Summer is all about fun, sun, and—let’s be honest—delicious BBQs. But the last thing you want is to ruin your favorite summer clothes with meaty grease or vibrant ketchup stains. Don’t let the fear of sauce spills dampen your summer spirit! Here’s your ultimate guide to tackling those pesky BBQ stains using common household supplies.
Removing BBQ Stains: Tips for Lifting Grease and Sauce Marks
Tackling Grease Stains
If you’re a fan of steak, burgers, or anything slathered in butter, you know grease stains are bound to happen. Here’s how to handle them:
Blot the Stain: Use a paper towel or clean dishcloth to gently dab away excess grease. Remember, don’t rub!
Apply Dish Soap: Pour a generous amount of regular dish soap directly onto the stain.
Let it Sit: Allow the dish soap to work its magic for at least 10-15 minutes.
Wash: Machine wash or hand wash the garment in cold water.
Air Dry and Repeat: Let it air dry and repeat the process if necessary.
For butter stains, follow the same steps but use the warmest water temperature that the fabric allows.
Pro Tip: If you have white chalk (the kind used for blackboards) handy, try that instead of dish soap. Just let it sit for a few minutes before washing!
Stopping Sauce Stains in Their Tracks
Brightly colored sauces like mustard and ketchup can be a real downer when they splash onto your favorite attire. Here’s how to remove those stains:
- Flush with Water: Rinse the stain from the back with cold tap water.
- Rub in Detergent: Apply a liquid detergent (or a DIY alternative) to the stain using a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Rinse and scrub until the stain is gone!
- Soak if Necessary: If the stain persists, soak it in distilled white vinegar for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash Normally: After pre-treating, wash the garment as usual.
Conquering White Clothing Stains
If a sauce spill lands on white fabric, don’t panic! Quick action can save your garment:
- Scrape Away Excess: Use a spoon or dull knife to carefully scrape off any remaining grease.
- Blot the Stain: Dab (don’t rub!) with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Apply Dish Soap: Pour liquid dish soap onto the stain, massage it in, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse and Check: Rinse under the sink to see if the stain has lifted.
- Repeat if Needed: If the stain is still there, repeat the steps before washing as normal.
Important Note: Avoid putting the garment in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone, as heat can set stains.
Now that you’re equipped with these sauce stain removal tips, you can enjoy summer gatherings without worry! If you find yourself needing professional dry cleaning or convenient pick-up and drop-off wash-and-fold services, FCL is here for you.
Discover your nearest location by searching “laundromat near me” or visiting fcl.in. Happy summer and stain-free fun!