{"id":3057,"date":"2025-08-09T11:21:32","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T10:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3057"},"modified":"2025-08-09T11:23:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T10:23:49","slug":"remove-10-common-summer-stains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/remove-10-common-summer-stains","title":{"rendered":"10 Common Summer Stains and How to Remove Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3057\" class=\"elementor elementor-3057\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7affe548 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7affe548\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23c6961f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"23c6961f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a> summers<\/strong> are all about <strong>BBQs on the balcony, lazy park picnics, weekend sports, and evening garden parties<\/strong> \u2014 but they also bring an unwelcome guest: <strong>stubborn summer stains<\/strong> \ud83e\uddf4\ud83c\udf77\ud83c\udf3f.<\/p><p>From sunscreen smudges on your favourite white shirt to greasy BBQ splashes and bright berry spills, the warmer months put our wardrobes to the test.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udcca According to <strong>Good Housekeeping<\/strong> and the <strong>American Cleaning Institute<\/strong>, these <strong>10 types of stains<\/strong> are among the <strong>most common \u2014 and most challenging \u2014 in summer<\/strong>.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 The good news? Many can be removed at home with the <strong>right technique<\/strong>. In this guide, you\u2019ll discover:<\/p><p>\u2705 <strong>Home-friendly fixes<\/strong> that actually work<\/p><p>\ud83d\uded1 <strong>When to skip DIY<\/strong> and call in the pros<\/p><p>\ud83d\udcb8 <strong>Special offer:<\/strong> Book <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\"><strong>professional stain removal in London<\/strong> <\/a>today and get <strong>15% OFF<\/strong> with code <strong>STAINFREE15<\/strong>.<\/p><h1>\ud83d\udd2c Why Summer Stains Are Tough to Remove<\/h1><p>Hot weather doesn\u2019t just <strong>create stains<\/strong> \u2014 it <strong>locks them in<\/strong>. Here\u2019s why:<\/p><p>\ud83d\udee2 <strong>Oils<\/strong> \u2013 Sunscreen &amp; food grease oxidise and <strong>bond with fibres faster in heat<\/strong>.<\/p><p>\ud83c\udfa8 <strong>Pigments<\/strong> \u2013 Grass, berries, wine &amp; tomato <strong>cling harder to fabric in sunlight<\/strong>.<\/p><p>\ud83e\udd5b <strong>Proteins<\/strong> \u2013 Ice cream, milk, and sweat <strong>coagulate in warm water<\/strong>, \u201ccooking\u201d into the fibres.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udcda Research from the <a href=\"https:\/\/art.illinois.edu\/about\/resources-for-current-students\/facilities\/textile-lab\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>University of Illinois Textile Lab<\/strong> <\/a>confirms that heat changes a stain\u2019s chemical structure, making <strong>early, correct treatment essential<\/strong>.<\/p><p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> The sooner you treat a summer <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-get-mud-stain-out-of-clothes\">stain<\/a>, the higher your chances of a <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">clean<\/a> save. Wait too long and even professionals may struggle.<\/p><h2>\ud83e\uddf4 1. Sunscreen Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> \ud83d\udfe1 Ingredients like <strong>titanium dioxide<\/strong> and <strong>avobenzone<\/strong> react with minerals in water, leaving yellow\/orange marks \u2014 especially on light fabrics.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Blot<\/strong> excess lotion with paper towel (no rubbing).<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Pre-treat<\/strong> with liquid detergent or mild dish soap. Work it in gently with fingers or soft brush.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Wash<\/strong> at the <strong>highest safe temp<\/strong> (check care label) using enzyme-based detergent.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> \ud83d\udeab Avoid bleach on coloured fabrics \u2014 it can worsen the stain.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> If white garments turn orange after washing or stains keep reappearing, professional <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-beddington\">dry cleaning<\/a> can neutralise the reaction.<\/p><h2>\ud83c\udf54 2. BBQ Sauce &amp; Grease Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> \ud83c\udf45 + \ud83d\udee2 = <strong>double trouble<\/strong>. Oil penetrates fibres while tomato\u2019s natural dyes &amp; acidity leave visible marks.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Scrape<\/strong> off excess sauce with a blunt knife.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Pre-treat<\/strong> with enzyme detergent to break down oil &amp; proteins.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Rinse<\/strong> in cold water to prevent setting.<br \/>4\ufe0f\u20e3 Follow with a <strong>white vinegar rinse<\/strong> to lift tomato pigments.<br \/>5\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Wash<\/strong> warm (if care label allows) to fully release grease.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udcca <strong>Did you know?