Summer Laundry Hacks: How to Tackle the Toughest Stains

Summer brings sunshine, BBQs… and a whole lot of stubborn stains. From suncream smudges to grass-stained knees, here’s how to keep your laundry looking fresh all season long.

Suncream stains (and how to remove them)

The key here is to act fast. The longer the stain sits especially in the heat the harder it becomes to remove.

5 ways to remove suncream stains:

White vinegar
White vinegar works brilliantly at breaking down oily residue. Dab a small amount onto the stain before washing.

Washing-up liquid + lemon juice
Washing up liquid and lemon juice is a winning combination and is fantastic for cutting through grease and lifting yellow marks from fabric.

Eucalyptus oil
A small amount of eucalyptus oil can help loosen stubborn oily build-up before washing as normal.

Bicarbonate of soda paste
Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to create a paste. Gently rub it into the stain, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Liquid laundry detergent pre-treatment
Rub a small amount of liquid detergent directly into the stain and leave it to sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.

Fake tan stains

Fake tan transfers easily onto clothing, bedding, and towels.

Try this:
Soak in cold water straight away, then treat with either white vinegar or an oxygen-based stain remover (oxy cleaner).Gently work it into the fabric and leave to sit before washing. Avoid heat until the stain is fully removed.

Ice lolly stains

Bright summer colours can cling quickly to fabric.

Try this:
Rinse immediately under cold water, then apply liquid detergent and leave to soak before washing. If you are out and about then grab your hand sanitizer and apply this straight away, remember the sun will set the stain into the fabric so the quicker you do this the better.

Ketchup stains

A BBQ essential… and a laundry headache.

Try this:
Scrape off excess, rinse with cold water, then pre-treat with washing-up liquid or white vinegar before washing.

Grass stains

A classic summer stain from gardens, parks, and picnics.

Try this:
Rub in white toothpaste or a little white vinegar, leave to work in, then wash on a cool cycle.

Other summer stain culprits worth knowing:

Chocolate & ice cream

Let it harden slightly, gently scrape off, then treat with washing-up liquid and cold water.

Salad dressings & oil-based stains

Apply washing-up liquid directly to break down grease before washing.

Fruit stains (berries, watermelon, etc.)

Rinse immediately with cold water, then soak in water mixed with white vinegar.

Top summer laundry tips

• Treat stains as quickly as possible

• Avoid hot water until you’re sure the stain is gone

• Don’t tumble dry or dry in direct sunlight stained items as heat can set stains permanently

• Keep a simple stain kit ready in your cleaning cupboard (vinegar, washing-up liquid, bicarbonate of soda) for quick action