Should I use a dryer after washing a garment with insect repellent stains?

No, you should not use a dryer. The heat from the dryer could cause the stain to set into the fabric, making it difficult to remove.

What should I do if a stain remains after washing?

If any stain remains, re-treat the area with detergent, let it sit for several minutes, and then run the garment through another gentle cycle in the washer. You can also try using a product like Zout, Spray ‘N Wash, or Oxyclean to the area, rubbing gently, and then washing again.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Insect repellent > Cardigan

7 Easy Steps to Get Insect Repellent Stains Out of Your Cardigan

Q: What kind of detergent is best for removing insect repellent stains?

The best detergent to use is one specifically made to remove stains from fabric and is designed to deal with oil-based residues. If you don’t have any special detergent, dish soap will do. Avoid using laundry detergent with bleach or fabric softener.

Summertime is here and with it comes lots of outdoor activities. Unfortunately, those activities can also bring in pesky insects that may require the use of insect repellents. While these repellents protect us from bug bites, they can leave stains on our clothing. If you’ve got a cardigan that has been stained by insect repellent, no worries! Here are some easy steps you can take to get it looking as good as new.

Updated 04 Mar 2023

By Mateuzs Kowalski

Step 1: Choose Right Detergent

The first step to getting insect repellent stains out of cardigans is to choose the right detergent. Choose one that is specifically made for removing stains from fabrics and is designed to deal with oil-based residues. If you don’t have any special detergent, dish soap will do. Avoid using laundry detergent with bleach or fabric softener.

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain

After selecting the right detergent, apply it to stain and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This will help to soften and remove the stain. For tougher stains, you can add some baking soda to detergent mixture before applying it to the garment.

Step 3: Wash the Garment

Once the pre-treatment has done its job, put the garment into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Be sure to select cold water to minimize shrinkage. Additionally, be sure not to mix the stained item with any other items in the wash.

Step 4: Check for Stains Afterwards

After you’ve put the garment through wash, check for any remaining stains. If any remain, re-treat the area with detergent, let it sit for several minutes, and then run the garment through another gentle cycle in the washer.

Step 5: Air Dry the Garment

When the garment is finished in the washer, it’s important to air dry it rather than using a dryer. The heat from dryer could cause the stain to set into the fabric, making it difficult to remove.

Step 6: Apply Stain Remover

If you’re still seeing any traces of the stain remaining, apply a product like Zout, Spray ‘N Wash, or Oxyclean to the area, rub gently, and then wash again. Following the directions on the bottle, you may need to wait a few minutes before washing the garment.

Step 7: Inspect for Final Results

Finally, inspect the garment for any remaining stains. If all is clear, your cardigan is ready to wear!

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