Engaging in outdoor activities is a great way for families to stay active and spend quality time together, but between tree-climbing, nature hikes, and backyard barbecues, outdoor adventures can lead to piles of dirty, dingy and stained clothing. Maintaining bright, spotless clothing doesn't have to be complicated. Use these tips to combat stains when washing and drying clothes:
Act quickly
If possible, begin treating the stain immediately. For stains on the go, try applying club soda with a clean white cloth napkin. If none is available, just try and keep the spot wet with an ice cube until you can get home and wash.
Don't let laundry sit
As a general rule of thumb, the longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. Ensure stained clothing makes its way to the laundry room, rather than sitting in your child's bedroom or hamper for several days.
Soak clothes
Remove tough stains with little effort by pre-soaking colorfast clothing overnight in a solution of stain remover and warm water. Some washing machines have a pre-soak setting as well.
Evaluate clothes before drying
The dry cycle can permanently set stains, so scan clothes to make sure the items are completely stain-free before putting them in the dryer. If any spots remain, pre-treat and run it through the wash cycle again.
Keep your washer and dryer clean
Make sure to periodically clean your appliances to get rid of any built-up residue to keep your clothes as clean as possible. Run an empty wash cycle with hot water and two cups of white vinegar to thoroughly clean the washer. Then, vacuum the lint trap and vent on the dryer to keep it running in tip-top shape.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.
