ice cream stains, try this:
- Take care to blot or wipe the excess ice cream away
- Rinse under cold water and gently dab some detergent onto the stain, leaving it for up to 10 minutes
- Put the item into a sink or bucket of cold water and leave it for around half an hour
- Then, rinse and wash as normal
How to get rid of condiment stains
BBQs wouldn’t be the same with a variety of condiments to embellish the burgers, hotdogs and steaks, but they often end up splattered all over your clothes! Easily eliminate them with these tips:
- Remove excess sauce from the fabric with a knife
- Turn the item inside out and rinse under cold water
- Add detergent until the stain has disappeared, then apply a stain removing substance and soak for up to 5 minutes. If necessary, apply more detergent.
- Then, wash in the machine.
Stains are a nuisance, but they don’t have to ruin your summer; follow the tips above to keep your clothes stain-free while you enjoy your time spent outdoors in the sunshine.
