Summer Stain-Busters
The best ways to remove barbecue sauce, grass, and other tough seasonal stains.
By Tamara Frankfort; reporting by Madaline Sparks and Yolanda Wikiel
Grass
Washables:
Apply a paste made from an enzyme detergent, such as Wisk, and water, and let sit in a warm place for 30 minutes. Use an eyedropper to apply a solution of one part ammonia or white vinegar and two parts water to bleach any remaining stain. Rinse with cool water. Finish with a regular wash cycle.
Nonwashables:
Treat with a combination solvent, such as Shout, and let sit for 15 minutes. Use an eyedropper to apply a solution of one part ammonia or white vinegar and two parts water to bleach any remaining stain. Rinse with cold water.
Also See: Best Ways to Enjoy Summer
Mud
Washables:
Let dry, then brush off as much as possible. Apply a gentle detergent, such as Woolite, and water. Rub to form suds, then rinse. Next, bleach any remaining stain with a combination of one part white vinegar and one part water.
Nonwashables:
If the care label says dry clean only, let dry, then carefully brush off as much as possible. Use an eyedropper to apply a solution made from one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent, like Ivory, and one cup water. Rinse with cold water.
Also See: A Mudroom Gets Made Over
Chocolate Ice Cream
Washables:
Treat the spot with a solution made from a tablespoon of an enzyme detergent, such as Wisk, and two cups of water. Let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Nonwashables:
Apply rubbing alcohol and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Use a combination of a mild detergent, such as Woolite, and water to clean the residue.
Also See: How to Save Money on Dry Cleaning
Learn How to Fight More Tough Summer Stains Here
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