Wiping Out Insect Repellent Stains from Gingham: A How-to Guide
Gingham is a classic, timeless fabric that can be used for a variety of clothing and household items. But keeping it free from stains—especially from insect repellent—can be tricky. If you’ve got gingham with pesky bug spray stains, don’t fret! Here are some simple steps you can follow to get your beloved gingham looking good as new.
Updated 04 Mar 2023
By Peter Blackwood
Steps to Cleaning Insect Repellent Stains on Gingham
- As soon as possible, pre-treat the stained area with a small amount of laundry detergent. Using an old toothbrush, gentle scrub the stain in a circular motion.
- If the stain persists, soak the garment or fabric item in cold water with a laundry detergent specifically designed for colors. Leave it submerged for a couple of hours and then launder as usual.
- In the event that the stain remains, create a homemade solution by combining 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid, and 2 cups cold water. Soak the stained area in this solution for 30 minutes and launder as normal.
- For particularly tough stains, use a commercial spot remover solution designed for fabrics like gingham. Follow the instructions on the bottle for best results.
- After laundering, air dry the gingham piece. Avoid placing it in a clothes dryer as this might set the stain.
Have Gingham Looking Good as New!
With some careful cleaning and a little elbow grease, any stubborn insect repellent stains on gingham can be removed. As always, be sure to exercise caution when using harsh cleaners or any other abrasive methods.