I'm a laundry expert and this is how to remove pesky summer stains

I’m a laundry expert and this is how to remove pesky summer stains like red wine and grass using cheap household items

• Fran, from AO.com, says ‘cupboard’ items like washing up liquid can clean stains
• READ MORE: How to get rid of grass stains with a product from your bathroom

When the sun isn’t playing a cruel game of hide and seek, it’s warm rays are the perfect backdrop for a host of summer activities.

And while heated nights cooled by red wine and delicious picnics in the sun are welcome, their subsequent stains are not. 

Fran Forgione, laundry expert at AO.com in Manchester, has revealed some hints and tricks for getting rid of pesky summer stains using items in your very own home.

She explained: ‘When it comes to stains, so many of us reach for expensive, harsh chemicals to get rid of them, without realising that combinations of cheap, store cupboard items work just as effectively’.

From grass stains to BBQ grease smears, here’s how to remove troublesome summer stains without breaking your budget.

Sun cream

Fran Forgione, laundry expert at AO.com in Manchester, advises you scrape off sun scream stains with a blunt knife before cleaning it (stock image)

The handy lotion, also known as sunscreen, is your best bet for protecting your body against harmful rays from the sun. 

And as temperatures creep up, we’re likely to reach for it more and more – leaving our bright whites prone to ‘yellow marks’. 

‘Most sun creams contain a moisture-resistant oil, which can leave yellow marks on white clothes’, says Fran.

‘If you get sun cream on your clothes, it’s essential to act fast. First, scrape off the residual liquid with a blunt knife and instead of reaching for expensive stain removers, opt for distilled white vinegar and dish soap.

‘Work the soap into the stain before soaking the effected clothing in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Leave it overnight and rinse with cold water’.

The combination is tried and tested for typical stains, but for larger, troublesome stains, a bit of rinse and repeat should do the trick.

Red wine

Pesky red wine stains can be cleaned using hairspray, soda or sparkling water says Fran (stock image)

After a relaxing day or even while out with friends, a glass of red wine in the sunshine is what many thrill seekers look forward to.

If your glass takes a tumble, you won’t need magic potions or costly stain removers, but you will need hairspray.

‘To treat the stain, spray liberally with hairspray, leave it for a few minutes and then dab the stain to remove any residue. Repeat as many times as necessary and then wash on the highest possible setting to fully remove the stain’.

Or try covering the affected area with soda or sparkling water as soon as possible, as the bubbles will help push the stain out of the fabric.

Grass

For troublesome grass stains, the laundry expert explains: ‘Combine one part white vinegar with equal parts water and cover the stain. Leave this to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes’ (stock image)

Children – and adults of course – running around in fresh, dewy grass makes for a mountainous laundry load.

The good news is you might be able to save time and money by spot-treating the pesky stain.

‘The household staple of white vinegar comes to the rescue once again when tackling grass stains. 

‘Simply combine one part white vinegar with equal parts water and cover the stain. Leave this to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, although a longer soak will see better results. Then, simply scrub the stain and rinse with cool water.

‘Following this initial step, dab the stain with your normal laundry detergent, then work it into the stain by gently scrubbing with a brush. Leave it to soak before rinsing once more with cold water’.

It’s easy to get caught up in the myth that hot water cleans better – but this isn’t always true, and most definitely not the case with grass stains. Be sure to use cold water to avoid causing the stain to set.    

BBQ grease 

The aroma of a crackling BBQ is irresistible to most, so if you get grease stains on your clothes use a paste from washing powder and water (stock image)

One of our favourite summer smells is the scent of a juicy barbecue wafting over from the neighbour’s garden.

Even better is your own cookout party, filled with family and friends and all you can drink.

But don’t get too carried away as Fran warns that grease stains are certainly the trickiest stain to get rid of.

Sure washing detergent works great, but a two ingredient-mixture of cheap washing powder and water works just as well and could save you a few coins. 

‘To treat an oil or grease stain on cotton, you’ll need to saturate the affected area with washing detergent or – even better – make up a paste from washing powder and water. Work it into the clothing and leave it to soak for a few minutes before washing.’

For a bonus tip, she advises to keep grease-stained clothing out of the tumble dryer to avoid baking in the stains – opt to airdry them instead.

Coffee and tea 

If you’re lucky enough to be near a bathroom or kitchen, run coffee stains under cold water for best results. Or there’s always toothpaste (stock image)

Next up on the list is a heated beverage that proves troublesome all year round.

Perhaps you’ve picked up a delectable iced-coffee to accompany you on the bustling journey to work and in haste you make a little spill.

If you’re lucky enough to be near a bathroom or kitchen, run the stain under cold water for best results. Or there’s always toothpaste.

‘Alternatively, you can apply dish soap or liquid washing detergent as soon as possible, and let it soak into the stain for at least an hour – and don’t let it dry! Keep the stain wet to ensure the product can work on removing it.

‘For more stubborn stains, trusty white vinegar mixed with water will help lift stains, or you can even use white toothpaste which will act as an exfoliator and break down the stain.

‘Lastly, a paste made of baking powder and water will also do the job. It’s important to persist with this one and continue to work the paste into the stain until it is gone’.

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