Cleaning Experts Reveal Top Tips To Banish Brutal BBQ Stains

As we start to get into the swing of summer and with the launch of National BBQ Week (4th-10th July), the smell of BBQs is starting to fill the air. Brits go barmy for a BBQ as nothing beats socialising with friends and family over a few drinks in the garden, with food sizzling away.

However, fun in the sun can easily be dampened by inevitable spills that come from preparing and eating food outside. Whether it is an accidental splodge of ketchup on your white shirt or grass stains from playing in the garden, these blemishes can prove tough to remove.

To mark National BBQ Week, cleaning and laundry expert, Dr. Beckmann has identified the five most common BBQ stains and shared advice on how to tackle them.

Top Five BBQ Stains

Sauce
Condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce are staples of a British BBQ. However, they can be tricky to remove. The best way to treat a sauce stain is first ensure you get rid of any excess from the affected area and then run the mark under cold water. Finally, blot the stain lightly with white vinegar and place the item on a standard washing cycle.

Grass
Whether it is from playing games in the garden or using it as a place to sit whilst enjoying your grub, grass stains can ruin any outfit. If the unfortunate does happen, then immediately soak the stain in hot water for 15 minutes alongside white vinegar. If the stain is on white clothing, try using Dr. Beckmann’s Glowhite or Glowhite ULTRA in your wash to help restore and retain the whiteness of the fabric. If the stain is particularly stubborn, add one of Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Remover Oxi-Power Caps to the machine’s drum, to ensure there are no leftover marks.

Charcoal
A BBQ is a classic summer pastime, however, setting up your BBQ can often be tricky and charcoal can get here, there, and everywhere. If you find yourself with a mark, eradicate the stain by using warm water mixed with normal washing up liquid and blot, blot, blot until all the liquid is absorbed.

4. Grease

A BBQ can accumulate grease very quickly due to the residue that comes from meats such as sausages and burgers. However, whilst they may seem like some of the most difficult stains to remove, the issue can easily be solved. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the area and leave it to soak for five minutes, then use a brush to scrub the baking soda into the stain. Afterwards use a normal laundry detergent such as Dr. Beckmann’s newest product dissolvable detergent sheet Magic Leaves, to leave your garment looking good as new.

Wine
BBQs are the prime time to enjoy a glass (or a bottle) of wine. If you experience an unfortunate spillage on your outdoor upholstery furniture, remember to blot the alcohol with a cloth until most of the liquid is absorbed. After sponging with cold water, use a dedicated stain remover, such as Dr. Beckmann’s Upholstery Stain Remover to ensure that the stain soon becomes a distant memory.

Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor said: “As the summer heats up, BBQs are on everybody’s minds. Even when the weather isn’t scorching hot, Brits will always find a way to get their BBQ fix. However, this favourite summer social activity can also be an extremely messy affair. We hope that these tips and tricks to treat the most common stains, from grass to grease, will make sure you’re prepared as possible to banish those BBQ blemishes.”