Summertime is the best time, but it can also be tough on our clothes. From freezer pops to grass, sunscreen, and BBQ sauce, there are plenty of seasonal stains ready to ruin your summer looks. According to Sammy Wang, senior laundry scientist at P&G Fabric Care, successfully fighting tough stains begins with quick action. Try to remove as much of the stain as possible using water and a clean paper towel or cloth.
“Fresh stains are easier to remove than set-in stains, so the more you can get off before it sets in, the better your results will be once you get clothes into the washer,” she advises. Here, Wang and Lindsay Jones, Maytag integrated brand manager, share how to keep your summertime messes in check by tackling these common stains like a pro.
1. Grass
The trick with grass stains is to treat them before they set in. Wang explains that chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color of grass, is what makes these stains so challenging to remove. Pair that with a bit of mud, and you’ve got one complex stain.
- Start by scraping off any excess dirt, mud, and grass.
- Pretreat by applying a formula like Tide Oxi Boost liquid detergent directly to the stain, covering it completely. Gently work the detergent into the fibers using a soft-bristled toothbrush or rubbing the fabric together. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
- Put the garment directly into the washing machine (do not rinse off the pretreat detergent) along with the rest of your laundry load. Wang explains that the extra detergent will give your stained item a boost of stain-fighting power. You’ll still add the normal amount of detergent to your load based on the wash load size and soil level. Wash in cold water.
- Repeat the steps as necessary if the stain remains. Ensure the stain is removed before drying.
2. Sunscreen
The oil-based nature of sunscreen can make it a beast to remove—particularly on synthetic fibers like polyester, Wang explains. Follow this process for the best chance of eliminating any signs of staining.
- Remove any excess sunscreen from the fabric by brushing or blotting.
- Rinse the garment in cold water to dilute the stain.
- Pretreat with a formula like Tide Oxi Boost liquid detergent, which is specifically formulated to cut through and remove grease. Apply enough detergent to cover the stain entirely, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Place the item directly in the washer without rinsing off the detergent. Wash in a cold water cycle with the recommended amount of liquid detergent. Downy Rinse can be added to the fabric softener compartment. Wang explains that the low pH fabric rinse can help break down any buildup and minerals.
- When the cycle is complete, check the garment for any remaining stains and repeat the process above if necessary.
3. Freezer Pops
“Although freezer pops are typically water-based, they also contain colored food ingredients that can leave stains behind if not thoroughly removed,” says Wang. Follow the laundry pro’s steps for removing any signs of these sweet summertime treats.
- Rinse the item in cold water to dilute the stain.
- Cover the stain with Tide Oxi Boost liquid detergent and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Place the garment directly into the washer without removing any pretreat detergent. Use the normal amount of detergent for your soil level and load size. Wash in cold water.
- Inspect the garment for stains before drying. If any stains remain, repeat the steps above.
4. BBQ Sauce and Ketchup
“Tomato-based stains can contain lycopene and beta-carotene, both of which are reddish-orange in color and leave behind a visible stain,” explains Wang. “Additionally, BBQ sauce often contains a thickener made of starch, which can act as a web to stick colored components onto fabrics.” Removal can be particularly tricky due to the stain’s ability to spread. For this reason, Jones recommends rinsing the stain with cold water from the back of the garment.
- Remove any excess BBQ sauce from the garment.
- From the back of the stain, apply cold water to dilute.
- Cover the stain with a liquid detergent and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Place the item directly in the washing machine along with the appropriate amount of detergent.
- Inspect your item after the wash cycle is complete. If a stain remains, you can repeat the steps above before drying or opt to hang your garment in a sunny spot outside. Wang explains that the beta-carotene and lycopene in BBQ sauce and ketchup fade when exposed to UV light.
5. Deodorant
Before washing, Wang advises removing deodorant marks by briskly (but gently) rubbing them with a clean, form-fitting fabric item, such as a T-shirt or tights. If you’re dealing with tough underarm stains or yellowing, start with an overnight soak in Downy Rinse. The next day, start with step 3.
- Start with a warm water rinse to dilute the stain.
- Pour a high-quality detergent over the stain, ensuring it is completely covered. Gently rub it in, then let it set for 20 minutes.
- Place the garment directly into the washing machine, using detergent as usual for the soil level and load size. Wang advises using a fabric rinse, such as Downy Rinse, which is formulated with a low pH that can break down residue and mineral buildup found in deodorant. It can be added to your fabric softener compartment to release during the rinse portion of your wash cycle.
- Inspect your garment after the wash cycle is complete to determine if it’s safe to dry or if you need to repeat the steps above to remove any residual stains. If the stain remains, repeat the steps above before machine drying.
6. Cooking Grease
“Greases can be tricky to remove because many are semi-solid or solid at room temperature and call for a high-quality detergent,” says Wang. The laundry professional also notes that synthetic materials, such as polyester, are particularly susceptible to grease and oil stains, so you’ll want to act quickly.
- Rinse with cold water and apply a liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, to loosen fats or oils.
- Add a layer of liquid detergent directly on top of the stain, gently rubbing the material together to work the solution in. Let the garment sit for 20 minutes.
- Wash the item as usual.
- If stains persist, repeat the steps above before the item is dried.
Source: Shannon, P. (2025i, August 6). 6 Annoying Summer Stains Everyone Deals with—and the Right Way to Remove Them. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-to-remove-summer-stains-11782442