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Say Goodbye to Pesky Insect Repellent Stains on Your Thong

Even the strongest insect repellents can be hard to remove from clothing — especially delicate thong underwear. Don't fret, though; by following a few easy steps, you can clean pesky insect repellent stains from your thong and look fabulous in no time.

Updated 04 Mar 2023

By Peter Blackwood

1. Pre-treat With Laundry Detergent

Pre-treating a stain before laundering it is always an important first step and is even more important with tougher stains like insect repellent. Start by applying laundry detergent directly to the stained area. Work it into the fabric with a soft brush or damp cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the detergent to set in.

2. Rinse

Once the detergent has had time to work its magic, rinse the garment in cold water. This should help break up the stain and get rid of some of the residue.

3. Soak

To further loosen up the stain and make it easier to get out, soak the garment in a solution of 2 tablespoons white vinegar mixed with a quart of warm water. The vinegar helps to naturally break down the oils from the insect repellent without damaging the fabric.

4. Wash

Once insect repellent stain has been treated, gently wash the garment in cool or warm water using your regular laundry detergent. Avoid using hot water, as that can set in the stain.

5. Air Dry

Finally, air dry the garment — avoid putting it in the dryer as high heat can set in stain. After it’s completely dry, inspect the garment to make sure stain is gone.

6. Repeat

If the stain is still visible after washing, repeat steps 2 through 5 until the stain is gone. For stubborn stains, spot treat with rubbing alcohol for an extra boost.

Can I use hot water to wash insect repellent stains?

No, hot water can actually set in stain, making it harder to get out. Stick to cool or warm water to safely get rid of the stain.

Do I have to use white vinegar?

Yes, white vinegar helps to naturally break down the oils from the insect repellent without damaging the fabric. It works best when combined with warm water.

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