With BBQ season upon us, Brits will be dusting off their tongs and selecting the best cuts of meat. However, BBQ's can be a messy and sticky affair and result in unfortunate spills and stains.
Time is of the essence – all stains will become harder to remove as they dry, and some of them will undergo chemical reactions which make them all but impossible to shift, so you will need to act fast!
Cleaning and laundry experts Dr. Beckmann have identified the stains you’re most likely to encounter during the hot weather and shared their top 10 tips on how to tackle them.
Top 10 BBQ stains:
Ketchup
The most common BBQ stain, ketchup needs to be treated as soon as possible. Carefully clear any excess from the area, being sure not to spread the mark. Gently rub some washing-up liquid into the area, before rinsing with cold water.
Wine
A cold glass of white wine is a required beverage at a BBQ. If you have an unfortunate spillage, make sure you blot the alcohol with a cloth until the liquid is absorbed, then sponge with cold water. Treat the stain with a stain remover - Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Devils Fruit & Drink will do the trick!
Fruit Juice
As long as you keep it moist, you should be able to shift most fruit juice stains. Simply pop on a hot wash or soak in vinegar if the stain is a dark fruit.
Grass
Always clear any excess grass or dirt away from the area – taking care to avoid worsening any marks. Grass stains can be particularly hard, so you’ll definitely benefit from pre-soaking the area with a mixture of one-part spirit vinegar to two parts warm water for around 30 minutes.
Chocolate
After the BBQ comes dessert and chocolate is bound to be the token ingredient – who doesn’t love chocolate?! However, combined with the hot weather this may get trodden into the carpet or spilt onto the sofa, but don’t panic this can be scrubbed right out. Scrape any excess chocolate off the stain, then blot the mark with a damp cloth. Finally apply a stain remover to the stain and scrub repeatedly! It’s always handy to have Dr. Beckmann’s Carpet Stain Remover in the cupboard to tackle those tricky stains.
Flowers
Summer means the flowers are blooming, but these beautiful plants can leave a permanent stain on your clothes if not treated quickly. Blot the stained fabric with a damp cloth then prepare to wash the garment. Use a stain remover to help break apart the stain.
Mud
When the sun is out, the garden is calling. Playing sports can lead to slide-tackles, diving and falling over, which creates an opportunity for mud to get on your clothes. Remember, resist the temptation to wipe at the stain. Let it dry and then scrape off the dried dirt, before washing the clothes as normal!
Meat
There isn’t a BBQ without some meat, however red meat stains such as burgers, steaks and lamb kebabs can be a nightmare to remove. Cooked meat produces an oily stain, so make sure to blot repeatedly to absorb as much oil as possible. Once you’ve finished soaking up the oil with a cloth, treat the stain with a stain remover and let it work its magic for 10-15 minutes and then wash.
Ice Lolly/Cream
An ice lolly mixed with sweltering heat is an episode for disaster. Wash the spilled area with a laundry detergent and water, then use a cloth to help tackle the stain. To finish off, rinse the surface thoroughly with water and allow to dry.
Sun Cream
This oily substance can be a real pain to remove from clothes. Your best bet is to use a stain remover such as Dr Beckmann’s Stain Devils Fat & Sauces, which cuts through and lifts the oils in sun creams with ease, making the stain a distant memory.
Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor said: “Everyone loves the hot weather and a BBQ, but with excitement in the air things can turn messy very quickly! Follow our top tips to ensure your sticky, muddy barbeque stains are quickly forgotten about, so you can make the most of having fun in the sun!”