How do I clean insect repellent stains from my board shorts?

To clean insect repellent stains from board shorts, scrape off any excess repellent, pre-treat the stain with detergent and cold water, and then apply a laundry pre-treatment product. Finally, launder the board shorts in cold water and hang them up to dry.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Insect repellent > Board shorts

Cleaning Insect Repellent Stains from Your Board Shorts - Here's How

Insect repellent is a great way to keep pests away, but what happens when it gets on your board shorts? Cleaning insect repellent stains can be tricky, whether you're using DEET or natural repellents. Here are some tips to help you keep your board shorts in top condition.

Updated 04 Mar 2023

By Luke Smith

Step 1: Scrape off any excess repellent

Using a blunt edge like the back of a butter knife or spoon, remove any excess insect repellent that may be stuck in the fabric of your board shorts. Be careful not to press down too hard, as this may cause further damage.

Step 2: Pre-treat the stain with a detergent and cold water

Mix some detergent with cold water and pour it onto the stain. Gently work mixture into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush. Let the mixture sit for several minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Step 3: Apply a laundry pre-treatment product

After rinsing away the detergent and cold water mixture, apply a laundry pre-treatment product directly onto stain. Be sure to read the label and follow the directions on packaging. Let the product sit for several minutes before laundering.

Step 4: Launder the board shorts

Once you have applied the pre-treatment product, it’s time to launder the board shorts. Choose a gentle cycle and use cold water. It’s important to avoid using hot water, as this could set the stain. Once the cycle is complete, inspect the board shorts for any remaining stains and repeat the steps above if necessary.

Step 5: Dry the board shorts

After washing and inspecting the shorts for remaining stains, hang them up to dry or use lowest setting on the dryer. Avoid using high heat, as this could also set the stain.

Tips to prevent insect repellent stains

Keep insect repellent away from your clothing while applying.
Cover your board shorts with a towel, t-shirt, or other layer of clothing when you apply insect repellent.
Take off your board shorts before applying insect repellent if possible, and be sure to put them on after the insect repellent has dried.

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