5 STAINS YOU NEED TO BE READY TO DEAL WITH THIS SUMMER
Not sure how to deal with summer stains? Drop by one of Hangers Cleaners’ six convenient locations in central Arkansas and we’ll help you out. Follow us on social media for more laundry tips and tricks.
Summer Stains #1: Grass Stains
Whether you are doing some yard work or enjoying a picnic on freshly cut grass, grass stains are just one of those inevitable summer stains.
How to treat: If the stain is fresh, brush off any grass. Apply a pretreatment laundry product to the stain and scrub. An old toothbrush works great for this. Scrub gently starting at the center of the stain and working outward.
If you don’t have any pretreatment laundry products on hand, use liquid detergent. Scrub and let the detergent set for 20 minutes before washing the garment as usual.
Looking for a chemical-free treatment for grass stains? Instead of using a stain remover, use a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Let this solution set on the stain for 20 minutes before washing the garment as usual.
Summer Stains 2: Sunscreen Stains
Packing tip: Take extra precaution when packing your sunscreen in a suitcase. Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to sun protection, but it can cause problems if tries to take over your wardrobe.
How to treat: Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover or liquid dishwashing detergent. Check the care tag and see if the garment can handle your washing machine’s hottest setting. Wash the garment on the hottest setting recommended.
What about swimwear? The best way to clean sunscreen stained swimwear is to hand wash it with cool water and liquid detergent. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. If you still notice the sunscreen, wait for the stain to dry, sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After it’s set, wash the garment again.
Got a sunscreen stain on your favorite poolside or beach towel? Instead of a regular pre-treatment stain remover, use water and powdered laundry detergent. Make a paste and let is set on the stain overnight. Wash the towel like normal.
Summer Stains #3: Mud Stains
April showers bring May flowers, and mud. Mud and dirt stains are tough, but usually easy to deal with.
How to treat: Let the mud dry and brush off as much of the dirt as you can. Soak the garment in water with detergent for about 30 minutes. If you are dealing with a tough mud stain, you might consider dabbing the stain with rubbing alcohol. Wash the garment as normal.
After the garment has been washed, and before it has a chance to dry, check to see if the stain has been removed. If not, soak it again for 30 minutes in water with detergent. This time add white vinegar to the solution. Wash the garment again.
Summer Stains #4: Sweat Stains
It happens. If you are spending time out in Arkansas’ signature summer heat, you can expect to deal with a little perspiration.
How to treat: When it comes to sweat stains you have two options. You can use fabric-safe bleach or ammonia. It’s important that you don’t use the two treatments at the same time as they could cause toxic fumes when mixed. Check the care tag and wash the garment on the hottest setting recommended.
Trying to stay away from harsh chemicals? Instead of applying a stain remover, rub a bar of soap on the sweat stain before washing.
Summer Stains #5: Ice Cream Stains
Ice cream is a popular treat to have at any summer event. Even at formal events, when you are wearing your best dress or dress shirt. Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered.
How to treat: Soak the garment in cold water with detergent for about 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse the garment and check on the stain. If the stain is still significant, use a pre-treatment stain remover. Wash as normal.
Don’t let summer stains keep you from enjoying your favorite warm weather clothes! Come see the our stain professionals at Hangers Cleaners!
