How to solve summer stains

From the barbecue sauce dripped on your favorite blouse to the cherry popsicle the kids smeared on the patio furniture cushions, summer is the season of stains. But stained clothes and upholstery probably don’t make the kind of style statement you’d like as you entertain this summer.

“Stains can ruin an otherwise flawless outfit or beautiful home,” says Clinton Kelly, fashion consultant and co-host of TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” “With all the backyard parties, summer outings and entertaining that take place during the summer, stains and spills are inevitable. But you don’t have to sacrifice your personal or your home’s style because of stains.”

Kelly offers some tips on maintaining your warm-weather style, and keeping your home in tip-top shape and stain-free this summer:

Learn to Layer

Layering is a summer essential, especially if you live in a region with significant temperature differences from day to night. Layering lets you put on or take off as much as you need to be comfortable. To layer well, look for lightweight items that fit close to the body so that you don’t add extra bulk. For example, layer a tank top under a button-down shirt, add a lightweight sweater or vest and top with a structured jacket.

Stains Are Enemy of Good Style

Keeping your summer whites white and your summer get-togethers stain free can be a challenge. Keep an eye out for stains and pre-treat them before tossing garments into the wash. A laundry pre-treater will help break up tough stains including food, grease and grass, before they become set in.

Extend Your Style Secrets to Home

Your home should be a reflection of you at your best and a way to express your personal style. So don’t overlook household fabrics and upholstery while you’re fighting summer stains. To keep patio cushions, carpets and upholstered furniture looking their best, make sure to have a color-safe stain remover on hand for food spills and pet messes.

Upgrade Your Entertaining

When entertaining this summer, think about simple, inexpensive ways to upgrade your décor. Using white or off-white cloth napkins are a chic and eco-friendly alternative to buying paper napkins. It’s a good idea to create a summer stain emergency kit that consists of a multipurpose cleaner to tackle barbecue, wine or food stains on linens after party guests have left. Or, use it to scrub down the deck and clean patio furniture before and after backyard entertaining.

“Your fashion and style arsenal should not only consist of clothes and fabrics that make you and your home look great, but should also include powerful stain removers that keep items looking their best,” Clinton says. “After all, style isn’t just about the clothes you choose or how you personalize your home, it’s also about taking care of your clothes and keeping them free of stains.”