How to Remove Stains from Outdoor Activities

Whether you're gardening, crafting, picnicking or simply enjoying nature, some stains are inevitable when we spend time outside. But don't worry, we're here to help! In this article, we will present simple and effective solutions to deal with the stains from outdoor activities. Indulge in your favourite hobbies, without having to worry about your clothes, and fully enjoy every moment outdoors. Welcome to the ultimate guide to removing stains, co-created with Pascale Allaert, Linen and Textile Care Expert - Meilleur Ouvrier de France Nettoyeur Apprêteur Teinturerie.

After a day outside, it's not impossible to end up with grass stains on your clothes. Discover all our tips for removing these grass stains from all fabrics, even the most delicate:

1. Dab the stain with a clean cloth dampened in cold water to remove as much grass as possible.
2. Mix a solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar and a cup of cold water.
3. Dab the stain with this solution working from the edges towards the centre.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
5. If the stain persists, try mixing a solution of cold water with a teaspoon of white vinegar, then gently dab the stain with this solution. Don't forget to rinse with cold water afterwards.

Outdoor adventures can also leave mud marks. Here's how you can remove a mud stain effectively:

1. Allow the mud to dry completely before treating the stain.
2. Remove excess mud by gently scraping with a spatula or the handle of a cutlery knife.
3. Mix a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of cold water.
4. Dab the stain with this solution working from the edges towards the centre.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
6. If the mud stain is particularly stubborn, try dabbing the stain with a little ammonia diluted to 20% in cold water (1/5 ammonia to 4/5 water).

Thick coloured grease stains or engine grease stains are some of the most dreaded stains during our daily activities. Whether it's stubborn black stains or greasy stains left behind by motors or bicycles, they can seem difficult to remove. Here's how to get rid of these grease stains on your clothes:

1. Blot the stain with a clean, dry terry towel to remove as much grease as possible.
2. Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid to the stain and gently scrub with a toothbrush to loosen the grease.
3. Mix a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of cold water.
4. Dab the stain with this solution working from the edges towards the centre.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
6. If the grease stain persists, try dabbing the stain with a little Marseille soap.

Spring brings beautiful flowers, but also pollen which can leave yellow stains on your clothes. Here's how you can effectively eliminate them:

1. Blow on the pollen dust to prevent it from penetrating the textile fibre, or use compressed air spray (e.g. a computer keyboard cleaner).
• Do not rub!
2. Blot the stain with a clean cloth dampened with cold water
3. Prepare a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of cold water.
4. Dab the stain with this solution working from the edges towards the centre.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
6. If the pollen stain persists, try dabbing the stain with a drop of lemon juice. Leave on for 5 minutes.
7. Repeat the process until the stain lightens.
8. Wash the item with a special detergent for wool, even if the textile composition of the item does not contain wool.

Be careful: pollen, mainly from the lily, can be one of the indelible stains, particularly if the "powder" has "entered" the textile fibre.

When tinkering or gardening with old tools, rust stains on clothes are common. This orange-red material, resulting from the reaction of metal and water, can be stubborn to remove. But let's not waste any time in removing this mark.

1. Blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water to remove as much rust as possible.
2. Try dabbing the stain with a little 14 degrees white vinegar (you can find it at the hardware store) starting from the edges towards the centre.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
4. If the stain persists, repeat the steps above or try using a specific stain remover for rust stains

Caution: It is important to always do a test in a hidden area of the textile to see if the fabric or its colours will withstand these treatments.

Sunscreen is a summer essential! However, it can sometimes stain our clothes. How do you remove sunscreen stains? Here's how:

1. Blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water to remove as much sunscreen as possible.
2. Mix a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of warm water.
3. Dab the stain with this solution working from the edges towards the centre.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
5. If the sunscreen stain persists, try dabbing the stain with a little ammonia diluted to 20% in cold water (1/5 ammonia to 4/5 water).

How do you remove a tree sap stain or a wood resin stain from your clothes? This sticky material is not so easy to remove, here are the steps to follow:

1. Blot the stain with a clean cloth dampened with cold water to remove as much sap as possible.
2. Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid to the stain and rub gently with your fingers to dislodge the sap.
3. Mix a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of warm water.
4. Dab the stain with this solution working from the edges towards the centre.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
6. If the sap stain persists, try dabbing the stain with a little rubbing alcohol.

Sparrows, pigeons, seagulls... Birds leave tracks that are difficult to remove with their droppings. Here are our handy tips for cleaning your clothes and shoes!

1. Blot the stain with a clean cloth dampened with cold water to remove as much bird droppings as possible.
2. Mix a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of warm water.
3. Dab the stain with this solution working from the edges towards the centre.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
5. If the bird droppings stain persists, try dabbing the stain with a little rubbing alcohol.

With these practical and effective tips, you can easily remove stains caused by outdoor activities. For best results, remember to act quickly and always test on a small, hidden area of the fabric before applying a solution to the entire stain. Share these helpful tips with your loved ones to help them to keep their clothes and textiles spotless. Read our complete guide to stain removal to keep clothes looking their best at all times!