Getting muddy on your clothes can be a bore, especially if the fabric is light or delicate in color. The first thing to do is to shake the garment or gently scrape off the mud, after which it is better to pre-treat the stains with detergent or a stain remover before washing the garment in the washing machine according to some rules. By following the tips of the article you will be able to get rid of the mud from your clothes in no time even when the situation seems without remedy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove Surface Mud
Step 1. Let the mud dry on a flat surface
Do not try to remove it while it is still wet to avoid the risk of pushing it deeper into the fibers or causing the stain to spread out. Lay the garment on a flat surface and wait for the mud to dry. It may take several hours or a full day, depending on the thickness.
Step 2. Shake or scrub the garment to remove excess mud
Flap the garment on the outside to allow the surface mud to detach from the fabric. Alternatively, you can scrape off the mud with your hands or a rag. After removing the excess soil, you will be able to intervene more effectively on the stains.
Step 3. If the garment is entirely covered in mud, get a putty knife or soft brush
If the amount of mud is large, you can try to remove the top layer with the help of a spatula, a soft brush or a knife. Run the squeegee against the dried mud to scrape it off, or brush the muddy garment until you can see the fabric.
Be careful to scrape or brush only the mud and not the fabric to avoid damaging it. Do your best to remove as much dirt as possible before washing the garment by hand or in the washing machine
Step 4. Take the garment to the laundry if it can only be dry cleaned
If the garment label indicates that it cannot be washed by hand or in the washing machine, have it in the expert hands of a professional. It is the only way to guarantee that it will not be damaged further.
Part 2 of 3: Pretreat the Stains
Step 1. Apply liquid laundry detergent to the stains and let it sit for 15 minutes
Rub a small amount into the muddy fabric with clean hands or a damp rag. If you only have washing powder at home, mix it with a little water to create a paste-like mixture that can be spread on mud.
The laundry detergent crumbles the mud making the next wash more effective
Step 2. Use a stain remover to remove stubborn stains
Look for a product suitable for removing mud and stubborn dirt from fabrics. Apply the stain remover directly to the muddy areas and massage it into the fabric with clean fingers or a damp rag, then leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
The use of the stain remover is especially recommended if the quantity of mud is abundant
Step 3. Make a cleaning solution to soak the muddy garment
If the entire garment is covered in mud and it is difficult to work on individual areas, place it in a basin and add a few drops of detergent before submerging it in hot water. You can soak the garment from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of mud.
If it is a light colored garment, be careful as letting it soak may absorb the brown pigment of the mud. It is best to treat light-colored clothing with a stain remover or by pouring the detergent directly onto the stains
Part 3 of 3: Wash the Stained Head
Step 1. Put the garment in the washing machine and wash it in warm or hot water
The advice is to use the highest temperature allowed by the type of fabric. Do not wash the muddy garment with the rest of the laundry to avoid transferring the mud to other clothes.
Step 2. Use bleach on white clothes
If the muddy garment is made of white fabric, you can wash it in the washing machine using bleach. Follow the directions on the product label to make sure you don't overdo the quantities.
Step 3. Wash clothes with laundry detergent if they are dark in color
Unless they are white, do not use anything other than a special detergent to wash the clothes in the washing machine. Bleach can easily discolor fabrics and leave stains or streaks clearly visible.
Inspect the garment at the end of the wash cycle to make sure the mud has come off. You may have to wash it a second time to get it back completely clean. Repeat the steps as long as you need to completely remove the mud
Step 4. Hand wash delicate items using hot water
If the muddy garment is made of a delicate fabric, wash it by hand in a basin or sink. Use a suitable detergent and warm water and gently scrub the fabric between your hands to loosen and get rid of the mud.
You can also try using a toothbrush or soft brush to scrub the mud off the fabric as you wash the garment by hand
Step 5. Dry your clothes once they are clean
When you are sure that you have removed all the mud, you can put the garment in the dryer, taking care to set a gentle drying cycle at a low temperature. If, on the other hand, the type of fabric does not allow it, hang the garment in the air to allow it to dry naturally.
