7 Common Summer Outdoor Stains and How to Treat Them

Summer is a time for outdoor fun and relaxation. However, it can also lead to some pesky stains on clothing, furniture, and other items. Here are 7 of the most common summer outdoor stains and tips for how to treat them:

Food and Drink Stains

Enjoying meals and beverages outside often leads to spills and drips. Here are some of the most problematic outdoor dining stains and how to tackle them:

Ketchup and Barbecue Sauce

These thick, tomato-based sauces can really set into fabric. To treat:

Act quickly! Blot excess sauce immediately with a cloth or paper towel.
Pre-treat the stain: Apply a stain stick, dab a bit of dish soap, or use an enzymatic cleaner made for proteins.
Launder as usual, using the warmest recommended water temperature. Repeat treatments as needed.

Wine

A spilled glass of vino on your outdoor tablecloth or clothing can create a big purple stain. To remove:

Blot promptly to absorb as much as you can.
Flush the back of the fabric under cold water while continuing to blot the front. This pushes the wine through.
Pre-treat with a stain remover or liquid dish detergent.
Wash in the washing machine using cold water. Air dry in the sun to lighten any remaining discoloration.

Ice Cream and Popsicles

Sticky ice cream spills seem magnetically attracted to fabric on hot summer days. To clean:

Use a dull knife or spoon to scrape off excess ice cream gently.
Rinse fabric under cold running water, or sponge with cold water and blot.
Rub a stain remover stick or dish soap into the stain.
Launder in the washing machine.
If any stickiness remains, repeat treatments until it’s gone.

Chocolate

Chocolate stains are notoriously difficult to remove. Here are some tips:

Use a dull knife to remove any hardened chocolate bits.
Apply stain pretreatment or liquid dish soap, gently rubbing it in.
Soak and wash with cold water. Hot water can set a chocolate stain permanently.
For tough stains, try using an oxygen-based bleach before washing.
Repeat treatments and wash again if needed.

Grass Stains

Kids love to play outside in the grass during the summer. But those grass stains on their clothing can be pesky. Here’s how to remove them:

Treat Fresh Stains Immediately

Blot the stain to absorb excess moisture. Don’t rub, which can push grass deeper into the fabric.
Rinse under cold running water.
Apply a stain remover stick, spray, or paste. Let it sit briefly.
Launder in the washing machine with cold water. Air dry in the sun.

For Dried Stains:

Apply a stain pretreatment and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Rub gently with a soft bristle brush.
Wash in the washing machine with cold water and an enzyme-based detergent.
Air dry, then check if the stain is gone. Repeat treatments if needed.

Avoid Using Hot Water

Washing grass stains in hot water can set them permanently. Always use cold water.

Try Non-Chlorine Bleach

For really stubborn grass stains, apply a non-chlorine bleach (oxygen bleach) for 1 hour before washing. Check that it’s safe for the fabric.

Sweat Stains

Sweating is common in the summer heat. The aluminum and proteins in sweat can discolor clothing under the arms, around the neckline, and on hats. Here are some tips:

Lighten Discoloration

For white fabrics, add lemon juice or white vinegar to the wash cycle. Sunlight also helps bleach sweat stains.

Remove Odor

Rinse well and soak in an enzymatic cleaner that breaks down odor proteins. OxiClean is one brand option.
Change and wash sweaty clothes promptly. Don’t let them sit.

Prevent Future Stains

Use an antiperspirant/deodorant that contains aluminum, which helps block sweat.
Apply Vinegar when laundry is damp and place outdoors. The sun bleaches it naturally.
Swap to moisture-wicking athletic fabrics that dry quickly.

Mold and Mildew

Damp, humid conditions encourage mold and mildew growth on surfaces. Here’s how to remove it:

On Outdoor Furniture Cushions:

In the early stages, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz on the mold and let sit 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean.
For heavier mold growth, use bleach diluted with water. Rinse thoroughly.
Wash removable cushion covers in the washing machine with hot water and bleach.

On Outdoor Fabrics:

Make a solution of 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon of water.
Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub the moldy areas with the solution.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry in the sun.

On Siding and Other Hard Surfaces:

Mix 1 cup bleach into 1 gallon of water. Add 1 tablespoon of natural soap.
Use a stiff scrub brush to scrub the moldy areas with the solution.
Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Wear gloves and goggles.

Rust Stains

Rust stains can develop on outdoor furniture and equipment from rain exposure. Here are some rust removal techniques:

On Fabric:

Apply lemon juice or cream of tartar to the rust spot.
Place the fabric outside in direct sunlight for several hours, renewing the solution periodically. The sun helps activate the acid to dissolve rust.
Once faded, launder as usual.

On Hard Surfaces:

Use a rust removal product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid. Follow label instructions carefully.
For tough stains, make a poultice with the rust remover, flour, and a little water. Apply to the rust and cover in plastic wrap overnight.
Scrub gently with a soft brush the next day and rinse. Repeat if needed.

