How to Remove Summer BBQ Stains from Your Clothes

Summer barbecues are a time for good food and good company, but, unfortunately, they also bring messy stains. From tasty sauces to greasy burgers and hot dogs, cookout favorites often leave behind stubborn reminders on our clothes. While you may easily remove some fresh stains at home, it is typically best to call your local dry cleaner in Bristol, TN, to ensure your favorite summer outfits don't get ruined. The professional cleaners at Craig's Dry Cleaners use advanced techniques and solvents that can remove even the toughest food stains without damaging your garment.

How to Remove BBQ Sauce Stains

What's a summer barbecue without the BBQ sauce? While BBQ sauce is a summer cookout must-have, its sticky nature and combination of tomato, sugar, and oil make it a difficult stain to remove. BBQ sauce is a triple-threat stain, so acting quickly is necessary to avoid the stain setting. 

Composite stains, like BBQ sauce, are hard to treat at home. The best chance to successfully remove the stain is by bringing your garment to a trusted dry cleaner. 

How to Remove Mustard Stains from Clothes

While mustard is a favorite topping for hot dogs and burgers, it can also be a tough stain to remove from clothing. Mustard contains turmeric, which leaves behind a dye-based stain that is challenging to get rid of on garments. If you've spilled mustard on your favorite summer outfit, it's important to act promptly to not let the stain set on the fabric.

If trying to remove a mustard stain at home, be sure to read the clothing's care label. 

1. First, you should scrape off any excess mustard. 

2. Then, apply a mixture of white vinegar and water or laundry detergent to pre-treat the stain. 

3. Let the pre-treatment sit for several minutes, and use a damp towel to gently blot the stain.

Trusting a dry cleaner is usually the most reliable option for successfully removing mustard stains. Professionals know how to handle turmeric stains and have the best commercial-grade stain treatments that you won't have at home. 

How to Remove Tomato Stains from Garments

Tomato sauce, or red sauce stains, are another common culprit for ruining your summer clothes. As a tannin-based stain, tomato stains should be treated with cold water immediately. To help treat red sauce stains at home, follow these steps:

1. First, use a clean cloth to blot excess tomato sauce and soak the stain in cold water. 

2. Pre-treat the stain using laundry detergent or a pre-treatment solution. 

3. Then, gently rub the stain to help loosen the sauce from the fabric's fibers before washing. 

4. Ensure the stain is completely removed before drying to avoid setting the stain.

Even with careful cleaning at home, it is often best to bring your tomato sauce-stained garments to your Tri-Cities TN dry cleaner for expert stain removal. Especially for delicate items, a dry cleaner will have the right tools and knowledge to remove stains without damaging the garment.

How to Treat Grease or Oil Stains from Clothing

If grease or oil stains, such as those from butter or salad dressing, are not treated correctly, the stain may stick around or darken over time. Therefore, for food grease or oil stains, you must act quickly, as the longer they sit on the fabric, the tougher they will be to remove. Tips for treating grease and oil stains include:

• Avoid rubbing, as it can cause the stain to spread.

• Use a clean towel or napkin to gently blot the stain, absorbing excess oil. 

• Try sprinkling baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and letting it sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any oil.  

• Take your garment to your local dry cleaner as soon as possible to ensure proper stain removal without damaging your outfit. 

Dry cleaners are your best resource for removing grease and oil stains from clothes. If you've tried a DIY method before bringing your garment to your dry cleaner, it's essential to inform the professionals so they can select the most effective and safe options to treat the stain. The experts at Craig's Dry Cleaners understand the importance of treating different types of stains with the right technique to ensure successful results. 

While BBQ, mustard, and other tasty sauces are staples at summer barbecues, each stain requires a different removal process. Whether it's your white sundress, a favorite polo, or a linen shirt, professional dry cleaners have advanced cleaning techniques and gentle solvents to safely restore your clothes to their pre-barbecue condition. At Craig's Dry Cleaners in Bristol, TN, we understand the best methods to tackle almost every clothing stain. Contact us to learn more about our expert stain removal services.