Keep Pests Out, Keep Suits In: How to Clean Insect Repellent Stains
No one likes a pest, but no one likes a stained suit either! Insect repellent is a must when spending time outdoors, and it can be difficult to navigate when that pesky repellent gets on your favorite suit. Here's how to clean insect repellent stains, so you can keep pests away and your suit looking dapper.
Updated 04 Mar 2023
By Isabelle Trottier
Step 1: Blot Away Any Excess Repellent
Before beginning any cleaning process, it's important to remove the excess repellent from the fabric. Take a cloth and gently press it against the stain to draw out as much repellent as possible. Do not rub area, as this may cause the stain to set deeper into the fabric.
Step 2: Mix Warm Water with Mild Detergent
Mix together a solution of warm water (cold water may result in the stain setting) and a mild detergent. Test a small corner of the fabric first to make sure it won't discolor or damage the fabric. If no color is lost, proceed to saturate area with the soap mixture.
Step 3: Let The Soap Mixture Sit
Let the area soak in solution for 10 minutes. During this time, use your fingers to help agitate stain and release it from the cloth. Do not scrub too aggressively—you want to avoid discoloring or damaging the fabric.
Step 4: Rinse With Cold Water
When the 10 minutes have passed, rinse the area with cold water. Press the fabric to remove the soap and then repeat steps 2 and 3 until the stain has been removed.
Step 5: Spot Clean with Ammonia or Vinegar
If the stain still persists, try spot cleaning with either ammonia or vinegar. Apply the solution directly to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water. If the stain still remains, repeat the process until stain is gone.
Tips For Prevention
- Spray insect repellent onto clothes away from the body—this will reduce the chances that the repellent will get onto skin and clothing.
- Change clothes if you are heavily exposed to insect repellent—this will prevent stains from building up over time.
- Act quickly when a stain does occur--the longer the stain sits, the more likely it is to set in.
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