DON’T LET MAY BE MADNESS WITH THESE TOP CLEANING TIPS

With the May bank holiday drawing closer, Brits will be making the most of the extra day off by relaxing, recharging and spending some quality time with family and friends.

Often the holiday weekend will consist of long walks, BBQs, days in the park and enjoying a bank holiday banquet. However, the bank holiday can often be interrupted by a host of unfortunate spills and stubborn stains, which are especially common when enjoying yourself outdoors.

But there is often no need to worry, as many stains have very simple solutions to ensure they are not long lasting. Time is of the essence, so acting quickly is key to make sure that those stubborn stains don’t ruin the bank holiday fun.

Cleaning and laundry expert, Dr. Beckmann has identified the stains you’re most likely to experience this bank holiday weekend and shared its top ten tips on how best to tackle them.

Top Ten Bank Holiday Stains:

1. Pollen

Whilst the blossoming of flowers is beautiful and a real indicator that summer is on the way, their pollen can be a nuisance. Whether it is a bunch of lilies in your home or plants in the garden, pollen can be a difficult stain to remove. Blot the stained fabric with a damp cloth then prepare to wash the garment. For your upholstery furniture both inside and outside the home, use a dedicated stain remover, like Dr. Beckmann’s Upholstery Stain Remover to help tackle the blemish.

2. Charcoal

A bank holiday BBQ is a classic tradition, burgers and hot dogs in the sun, scream summer is near. However, setting up your BBQ can often be tricky and charcoal soot seems to get everywhere. If you find yourself with a mark, then eradicate the stain, by blotting the blemish with cool water mixed with normal washing up liquid. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.

3. Grass

Grass can create marks all over your clothes, whether it is from playing football or a picnic in the park, they can be pesky to remove. Soak the stain in warm water for 15 minutes alongside white vinegar. If the stain is on white clothing, try using Dr. Beckmann’s Glowhite or Glowhite ULTRA in your wash to help restore and retain the whiteness of the fabric. If the stain is particularly stubborn, add one of Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Remover Oxi-Power Caps to the machine’s drum, to ensure there are no leftover marks.

4. Mud

When grass stains appear, mud stains often follow, so it is important to allow the mud to dry and then scrape off any excess. Resist the temptation to wipe the stain whilst the mud is still wet, as this can cause the stain to spread. After you’ve removed the mud debris, put the garment in the wash as normal.

5. Ice Cream/Lollies

Ice cream and ice lollies can be a special treat on a hot summer’s day, especially after a long walk or games in the garden. However, stains are often inevitable, to avoid permanent staining, run the stain under cold water and then use Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Devils Fruit & Drink for the best results.

6. Sun Cream

The May bank holiday has been known to reach temperatures of up to 28 °C, so it is important to ensure that sun cream is applied. However, sun cream can transfer onto your garments and create yellow marks on white clothing. To remove the stain, soak the item in warm water and gently brush with a cloth. Remember to use a specialised laundry whitener to get those whites shining bright again!

7. Sauce

Condiments are an essential part of any bank holiday BBQ, so sauce stains are inevitable. Whether it’s ketchup, mayonnaise, or barbecue, the best way to treat a greasy condiment stain is to remove any excess from the affected area and run the mark under cold water. Finally, blot the stain lightly with white vinegar and place the item on a standard washing cycle.

8. Wine

British bank holidays can always be spiced up with a glass (or a bottle) of refreshing wine. If you experience an unfortunate spillage, remember to blot the alcohol with a cloth until the majority of the liquid is absorbed. After sponging with cold water, use a stain remover, like Dr. Beckmann’s Carpet Stain Remover – the UK’s number one – to break up the remaining stain.

9. Fizzy Drinks/Fruit Juice

Fizzy drinks and fruit juice stains are one of the most common issues that we experience through the warmer months, a refreshing, cold beverage can cause stubborn stains if spilled. The best way to treat the stain is to mix a teaspoon of detergent with warm water, dip a cloth into the solution and work from the outside edge of the stain towards the centre to help prevent any spreading.

10. Blood

Bank holiday activities can sometimes lead to accidents, a grazed knee or a cut finger is painful, but you can ensure that the pain stops there. If you get blood on your clothes, act quickly and submerge the whole garment in cold water, then sponge the stain with a dedicated stain remover.

Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor said: “The May bank holiday is a fantastic chance to spend time in the great outdoors, enjoying time with loved ones and sparking up the BBQ. However, we are aware that often these celebrations can cause pesky stains that can leave you dismayed. We hope that these tips and tricks on how to treat the most common and toughest stains will make sure your prepared as possible to banish those bank holiday blemishes.”