Summer has come and gone and with “Back to School” time in full effect, we’re also getting back into fall sports! You might not have thought about it before, but sports uniforms can take some serious beatings! Mud, grass and even blood are just some of the typical stains you can expect to see when these dirty garments are thrown into the laundry basket after practice. So, whether your child is making the game winning catch and picking up dirt and grass stains along the way or he had a bright red sports drink spill, you’re probably wondering how to get those pesky stains out of your children’s gear! No worries, because today our laundry experts at SoapBox Laundry are sharing their top 5 tips on how to remove sports stains!
Remove Excess
Using an old toothbrush, remove any excess before running under water. Using high water pressure can help remove any clumps of grass or dirt and can prevent the stain from further “setting” into the material, making it easier to remove later.
Treat Immediately with Water or a Cleaning Solvent If Available
If a cleaning solvent isn’t available to you at the time, immerse the stain in water. Water is safe to use on pretty much any material, making it an effective and immediate treatment. Otherwise, grab detergent, vinegar or even lemon juice and pour directly onto the stain. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.
Wet the Stain and Apply an Absorbent
Make sure the stain is damp and then apply an absorbent like salt. Salt absorbs moisture so try applying to your stubborn sports stains! Rub the salt onto the stain and let sit for about 10 minutes. After sitting, brush off any excess. You can even lay the garment down on a paper towel to further draw out the pesky stain.
Wash on the Hottest Temperature
At this point, you can wash the uniform on a normal cycle, making sure to use the hottest temperature your garment will allow. You can even add detergent directly to the washing drum for maximum stain-fighting effects.
Treat Any Remaining Stains with Bleach
After unloading the uniform from the washer, if the stain is still faintly present, you can always re-treat with bleach if possible.
At SoapBox Laundry, our experts have handled the toughest of stains with ease! Contact us today or call us at (215) 551-1190 to schedule a cleaning service or you can always stop in and utilize our 24 hour laundry services!