<\/strong> According to the <strong>Good Housekeeping Institute<\/strong>, <strong>grease stains are the UK\u2019s 2nd most reported summer <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">laundry<\/a> problem<\/strong>, just behind grass stains.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> For silk, linen, or expensive fabrics \u2014 DIY can cause watermarks &amp; fading. A pro uses safe, fabric-specific solvents.<\/p><h2>\ud83c\udf3f 3. Grass Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> Chlorophyll in grass is a <strong>natural green dye<\/strong> that binds strongly to fibres, especially in cotton and denim.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Pre-treat<\/strong> with <strong>rubbing alcohol<\/strong> or <strong>white vinegar<\/strong> to break down the green pigment.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 Apply <strong>enzyme detergent<\/strong> directly to the stain and gently work it in with a soft brush.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Wash in <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/the-science-behind-cold-water-washing\">cold water<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 heat will set the colour permanently.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> For stubborn grass marks on sportswear, repeat the pre-treatment twice before washing.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> If the stain is on delicate or bright-coloured fabrics, as alcohol\/vinegar can cause fading.<\/p><h2>\ud83d\udca6 4. Sweat &amp; Deodorant Marks<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> Sweat contains salts and proteins, while deodorants often have aluminium compounds that leave <strong>chalky white or yellow marks<\/strong>.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Make a paste<\/strong> with 3 parts baking soda + 1 part water and gently apply to stain.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 Let it sit for 30 minutes, then <strong>soak<\/strong> the garment in <strong>white vinegar<\/strong> for 30 minutes more.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 Wash as normal in cold or warm water (per care label).<\/p><p>\ud83d\udeab <strong>Tip:<\/strong> Never use bleach on protein-based stains like sweat \u2014 it can darken them instead of removing them.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> For silk shirts or delicate dresses with set-in underarm marks.<\/p><h2>\ud83c\udf66 5. Ice Cream &amp; Dairy Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> Dairy products contain <strong>proteins, sugars, and fats<\/strong> that can sour and smell if not removed fully.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 Rinse in <strong>cold water<\/strong> immediately \u2014 hot water will cook the proteins into the fabric.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 Apply <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/the-best-7-enzymatic-cleaners-for-clothes\"><strong>enzyme-based detergent<\/strong><\/a> directly to the spot and let it sit for 15 minutes.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 Wash according to care label and <strong>dry in the shade<\/strong> to avoid trapping odours.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> For chocolate ice cream stains, treat as both a dairy and an oil-based stain (use dish soap before detergent).<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> If the stain is on wool, silk, or left untreated for more than 24 hours.<\/p><h2>\ud83c\udf45 6. Ketchup &amp; Mustard Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> Mustard contains turmeric, a strong yellow dye that becomes <strong>almost permanent when heated<\/strong>.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 Gently scrape off excess sauce \u2014 avoid rubbing.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 Apply a small amount of <strong>glycerin<\/strong> to loosen the stain (available in pharmacies).<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 Rinse in cold water, then soak in an <strong>oxygen bleach<\/strong> solution (safe for colours) for 30\u201360 minutes.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always check for stain removal before drying \u2014 heat locks in turmeric stains for good.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> For white shirts or expensive linens where colour preservation is key.<\/p><h2>\ud83c\udf47 7. Berry &amp; Wine Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> These stains are full of <strong>natural tannins and pigments<\/strong> that deeply penetrate fibres.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Blot immediately<\/strong> with a paper towel \u2014 never rub, or the stain will spread.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 Sprinkle <strong>salt<\/strong> or <strong>baking soda<\/strong> generously over the damp stain to absorb moisture and pigment.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 Soak in a mix of <strong>1 part white vinegar to 2 parts cold water<\/strong> for 30 minutes before washing.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> For red wine, club soda works as a quick emergency treatment.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> If the garment is light-coloured silk, wool, or linen.<\/p><h2>\ud83c\udf31 8. Mud Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> Mud is a mix of dirt, clay, and organic matter \u2014 some of which can dye fabrics.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Let the mud dry completely<\/strong> \u2014 trying to clean it wet will smear it deeper into fibres.