How to get different stains from clothes after a hike

Posted on 23 January 2025 By Louise Bell

While hiking is a wonderful way to connect with nature and have fun while exercising, it can, at times be a messy adventure. From grass stains to untimely muddy puddles, there are a number of minefields to look out for when you journey through the outdoor plains.

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Are you unsure what procedure to follow when you encounter stains from different sources on your hike? Here are a few things you can do to lessen the damage of stains and save a garment or two.

Grass stains

If you’re planning to add a picnic or looking for an epic hiking trail with your grass-enthusiast dog, you’ll more than likely happen upon a green-hued stain on your clothing.

One method to combat this type of stain is to mix vinegar and warm water (equal parts vinegar and water). When you apply the mixture to the item, you’ll need to wait until the concoction is absorbed fully to allow it to work its magic.

After rinsing the garment, sprinkle a simple laundry powder over the stain and scrub it away with an old toothbrush. If the material is delicate, use a steady and gentle hand to ensure you don’t damage the garment.

Rubbing alcohol can also be used to save the garment. By adding a small amount to the stain and blotting it with a clean cloth, you’ll more than likely remove the majority of the stain.

Mud stains

There are a few preventative measures to ensure mud stains are easier to deal with when washing your garments. When dealing with mud stains, you want to wait until the mud is fully ready to start removing it.

Dry mud is an easier challenge to overcome than wet mud, as dry mud can be scraped off to minimise the damage. If you try rubbing away wet mud from your garment, you’re more likely to deepen and spread the stain on your clothing.

After the excess is gone, you can apply laundry detergent directly and try to remove the stain by rubbing it gently with a soft brush or clean cloth. Then, you can launder your item per the instructions on the garment.

Pollen stains

While frolicking along the flowers in South Africa sounds like a merry idea, pollen has a way of clinging itself to your clothing. As the vibrant yellow is tricky to remove, there are a variety of methods you can follow before you place it in the washer to minimise the damage,

Firstly, try to remove as much excess pollen as you can. From vacuuming the garment or simply using a piece of tape to extract the pollen from your clothing, you’ll have a much better chance of getting rid of the stain if there is less pollen.

If you’ve washed the garment and the stain remains, you can also try rubbing alcohol and dabbing the stain until it’s removed.

ALSO READ: Seasthe day at these stunning snorkelling spots in KZN

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