Spring Laundry Guide, Garment Care & Cleaning Tips
At Mulberrys, we receive a lot of questions about removing stains, repairing clothes, and findings eco-friendly dry cleaning ways to care for your wardrobe. Spring is full of barbecues, outdoor celebrations, and beautiful weather, but it also brings new stains and fabric challenges. Keep reading for helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind this Spring to make sure your clothing and home stay clean and odor-free.
Top ten tips for keeping your clothing and home clean this spring
1. Cleaning cheeseburger stains
Grilling season has arrived, but watch out for those cheeseburgers. The burger, condiments, and toppings make a cheeseburger a combination stain. You need to tackle each food individually. Dab the spot with rubbing alcohol to break down the oils. Pour on some vinegar to break down the plant-based elements. Dab hydrogen peroxide on the spot with a sponge to remove the animal-based elements of the stain. Rub a small amount of detergent on the stain, then wash normally. Consult with your dry cleaner if the fabric is delicate or brightly colored.
2. Getting rid of cherry juice stains
Yum – fresh cherry pies at the family picnic! Cherry juice stains are plant-based and are best treated with lemon juice or vinegar. Pre-treat with lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the stain with water to loosen the stain. Rub the stain with detergent and wash as usual. If all else fails, bring your clothing item to your dry cleaner.
3. Cleaning chocolate ice cream stains
A nice spring day calls for ice cream! If your chocolate ice cream cone topples over, pretreat the stain with lemon juice or vinegar and wait five minutes. Rinse with water and flush the underside of the stain with a solution of one tablespoon grease-dissolving dishwashing detergent and three cups of warm water. Wash as usual, but do not place it in the dryer if the stain persists. Drying it could set the stain.
4. Removing blood stains
Out with the neutral-colored winter clothes and in with bright, spring colors! Certain colors will bleed when an item is washed, especially red, causing your other clothes to turn pink. Always wash the bright-colored item on its own or with an old white sock for the first few times to test it.
5. Getting rid of stubborn grass stains
Grass stains on your spring wardrobe? Is there anything worse than green stains on your favorite pair of paints? For whites and colors, soak the garment in cold water, and detergent and then wash them in the washer until the stain is removed. Do not place in the dryer if the stain persists. Take your item to your dry cleaner!
6. Use lemons as a stain remover for white clothes
We all love a crisp white shirt in the springtime. If you find a stain on your white clothing, use a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Squeeze lemon juice directly onto the stain and sprinkle salt on top of it. Gently rub the mixture into the stain and rinse with water. Wash your shirt in the washer if needed.
7. Reduce lingering bonfire and grilling smells
Even the strongest perfume can’t mask the smell of smoke! After a spring bonfire or grill, air out your clothing items outside. The fresh air will help the smoke particles dissipate. You can also try soaking your clothing item in vinegar and water. Bring your smoke-scented clothing item to a dry cleaner if the smoke persists.
8. Poison ivy tips & tricks
Spring hiking is relaxing and enjoyable unless you get attacked by poison ivy. If you find poison ivy on your clothing, wash your contaminated clothes in hot water and detergent by themselves. Be sure to wear gloves when handling your clothes! Place your clothes in the dryer. After your clothes dryer, clean the dryer and washer to avoid poison ivy oils from getting on your other clothes.
9. Spring cleaning checklist
Spring cleaning time has arrived! Gently wash all your linens, rugs, curtains, and other household items according to their laundry tags. The easiest way to get rid of winter dust bunnies is to bring your household items to your dry cleaner for a refresh. We’ve created a simple spring cleaning checklist that covers all rooms of your home!
10. Tailor & alter last season’s wardrobe
A tailor isn’t just there to fix your clothes. They can also redesign your clothes to fit today’s fashion trends, whether it’s redesigning the sleeves on a shirt or shortening a long skirt.
Enjoy spring! Spend less time in the laundry room and more time outside with tips from this spring garment care guide. Dress accordingly for hot and humid weather with the most breathable fabric for spring and summer. Visit any of our locations in San Francisco, Minneapolis, or find a store near you!