No spills, no fun! Summer brings tons of fun, but it also often leaves behind a lot of stains. From sunburn and sweat rings to ice cream stains and ketchup splatters – read our tips for removing summer stains from your clothes.
#1 Remove sun tanning spots
No summer without sunscreen. But sunscreen does cause greasy stains on your clothes, garden cushions, towels, and so on. If there's one thing that removes grease, it's dish soap. So, dab your sunscreen stain clean with a solution of dish soap and warm water. Let it sit for a while and then wash it in the washing machine at 40 degrees Celsius.
| Bonus tip: Did you know the sun is a free stain remover? Leave light-colored clothing with grease or dye stains in the full sun for an hour to make the stains disappear—well, almost. If desired, rub some lemon juice on them (note: only on white clothing!) to enhance the sun's power. |
#2 Removing sweat stains
Yellow sweat stains under your arms are often difficult to remove, and unfortunately, the same applies to the smell. Soak T-shirts in a solution of water with a scoop of baking soda, a dash of vinegar, or a small amount of liquid detergent. Then wash them at 40 degrees Celsius and let them air-dry.
#3 Removing ice cream stains
Ice cream is often full of food coloring—that's why it looks so delicious! Of course, you'd rather not have that rainbow of colors end up on your child's pristine white summer outfit. But if it does happen—and it will—here's what to do: immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth and cold water, then dissolve a small amount of liquid detergent in warm water and soak the garment briefly. Then throw it in the wash and let it dry in the sun.
#4 Remove barbecue odor
Whether you're barbecuing yourself or your neighbor three doors down, you'll still smell it on your clothes two days later. It's best to hang your clothes outside overnight after your barbecue. If you still smell it afterward, throw it in the wash. For an extra scent boost, add fabric softener.
#5 Removing fruit stains
Red fruit is the biggest stainer among fruits. But pears, watermelon, and mango also leave stubborn stains. If these stains get on your clothing, immediately blot or rinse them with cold water. Then throw the garment in the wash. No washing machine nearby? Soak them briefly in a solution of liquid laundry detergent, dish soap, or baking soda.
#6 Sand stains
The beach is great, until the sand settles between your teeth or on your clothes. Because (wet) sand causes stains. So hang up your clothes and towels after a day at the beach so you can easily shake the sand off. Still see a stain? Soak them in soapy water with a little detergent and then throw them in the washing machine.
Extra tip: Don't have any (hand) detergent handy to soak your laundry? Then dissolve a squirt of shampoo in warm water. This is gentle on your clothes and degreasing.
#7 Sauce stains
Fact: Ketchup never squirts directly onto your burger. And a ketchup stain on your clothes adds a slightly horrific twist to a cozy barbecue. Once the damage is done, it's especially important not to try to rub the stain out. Scrape the sauce off with a knife and then blot the stain with some cold water. Throw your shirt, dress, or tablecloth in the wash as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting.
Want more handy laundry tips or stay up-to-date on the latest cleaning hacks? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
