Time for sunshine, outdoor plans and, of course, lots and lots of watermelon! But while enjoying this delicious, juicy fruit, it’s not uncommon to end up with a t-shirt that looks like you got into a fight with a watermelon… and lost. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to remove watermelon stains from clothes, especially those intimidating white ones.
How to remove watermelon stains from clothes?
A watermelon stain doesn’t have to be the end of your favourite garment. The key is to act fast. The longer you let the stain sit on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove.
Step 1: Immediate rinsing
As soon as you notice the stain, run to rinse it under cold water. This helps to remove excess juice before it has a chance to settle.
Step 2: Pre-treatment
Apply a little liquid detergent to the stain. Use a mild but effective detergent and rub gently with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Leave to act for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Washing
Wash the garment as you normally would, but be sure to use the coldest water setting. Hot water could set the stain, and that would be a major disaster.
Step 4: Verification and air-drying
Before putting the clothes in the dryer, check that the stain has completely disappeared. The heat from the tumble dryer can permanently set the stain. If a shadow of the stain is still visible, repeat the treatment before drying.
How to remove watermelon stains from white clothes?
Removing stains from white clothes can be especially challenging because any residue is much more visible. But with a little patience and the following steps, you can bring that white T-shirt back to life.
Step 1: Oxygen bleach
For white clothes, oxygen bleach will be your best ally. After rinsing the garment, prepare a solution of oxygen bleach according to the product instructions. Soak the garment and leave it to soak for a few hours.
Step 2: Washing with boosters
Wash the garment with a detergent containing optical brightening agents. These agents help whites look even brighter and can work wonders in combination with oxygen bleach.
Step 3: Sun exposure
If the stain persists after washing, a natural technique that can help is exposure to the sun. The sun acts as a natural bleach. Place the damp garment in direct sunlight. This can help to effectively fade the stain.
Step 4: Repeat if necessary
Stains on white clothes can be tenacious. Feel free to repeat the process if necessary, always checking between washes to make sure the fabric is not damaged.
Additional advice
- Avoid chlorine-based bleaches: These can be too aggressive on natural fibres and may leave a yellowish tint instead of white.
- It is always a good idea to test cleaning products on an inconspicuous part of the garment to make sure it will not cause discolouration or damage.
Remember, dealing with a watermelon stain doesn’t have to be a losing battle. With these tips, you can still enjoy your favourite summer fruit without the fear of ruining your clothes.
Let the summer fun and watermelon battles continue, but in your mouth, not in your clothes!
