Summer is all about backyard picnics, playground adventures, and sweet, sticky treats. It’s also prime time for grass-stained knees, melted popsicle drips, and mysterious splotches that show up after a day of fun. If you’re a parent of little ones, you know that summer messes aren’t just inevitable, they’re practically a rite of passage.
From cozy kids hoodies to twirling kids dresses, even the most durable (and adorable) clothes will need a little TLC. To help keep your child’s wardrobe looking fresh all season long, we’ve rounded up our best tips and tricks for tackling the most common summer stains. Here’s how to handle those drips, drops, and smudges—so the only thing you’re left with are sweet memories.
Grass Stains
Grass stains decide to show up on the knees of pants, the backs of toddler girl dresses, and anywhere your child decides to do a cartwheel.
What to do: Grass stains can be surprisingly stubborn due to the natural dyes in plants. As soon as you spot the green hue, try this method for removing grass stains from clothing:
- Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water, and apply it directly to the stain.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse and launder with your regular detergent on cold.
For older or darker stains, an enzyme-based stain remover (safe for kids’ clothes) can work wonders. Avoid hot water at first—it can set the stain deeper into the fabric.
Popsicle & Juice Stains
You’ll find deep popsicle and juice stains on the fronts of kids’ shirts, the bodices of girls’ dresses, and the occasional shoulder (how do they manage that?).
What to do: Cherry and grape popsicles are tasty, but they’re practically designed to stain. You don’t have to skip the sweet, fruity treats to keep clothes fresh and clean. A quick response helps keep things clean when popsicle and juice stains strike:
- Blot the stain with cold water as soon as possible.
- Soak the garment in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of cold water, then dab at the stain with a clean cloth.
- Rinse and wash as usual—again, cold water is key.
Let the item air dry afterward. Heat from the dryer can make stains permanent if they’re not fully gone.
Sunscreen Smudges
Sunscreen splotches can be found on collars, shoulders, and the sleeves of kids’ hoodies.
What to do: Some sunscreens (especially mineral formulas) leave oily, white, or yellowish marks on clothing. Here’s how to get rid of them:
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb oils.
- Gently brush it off, then apply a bit of dishwashing liquid directly to the stain.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and wash on a warm—not hot—cycle.
Want to avoid sunscreen stains in the future? Check the label of your product. Some formulas with the chemical sunscreen ingredient avobenzone are more likely to stain light-colored fabrics.
Ice Cream Drips
Ice cream gets all over the skirts of toddler girl dresses, sleeves, and laps.
What to do: Dairy-based stains from ice cream cones and hot fudge sundaes are tricky because they can sour over time.
- Rinse the fabric in cold water as soon as you can.
- Use an enzyme-based stain remover (or a dab of laundry detergent) and let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
- Wash on cold and air dry.
Avoid rubbing too hard. Gentle blotting helps lift the stain without damaging soft fabrics like bamboo.
Mud & Dirt
Mud and dirt show up on cuffs, knees, and the hemline of toddler girl dresses, especially after an unexpected splash in the sprinklers.
What to do: Wait until the mud dries completely before tackling it. When you’re ready to remove mud stains from clothing:
- Shake off as much as possible or use a soft brush to remove loose dirt.
- Soak the item in cold water with a small amount of gentle detergent.
- For lingering discoloration, make a paste of baking soda and water and lightly scrub the spot before washing.
Keep a wet bag in your car or stroller for muddy mishaps on the go.
Marker & Paint Stains
Marker and paint stains are everywhere. Sometimes they’re on sleeves, bellies, or even backs. Kids are creative, and so are their messes.
What to do: Water-based paints and washable markers are a breeze compared to their permanent counterparts.
- Blot with cold water, then treat with mild soap.
- For tougher stains, try rubbing alcohol (test on a hidden spot first).
- Gently dab (don’t rub!) and rinse well before laundering.
Encourage your little artist to wear an old shirt over their clothes for art sessions.
Food Stains (Ketchup, Berries, and More)
At mealtime, you’ll discover food stains on the fronts of shirts, lap areas, and you’ll also have picnic-blanket casualties.
What to do: For most food stains, the key is to act fast.
- Scrape off any excess food gently.
- Rinse with cold water from the back of the stain to push it out.
- Pretreat with a dab of dish soap or stain remover, let sit for 15 minutes, then launder on cold.
Blueberries and tomato-based stains may need a second wash, but don’t dry until you’re sure they’re gone.
Bonus Tips for Summer Laundry Success
Always check care labels on your clothing before treating a stain. Avoid harsh bleaches or fabric softeners, as they can damage soft fabrics like bamboo and reduce the lifespan of your clothes. Try air-drying delicate pieces to preserve softness and shape. Last but not least, keep a gentle stain stick in your diaper bag or car for on-the-go cleanup.
Let Them Get Messy
A little mess is part of the magic of childhood. Whether it’s melted popsicles on a hot sidewalk or grassy knees from a game of tag, these summer moments are fleeting—but so worth it. With the proper care, your favorite dresses, hoodies, and everything in between can stay looking fresh and feeling soft all season long. The best kind of childhood is the kind that’s lived—messy, magical, and full of sunshine.
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