Fall is our favorite season, and it is also hard on clothes. (For the other end of the year, we have a companion guide to summer stains like grass, sunscreen, and sweat.) Pumpkin patches, cider by the fire, muddy walks, and holiday dinners all come with a good chance of a stain. The trick with almost every fall stain is the same, act quickly and treat it right, because the wrong move can lock it in. Here is our field guide to the season’s most common messes.
Mud Stains
Counterintuitive but true, do not touch a mud stain while it is wet. Let it dry completely first, then knock off and brush away the dried dirt. After that, pre-treat with a little detergent and wash in cool water. Scrubbing wet mud just grinds it deeper into the weave.
Pumpkin and Squash
Pumpkin is sneaky because it contains natural pigments and starches. Scrape off the excess, rinse the back of the fabric with cool water, then work in a little dish soap or detergent before washing. Do not use hot water, it can set the color.
Apple Cider and Juice
Sugary drinks turn sticky and dark as they dry. Blot up what you can, rinse with cool water, and treat with a mix of dish soap and cool water. For a set stain, a little white vinegar can help break down the sugars before washing.
Red Wine
Blot, do not rub, and rinse from the back with cool water. Skip the salt, it can set the stain. Dab with dish soap and cool water and keep working from the outside in. Never apply heat until the stain is fully gone.
Grass Stains
Grass is a dye stain, so it needs a little muscle. Pre-treat with detergent or a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit, then wash in the warmest water the fabric allows. Check before drying.
The Golden Rule for Every Fall Stain
Never put a stained item in the dryer until the stain is gone. Heat turns a treatable mark into a permanent one. When in doubt, air dry and check in good light.
When to Leave It to Us
Some fabrics and some set-in stains are not worth the risk, especially wool coats, holiday dresses, and anything dry clean only. At Vogue Cleaners we treat fall stains every year and know how to lift them without harming the fabric.
Do not let a stain ruin a favorite piece. Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today and enjoy expertly cared-for clothes without the hassle.
