How to Remove Off Mosquito Repellent Stain from Polyester

The pesky mosquitoes are a pain, but when your bug spray leaves stains behind, it can be just as annoying. DEET and other bug spray ingredients can cause stubborn stains on all types of surfaces. Fortunately, there’s a solution that will work against most of the marks left behind by these chemicals without damaging fabrics. The durability of polyester allows for easier cleaning as it can tolerate more without being damaged.

• Dawn dish soap (without bleach)
• Warm water
• Small bowl
• Clean toothbrush

1. Fill the bowl with warm water.
2. Add a couple of drops of dish soap.
3. Agitate the solution. You want a light, sudsy solution. If there’s too much soap, you won’t be able to remove the residue, and if there isn’t enough, you won’t have enough cleaning power. Adjust the amount as needed by adding more soap/water.
4. Dip the toothbrush in the cleaning solution to wet it.
5. Brush the stain while following the grain/line of the fabric. This will not only prevent markings from developing, it will help you get the spray out of the grooves of the fabric.
6. Rinse to see if anymore of the stain remains.
7. Repeat as needed, scrubbing gently and rinsing frequently.

• There are bug sprays that are designed to not stain fabrics. Check the labels to find which ones apply. Opt for those to use on outings where you’ll be wearing clothing that is of importance or is not easy to clean.
• If the Dawn dish soap doesn’t work, repeat the process with undiluted LA’s Totally Awesome stain remover (available at dollar stores). It’s mild and safe for most fabrics, but you should always spot test before you begin.