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush or old toothbrush.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Rinse in cold water<\/strong>, then work in an <strong>enzyme detergent<\/strong>.<br \/>4\ufe0f\u20e3 Repeat wash if needed \u2014 some clay particles can be stubborn.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Avoid hot water initially; it can set clay stains permanently.<\/p><h2>\ud83d\udc84 9. Makeup &amp; Fake Tan Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> Both makeup and fake tan are oil-based, which makes them resistant to water alone.<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Makeup:<\/strong> Apply an <strong>oil-based makeup remover<\/strong> or <strong>micellar water<\/strong> to the fabric\u2019s reverse side, pushing the stain out instead of deeper in.<\/li><li><strong>Fake Tan:<\/strong> Pre-treat with mild <strong>dish soap<\/strong> + a few drops of <strong>lemon juice<\/strong> to break down colour and oils.<\/li><\/ul><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always test lemon juice on a hidden spot first \u2014 it can lighten some fabrics.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udccd <strong>When to call a pro:<\/strong> For silk pillowcases, luxury bedding, or dresses with fake tan transfer.<\/p><h2>\ud83c\udf6b 10. Chocolate Stains<\/h2><p><strong>Why tricky:<\/strong> Chocolate is both a protein (milk) and an oil-based stain (cocoa butter).<\/p><p><strong>DIY Removal Steps:<\/strong><br \/>1\ufe0f\u20e3 Scrape off excess chocolate carefully with a blunt knife.<br \/>2\ufe0f\u20e3 Rinse in <strong>cold water<\/strong> \u2014 never hot, or the milk proteins will set.<br \/>3\ufe0f\u20e3 Treat with <strong>enzyme detergent<\/strong>, then wash per care label.<br \/>4\ufe0f\u20e3 If an oily shadow remains, re-treat with dish soap before a second wash.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> For white fabrics, an oxygen bleach soak can restore brightness.<\/p><h3>No Time for Stain Battles?<\/h3><p>Let <strong>Hamlet Laundry\u2019s experts<\/strong> handle it. We offer <strong>24 hours\u00a0pickup &amp; delivery in London<\/strong> \u2014 and for <strong>9th &amp; 10th August only<\/strong>, get <strong>15% OFF<\/strong> with code <strong>STAINFREE15<\/strong>.<br \/>\ud83d\udcde <strong>Book now \u2192 <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/dry-cleaning-service\"><u>Hamlet Laundry Stain Removal Service<\/u><\/a><\/strong><\/p><h2>\ud83c\udd9a Professional vs DIY Stain Removal<\/h2><p><strong>When DIY works:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Fresh stains<\/li><li>Washable fabrics (cotton, polyester)<\/li><li>Common food or drink spills<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>When to go pro:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Delicate fabrics (silk, wool, cashmere)<\/li><li>Set-in or oxidised stains<\/li><li>Expensive or sentimental garments<\/li><\/ul><p>\ud83d\udd17 <strong>Learn more &amp; book \u2192 <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/laundry-service\"><u>Hamlet Laundry Stain Removal London<\/u><\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2>\u2753 FAQs (Targeting \u201cPeople Also Ask\u201d)<\/h2><p><strong>Q: What is the fastest way to remove sunscreen stains?<\/strong><br \/>A: Blot excess, pre-treat with detergent, and wash warm if safe \u2014 avoid bleach on colours.<\/p><p><strong>Q: Can dry cleaners remove set-in summer stains?<\/strong><br \/>A: Yes \u2014 pros use fabric-specific solvents and spotting agents beyond home laundry methods.<\/p><p><strong>Q: How do you get mustard out of white clothes?<\/strong><br \/>A: Apply glycerin, rinse cold, soak in oxygen bleach \u2014 avoid heat until gone.<\/p><p><strong>Q: Is oxygen bleach safe for coloured fabrics?<\/strong><br \/>A: Usually, yes \u2014 but always do a colourfast test first.<\/p><h2>\ud83e\uddfa Final Tips for a Stain-Free Summer<\/h2><p>\u270b <strong>Always blot, never rub<\/strong> \u2014 rubbing spreads stains.<\/p><p>\u23f3 <strong>Treat ASAP<\/strong> \u2014 every hour matters.<\/p><p>\ud83c\udf92 Keep a <strong>mini stain removal kit<\/strong> in your bag (wipes, small vinegar spray, baking soda).<\/p><h3>\ud83d\udd25Urgent Offer<\/h3><p>Summer fun doesn\u2019t have to mean ruined clothes. Try these tips at home or trust<a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/\"> <strong>Hamlet Laundry<\/strong><\/a> for <strong>expert stain removal in London<\/strong>.<br \/>\ud83d\udcc6 <strong>Offer valid 9th &amp; 10th August ONLY<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>Get 15% OFF<\/strong> with code <strong>STAINFREE15<\/strong>.<br \/>\ud83d\udcde <strong>Book your pickup now \u2192 <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\"><u>Hamlet Laundry<\/u><\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>London summers are all about BBQs on the balcony, lazy park picnics, weekend sports, and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3058,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[419,1,510,620,19],"tags":[438,421,47,439,349,343],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3057"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3057"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3057\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3063,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3057\/revisions\/3063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}