Here’s Your Easy-Peasy Guide To Removing Mud Stains
Don't let a splash in the rain ruin your mood (or your clothes!)
It’s official: summer is over, and kids everywhere are donning their bright white uniforms and sleek black shoes for the new school year. Unfortunately, the first week of classes also coincides with something not quite as exciting: the start of the rainy season. That means there’s mud everywhere—and if you don’t act fast, your kids’ polos or blouses may become dirty white before the 1st grading period even ends.
But there’s no need to fret! We’ve compiled a handy guide for removing mud stains on some common school items, so your kids can frolic in the rain without giving you a long day of scrubbing ahead of you. Without further ado, here’s how to remove mud from your kids’ stuff:
Uniforms or any fabric
Let the mud dry down before doing any stain removal, as scrubbing it while it’s wet will cause the stain to spread. Once the mud is dry, use an old spatula or plastic bread knife to scrape it from the fabric. Soak the item in regular or color-safe bleach, depending on the item, then wash as you normally would.
Leather shoes
Take extra care when removing stains from leather, as excess water can also stain it! If your kids just came home and the mud is still wet, use a damp (not wet!) cloth to wipe off the soil. Gently rub the area with a dry cloth to prevent water stains from forming. If the mud has already dried, remove as much as you can with an old toothbrush, then follow the same steps we mentioned above.
Bags or backpacks
Most school bags are made of fabric, so you can use the same steps we listed in the first section. However, when you go to wash it, make sure to empty all the compartments and open all the zippers before you throw it in the washing machine. Hang it upside down to dry to let all the water drip out.
There you have it! Hopefully with these tips you can keep your kids’ stuff stain-free and in great shape throughout this school year.
Source: Good Housekeeping, The Spruce, leathermilk.com
Main photo (left) from bicycling.com.