For Rust on Concrete:

Mix 1 part citric acid powder with 2 parts water until dissolved.
Apply the solution and let sit for 1-2 hours.
Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly.

Oil Stains

Slippery oil spills from cooking or automotive leaks can seep into driveways, garages, and outdoor living areas. Here are clean-up tips:

On Concrete:

Remove excess oil spillage. Cover with an absorbent material like cat litter or sand and let sit overnight.
Sweep up the absorbent material. It will have soaked up the oil.
Make a degreasing solution of dish soap, vinegar, and warm water. Scrub onto the remaining stain.
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Repeat if needed.

On Outdoor Fabrics:

Blot excess immediately and apply dish soap or stain remover stick.
Rinse under running water.
Wash in the machine using hot water and an enzyme presoak. This breaks down the oil.
Avoid using hair dryers to speed drying outdoor fabrics. The heat can set the stain. Air dry instead.

Tree Sap

Parking under trees may provide shade but result in stubborn sap sticking to cars. Try these removal suggestions:

On Car Paint:

Soften fresh sap with rubbing alcohol applied to a soft cloth. Buff gently.
For dried sap, use tar remover spray lubricant. Check that it’s safe for your car’s paint.
Wipe softened sap gently with a microfiber cloth. Avoid scrubbing, which can mar the paint.

On Car Windows:

Apply rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth. Buff the sap spots gently.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid scraping tools, which risk scratching the glass.

On Car Fabrics and Seats:

Use a dull knife to remove any hardened chunks carefully.
Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth. Rub gently onto the sap spots.
For heavier stains, use an upholstery cleaner safe for your car’s fabrics.
Vacuum and rinse the area once the sap is removed.

Preventing Stains

While stain removal is handy for occasional spills, prevention is ideal to limit stains in the first place. Here are some tips:

Wipe spills immediately before they have a chance to set.
Scotchgard outdoor soft furnishings at the start of summer for extra stain protection.
Avoid rubbing stains, which can push them deeper into the fabric. Blot instead.
If entertaining outdoors, cover surfaces with vinyl, washable tablecloths, etc.
Hose down outdoor living areas like patios regularly to prevent buildup of spills.
Vacuum debris from upholstery frequently using the attachments.
Use floor mats and seat covers in cars for easier cleaning.

When to Call for Help

While many stains can be tackled with home remedies, sometimes it’s best to call in a professional:

For old, heavy stains that products haven’t helped.
If you want stain removal guaranteed or don’t have time for home methods.
For cleaning delicate antique fabrics or specialty outdoor surfaces.
To deep clean upholstery or carpeting with commercial equipment.
For smoke damage, flooding, biohazard, or other severe stains.

Knowing how to treat common summer stains is handy. But don’t hesitate to call the experts for the tough cases or when you want the job done right! With some elbow grease and the right products, you can keep things looking bright and fresh all season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common stains in summer?

Some frequent summer stains include food and drink spills like wine, ice cream and ketchup, grass, sweat, mold and mildew, rust, oil, and tree sap. The warm weather and outdoor activities make these stains likely.

How do I get rid of grass stains?

Treat fresh grass stains fast by blotting, rinsing with cold water, applying a stain remover, and washing in cold water. For dried stains, pre-treat and let sit, gently brush, and launder in cold water with an enzyme detergent. Avoid hot water which can set the stain.

What removes sweat stains?

For white fabrics, add lemon juice or vinegar to the wash to help lighten discoloration. Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove odor and bacteria. Change clothes promptly after sweating. Opt for moisture-wicking athletic fabrics which resist staining.

What natural products remove rust stains?

For rust on fabric, apply lemon juice or cream of tartar and place in direct sunlight for hours. The sun helps activate the acid in these solutions to dissolve the rust. Oxalic or phosphoric acid rust removers also work on hard surfaces.

How do I get rid of oil stains on my driveway?

Absorb excess oil with cat litter or sand. Make a degreasing solution of dish soap, vinegar, and warm water to scrub remaining oil on concrete. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear. Repeat if needed. Avoid hot water or heat which can set oil stains on fabric.

What removes tree sap from cars?

Use rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth to gently buff car paint and windows. Tar remover lubricant spray helps dissolve dried sap. For car fabrics, remove hardened bits carefully then rub with alcohol. Use a specialty upholstery cleaner for heavy stains. Avoid scraping tools that could scratch surfaces.

When should I call a professional for stain removal?

Call pros for old, heavy stains that haven’t responded to home remedies, if you want guaranteed results without the hassle, for cleaning specialty fabrics or surfaces, to deep clean with commercial equipment, and for damage like smoke, flooding or biohazards.

Conclusion

Summer fun often comes with accidental spills and stains. By acting quickly and using the right stain-fighting ingredients, you can tackle many outdoor stains at home. Keep your outdoor living areas, vehicles, and summer wardrobe looking fresh all season long. Don’t hesitate to call in the professional cleaners for the serious stain situations and peace of mind. With some preparation and persistence, you can keep things clean, so you can fully enjoy those sunny days outdoors!