I’m a laundry expert and here’s how to get rid of pesky summer stains like red wine and grass with cheap household items

When the sun isn’t playing a cruel game of hide and seek, its warm rays provide the perfect backdrop for a host of summer activities.

And while warm nights chilled by red wine and delicious picnics in the sun are welcome, the later stains are not.

Fran Forgione, laundry expert at AO.com Manchesterrevealed some hints and tricks for removing pesky summer stains using items around your own home.

She explained, “When it comes to stains, so many of us turn to expensive, harsh chemicals to remove them, not realizing that combinations of cheap pantry items work just as effectively.”

From grass stains to barbecue grease stains, here’s how to remove tough summer stains without breaking your budget.

Sun cream

The handy lotion, also known as sunscreen, is the best way to protect your body against harmful sun rays.

And as temperatures rise, we’re likely to reach for it more and more — leaving our bright whites susceptible to “yellow spots.”

“Most sunscreens contain a moisture-resistant oil, which can leave yellow stains on white clothing,” says Fran.

“If you get sunscreen on your clothes, you have to act fast. First, scrape off the remaining liquid with a dull knife, and instead of reaching for expensive stain removers, opt for distilled white vinegar and dish soap.

“Work the soap into the stain before soaking the affected clothing in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Leave it overnight and rinse with cold water.

The combination is tried and tested for typical stains, but for larger, tougher stains, a little rinsing and repeat should do the trick.

Red wine

Pesky red wine stains can be cleaned up with hairspray, soda, or sparkling water, says Fran (stock image)

After a relaxing day or even a day out with friends, a glass of red wine in the sun is something many thrill seekers look forward to.

If your glass falls, you don’t need magic potions or expensive stain removers, just hairspray.

“To treat the stain, spray liberally with hairspray, let it sit for a few minutes, and blot the stain to remove any residue. Repeat as often as necessary, then wash at the highest possible setting to completely remove the stain.

Or try covering the affected area with baking soda or sparkling water as soon as possible, as the air bubbles will help remove the stain from the fabric.

Grass

For tough grass stains, the laundry expert explains, “Mix one part white vinegar with equal parts water and cover the stain. Let this soak for at least 30 minutes (stock image)

Kids – and adults, of course – running around in fresh, dewy grass create a mountain of laundry.

The good news is that you may be able to save time and money by spot treating the pesky stain.

‘The household product white vinegar comes to the rescue again in tackling grass stains.

Simply combine one part white vinegar with equal parts water and cover the stain. Leave this on for at least 30 minutes, although a longer soaking time will produce better results. Then scrub the stain and rinse with cold water.

“After this first step, blot the stain with your regular detergent, then work it into the stain by scrubbing gently with a brush. Let it soak in for a while before rinsing it off again with cold water.

It’s easy to get caught up in the myth that hot water cleans better, but this isn’t always true, and certainly not the case with grass stains. Be sure to use cold water to prevent the stain from hardening.

BBQ fat

The smell of a sizzling BBQ is irresistible to most, so if you get grease stains on your clothes, use a paste of washing powder and water (stock image)

One of our favorite summer smells is the smell of juicy barbecue wafting from the neighbor’s yard.

Even better is your own cookout party, filled with family and friends and all you can drink.

But don’t get too carried away, because Fran warns that grease stains are definitely the trickiest stain to get rid of.

Sure, detergent works great, but a two-ingredient mixture of cheap washing powder and water works just as well and can save you a few bucks.

‘To treat an oil or grease stain on cotton, soak the affected area with detergent or – even better – make a paste of washing powder and water. Work it into the clothes and let it soak in for a few minutes before washing.’

As a bonus tip, she advises keeping grease-stained clothes out of the dryer to prevent the stains from setting in — opt to air dry them instead.

Coffee and tea

If you’re lucky enough to be near a bathroom or kitchen, run coffee stains under cold water for best results. Or there’s always toothpaste (stock image)

Next on the list is a heated drink that proves tricky year-round.

Maybe you bought a delicious iced coffee to accompany you on the busy commute to work and spilled a bit in the rush.

If you’re lucky enough to be near a bathroom or kitchen, run the stain under cold water for best results. Or there is always toothpaste.

“You can also apply dish soap or liquid detergent as soon as possible and let it soak into the stain for at least an hour – and don’t let it set! Keep the stain wet so that the product can do its job of removing the stain.

“For more stubborn stains, white vinegar mixed with water helps remove stains, or you can even use white toothpaste that acts as an exfoliator and breaks down the stain.”

‘Finally, a paste of baking soda and water is also sufficient. It’s important to keep doing this and keep working the paste into the stain until it’s gone.”