Removing Summer Stains

The light colors and natural fibers of washable summer clothing can be magnets for stains. Some stains come from seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, peaches, watermelon and tomatoes. Other stains may come from meat products carried to grills. Protective sunscreens can rub off of the skin onto clothing and leave a stain. Summer living seems to be more active and stains on light colors are more noticeable.

Check your laundry supplies now to be certain you have the products to remove the stains of summer. The stain removal products you need include commercial cleaners, pre-wash spot and stain removers and a variety of detergents. Common household products also may be used in stain removal. Hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, waterless hand cleaners and ammonia can be mixed at home, following specific instructions, to lighten and remove stains. Caution: Never combine bleach and ammonia. Dangerous chlorine gas can form.

There are four general rules for treatment of most stains. When treating stains, always try the gentlest and easiest method first to see if the stain will come out without too much stress on the fabric.

• Treat every stain as quickly as possible. This will increase the chances that the stain will be removed successfully. Remove as much of the stain as possible by gently scraping or wiping away any excess. Gently blot the stain with the recommended product or liquid to loosen and dilute the stain from the fabric fibers. Always blot a stain to avoid abrading the fabric. Work from the outside of the stain toward the middle.
• Never use hot water on a stain. Heat sets some stains, making them almost impossible to remove. Check the specific instructions for the proper water temperature.
• Test a stain removal treatment in a hidden location before you apply it to the stain. Why remove a stain only to also remove the color?
• If you have pretreated and laundered a stained garment and part of the stain remains, do not put the garment in the dryer or subject the stain to a hot iron. Heat, dry or wet, will set stains even after some treatments. You may have an opportunity to remove more stain with another treatment if you do not dry or iron the garment first.
• Be patient with stains. A large or serious stain may take several treatments to disappear.