Summer is a time for outdoor adventures, backyard barbecues, and lazy days by the pool. However, with all the fun in the sun comes the inevitable spills and messes that can quickly turn a perfect day into a cleaning nightmare. Whether it’s grass stains from a game of soccer, barbecue sauce from a cookout, or sunscreen smudges from a day at the beach, summer stains can be challenging to remove.
The good news is, with the proper cleaning methods and a little know-how, you can banish those stains for good and return to enjoying the season.
Pretreating with Vinegar and Baking Soda
One of the most versatile and practical cleaning combinations, vinegar and baking soda can work wonders on summer stains. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, both kitchen ingredients are efficient cleaning agents due to their placement on opposite ends of the pH spectrum. pH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, ranging from 1 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline), with 7 representing neutrality. Water, with a pH of 7, is neutral. Baking soda boasts a pH of 9, whereas vinegar registers at a pH of 2.
For fresh spills like fruit juice or wine, blot the area with a clean cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then, mix equal parts vinegar and water and gently dab the stain. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
Hot Water Extraction for Carpet Stains
Summer fun often leads to spills and accidents on carpets, but hot water extraction can quickly and effectively remove stubborn stains. This method involves using a specialized carpet cleaning machine to inject hot water and cleaning solution into the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and stains.
The machine then extracts the dirty water, leaving your carpets fresh and clean. Hot water extraction is particularly effective for removing deep-seated stains like mud, grass, and pet accidents, restoring your carpets to their original beauty.
Lemon Juice to Lift Stains
When life gives you lemons, use them to tackle summer stains! Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help lift and lighten tough stains like sweat, grass, and rust.
To treat a stain, saturate the area with fresh lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse the fabric with cold water and launder as usual. You can create a paste for extra stubborn stains by mixing lemon juice with salt or baking soda and gently scrubbing the affected area before washing. But knowing what you can and cannot clean with lemon juice is essential to avoid damage.
Oxygen Bleach for Brightening Whites
White clothing and linens are summer staples prone to stains and discoloration. Fortunately, oxygen bleach offers a gentle yet powerful solution for brightening whites and removing stains.
Unlike chlorine bleach, which can damage fabrics and cause yellowing, oxygen bleach uses oxygen ions to break down stains and whiten fabrics without harsh chemicals. Add oxygen bleach to your laundry detergent and wash whites as usual for a fresh, bright finish. You can also create a soaking solution for tough stains by dissolving oxygen bleach in warm water and soaking the stained items before laundering.
Professional Cleaning Services
While DIY methods can work wonders on many summer stains, some stubborn or delicate stains may require the expertise of a professional cleaning service. Reputable and dependable professional cleaners like Now It’s Clean have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to tackle even the toughest stains, ensuring that your summer wardrobe and home furnishings stay fresh and clean all season.
Whether you’re dealing with set-in stains on upholstery, stubborn carpet spills, or delicate fabrics that require extra care, a professional cleaning service can provide tailored solutions to meet your needs and restore your belongings to their former glory.
