Get Movin' Monday: Scrubbing Away Summer Stains

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Monday after a summer weekend can mean our clothes may not be in their best shape. Maybe you have a BBQ stain on your white shirt or maybe that ketchup from your corn dog at the State Fair later this week will end up on your pants. Tes Olson of St. Croix Cleaners Gets Us Movin' with tips for preventing and remedying common summer stains.

• Problem: Perspiration stains
  • Perspiration stains are composed of salts and oils that need extra attention to keep them from staining a garment after wear
  • DIY Solution:
    • What you'll need:
      • 1 tsp. white vinegar
      • 1 tsp. Dawn dish soap (original)
      • Warm water
    • Directions:
      • Place ingredients in 16 oz. spray bottle
      • Spray/soak the affected areas
      • Use a terry cloth towel to gently press/pat/dab the underarm area. Works well for wools, silks, rayon, polyester and cottons. Launder as usual.

• Problem: Grass and mud stains
  • Grass stains:
    • Grass has an oil component in it…stay away from using chlorine bleach on garments whenever possible.
    • DIY Solution:
      • Ingredients
        • ¼ cup detergent (ex: Woolite)
        • 1 ½ gallons water
        • ¼ cup OxyClean
      • Directions:
        • Soak garment in the solution
        • After soaking, remove and work the stain with a brush by tamping or gently brushing (no rubbing)
      • Mud stains:
        • Brush off loose mud
        • Soak garment for 10 minutes in a solution of baking soda, a fingertip of blue Dawn detergent and a gallon of warm water
        • Lightly brush the stain and squeeze solution through the fabric
        • Wash normally
      • TIP: Do not put the garment in the dryer unless you are certain the stain is gone, to prevent setting. If the stain is too stubborn, take it to the professionals to avoid further damage

• Problem: Sunscreen stains
  • If the sunscreen does not contain oil, you can launder as usual and it will flush out
  • If oil based, you need to pre-treat
  • Soak garment for 30 minutes in a solution of Dawn and warm water
  • Use a bristle brush to work the solution into the stained area
  • Repeat until stain is removed and launder

• Problem: Condiment stains
  • These stains can be very challenging and time is of the essence to prevent permanent damage to the garment
  • Flush garment with cold water as soon as possible after you notice the stain
  • Work a solution of one ounce of OxyClean and warm water into the stain using your index finger
  • Let sit for ten minutes, then flush and repeat
  • Launder as usual