Summer brings along a whole ‘nother type of stains to deal with. Remember to always check the stain before putting clothes in the dryer – the heat will set the stain and make it even more difficult to remove!
Deodorant: Check to see if the stain has changed the color of the fabric. If so, apply ammonia (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia – the resulting fumes are hazardous) to fresh stains; white vinegar to old ones. Rinse, then pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Launder using the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric. Stubborn stains may also respond to oxygen bleach in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Ring around the collar: Apply liquid detergent directly to stain and let set for 30 minutes. Wash in hottest water safe for fabric.
Grass stains: Pretreat grass stains on washable fabrics with a prewash spray or liquid detergent. If any stain remains, sponge on rubbing alcohol with a sponge to dab stain away. Wash in the hottest water designated for the fabric.
Ketchup/barbecue sauce: For washable fabrics, scrape off dried sauce and soak garment in cold water for 30 minutes. retreat by rubbing liquid laundry detergent into stained areas (a toothbrush works great for that!). Launder in warm water and detergent. Or sponge undiluted white vinegar on stained area within 24 hours then launder according to label.
Mustard: Dampen fabric, then rub liquid laundry detergent into stain with an old toothbrush. Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse. If stain is still visible, soak in a bath of hot water and laundry detergent for several hours, then launder as normal.
Berries/fruit juice : Soak immediately in cold water. Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent, then launder in warmest water safe for fabric.
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