Celebrate Mess-Free! How to Get Out Those Fourth of July Food Stains

Fourth of July celebrations bring barbecues, fireworks, and loads of tasty treats—but let’s face it, they can also bring spills and stains! Whether you’re dealing with mustard smears or berry splashes, Belmont Eco and Hawthorne Laundry has the tips you need to keep your clothes looking fresh. And if you’d rather leave the laundry to us, our wash and fold service is always ready to handle any post-party messes!

1. Ketchup and BBQ Sauce Stains

These classic cookout condiments are delicious but can leave a bold mark on your clothes!

  • Blot with Cold Water: Grab a napkin to blot up excess sauce—don’t rub, or you’ll spread it!

  • Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mix white vinegar and baking soda into a paste and gently rub it onto the stain. Rinse with cold water.

  • Cold Wash: Wash the item in cold water, checking to ensure the stain is gone before drying.

2. Grease Stains from Burgers & Hot Dogs

Juicy burgers and hot dogs can leave behind greasy spots.

  • Sprinkle Baking Soda or Cornstarch: Cover the stain to soak up extra oil. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

  • Dish Soap Pre-Treatment: Apply a drop of dish soap to break down the grease, then rinse with cold water.

  • Warm Wash: Wash in warm water (if safe for the fabric) to help lift any remaining grease.

3. Mustard Stains

Bright yellow mustard can leave a stain that’s hard to miss. Here’s how to tackle it:

  • Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the back of the stain with cold water to remove as much mustard as possible.

  • Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Apply white vinegar or lemon juice to the stain to help neutralize the color.

  • Wash in Cold Water: Wash as usual in cold water and check that the stain is gone before drying.

4. Berry and Watermelon Juice Stains

Fresh summer berries and watermelon are sweet treats, but their juice can be tricky to remove.

  • Cold Water Rinse: Rinse the stain from the back with cold water.

  • Apply Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Dab a bit of vinegar or lemon juice directly onto the stain.

  • Wash on Cold: Use a cold wash cycle to keep colors bright and prevent the stain from setting.

5. Ice Cream Drips

Melty ice cream is part of summer fun, but those sticky spots can stain.

  • Blot with a Damp Cloth: Blot gently to absorb any extra ice cream.

  • Cold Soak with Detergent: Soak the garment in cold water with a splash of laundry detergent for about 15 minutes.

  • Cold Wash Cycle: Wash in cold water to lift the stain without setting it.

·         Let Belmonte Eco and Hawthorne Laundry Help with Your Post-Party Stains!
After a long day of celebrating, skip the laundry hassle and let us handle it for you. Our wash and fold service takes care of everything—from pre-treating those BBQ stains to getting your clothes fresh and ready for your next summer adventure. Simply drop off your laundry, and we’ll have it clean and folded in no time!

·         Happy Fourth of July from us!
Here’s to a day full of food, fun, and fireworks! From our family at Belmont Eco and Hawthorne Laundry to yours, we wish you a safe and stain-free Independence Day. Stop by any of our locations in Newberg, Springfield, McMinnville, or Portland Oregon for all your laundry needs—let’s make this a Fourth of July to remember!

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Tackling Thanksgiving Food Stains: Easy Tips to Save Your Holiday Clothes!