First aid for your clothes

Summer stains under control: How to remove sun cream, grass, fruit and ice cream stains

Summer brings sunshine, day trips, swimming and long days outdoors. But it also brings stains that an ordinary wash may not remove. Here is how to treat them properly and save your favourite clothes.

☀️ Summer care 👕 Clean clothes 🍓 Stubborn stains ✓ Practical tips

The most important rule: act as quickly as possible

The longer a stain remains on clothing, the deeper it can penetrate the fibres. For a fresh stain, gently blot it with a tissue or rinse it first. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can push the dirt even deeper into the fabric.

Practical tip: Before using a stain remover, check the care symbols on the clothing label. Test the product on a less visible area first.
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Do not wait too long

Fresh stains are usually easier to remove than dried-in marks or stains that have already been washed several times.

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Check the care label

Always follow the recommended washing temperature and the garment manufacturer’s care instructions.

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Be careful with high temperatures

Do not iron or tumble-dry the garment until the stain has completely disappeared.

How to remove the most common summer stains

Different stains need different treatment. See how to deal with the most common summer mishaps and which products are suitable for them.

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Sun cream

Sun cream can leave greasy or yellowish stains because of its oily ingredients, especially around collars and sleeves.

Apply a small amount of grease-removing product to the dry stain. Work it in gently and leave it to act for a few minutes. Then wash the garment according to the care label.

Important: Do not iron or tumble-dry the garment until the stain has disappeared.
Recommended product
Dr. Beckmann Stain Devil for Fat & Oil 50 g

Dr. Beckmann Stain Devil for Fat & Oil 50 g

For greasy and oily stains, including creams.

€4.90
View product
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Grass

Green grass stains contain natural pigments that can quickly bind to clothing fibres.

Dampen the stain with cold or lukewarm water. Use a product suitable for coloured laundry, leave it to work for a short time, then wash the garment.

Practical tip: If the green discolouration is still visible, repeat the process before drying.
Recommended product
Ariel Diamond Bright Stain Remover 500 g

ARIEL Diamond Bright Stain Remover 500 g

Also suitable for stubborn grass stains.

€5.40
View product
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Fruit and fruit drinks

Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, watermelon and fruit juices can leave very noticeable marks on light-coloured clothing.

Rinse the area with cold water as soon as possible, ideally from the reverse side of the fabric. Then apply a stain remover and wash the garment.

For whites: A suitable active-oxygen product can be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Recommended product
Smacchio Tutto Italian Stain Remover Spray 500 ml

Smacchio Tutto Italian Stain Remover Spray 500 ml

Suitable for stains from fruit, juice and wine.

€6.40
View product
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Ice cream

Ice cream stains can contain a combination of sugar, fat, dairy ingredients, cocoa and food colouring.

Carefully remove any ice cream residue with a spoon. Rinse the stain with cold water and use a product suitable for greasy or food stains.

Do not use hot water: It could set the milk proteins into the fibres.
Recommended product
Dr. Beckmann Stain Devil for Fat & Oil 50 g

Dr. Beckmann Stain Devil for Fat & Oil 50 g

Suitable for grease, chocolate, butter and sauces.

€4.90
View product
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Sweat and deodorant

Yellow stains can appear on light-coloured clothing, while white deodorant marks often remain on dark garments.

Treat the affected areas with a suitable product, leave it to work briefly, then wash according to the care label.

Prevention: Allow deodorant to dry fully on your skin before getting dressed.
Recommended product
Dr. Beckmann Sweat & Deodorant Stain Remover 250 ml

Dr. Beckmann Sweat & Deodorant Stain Remover 250 ml

Specially designed for yellow stains, deodorant marks and odours.

€5.90
View product
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Mud

Unlike most stains, it is best to wait when dealing with mud. Rubbing wet mud could spread it over a larger area.

Let it dry first, then brush or shake off as much as possible. Treat any remaining stain with a stain remover and wash the garment.

Practical tip: Brush gently to avoid damaging the surface of the fabric.
Recommended product
Vanish Oxi Action Concentrated Gel 750 ml

Vanish Oxi Action Concentrated Gel 750 ml

For pre-treating dried-in and stubborn stains.

€7.40
View product

A simple step-by-step guide to removing stains

Remove excess residue

Gently blot liquids with a tissue. Remove solid residue with a spoon or the blunt side of a knife.

Rinse the stain

Use cold or lukewarm water depending on the type of stain. Ideally, rinse from the reverse side of the fabric.

Use a suitable product

Apply a laundry gel or stain remover suitable for the type and colour of the fabric.

Leave it to work briefly

Follow the contact time stated on the product packaging. Do not allow the product to dry on the fabric.

Wash according to the care label

Choose the recommended wash programme and check that the stain has completely disappeared before drying.