Summer may be over, but the season of sun, parks, beaches, festivals and outdoor parties may have left a bunch of stains on your favorite clothes.
There is nothing worse than getting grass stains on your outfit or your child’s school clothes, and they can be difficult to remove.
However, popular stain removal methods such as baking soda, vinegar or lemon cause permanent damage.
Luckily, cleaning experts have shared a simple hack to get grass stains out of your clothes before they become permanent.
“When summer starts, people start wearing their white summer dresses and outfits,” says Stock Mfg., a company that specializes in workwear. Co. clothing specialists. “But this makes them more susceptible to highly visible stains, from things like BBQ sauce to grass.”
Surprisingly, sugar can be your secret weapon against grass stains.
“The molecular structure of sugar can compete with chlorophyll for the attachment points of the cotton fibers, helping to lift the stain,” the experts explain.
“Apply sugar to the stain before washing to break down the chlorophyll, carotenoids and xanthophylls. For best results, treat the stain as soon as possible and wash it with cold water to prevent the stain from setting.
The sugar method is especially effective for fresh stains and can significantly improve your chances of complete stain removal.
Add water to the sugar to make a paste and apply to the stain. Leave it on for an hour and then wash it off with cold water. You can also wash it on a colder setting in the washing machine.
However, it is important to check that the grass stains are completely removed before you put it in the dryer. Otherwise, the heat can cause the stain to set permanently.
It’s not the only stain you can remove with natural methods. Sunscreen stains can also wreak havoc on your clothes and are more complicated than they seem. They often resemble rust stains caused by a chemical reaction.
“Avobenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, can oxidize when mixed with minerals in water, creating stubborn orange stains,” explain the experts at Stock Mfg. “To remove these stains, apply a mixture of lemon juice and salt and let it sit overnight.”
This method is especially effective for synthetic fabrics and areas with hard water.
Avoid using chlorine or oxygen bleaches as they can make the stains worse. Treat stains immediately for best results, especially before exposing the garment to more water.
A Stock Mfg. spokesperson said, “From our experience with fabrics, we’ve learned that successful stain removal requires an understanding of science as much as technique. Each type of stain interacts differently with fabric fibers, and knowing these interactions is the key to effective treatment.”
“For example, protein-based stains like sweat require enzymatic cleaners, while oil-based stains respond better to surfactants. The most common mistake we see is that people treat all stains the same way.
“Remember, patience is essential – rushing the process often results in the stain settling deeper into the fabric.
“Also, always try any stain removal method on an inconspicuous area first. With the right knowledge and approach, you can overcome even the most stubborn summer stains.”
