Athlete’s Guide to Banishing Stubborn Stains: Blood, Sweat, Mud, Grease, and last but not least, How to Remove Chocolate!

Being an athlete is dirty work - with or without accidents being involved. Between increased exertion, a tired mind and body, mother nature, and food… messes happen, and unfortunately, they often leave behind unsightly stains on our beloved clothes.

Whether it's that delicious post activity chocolate reward mishap, a minor cut leading to blood stains, sweat marks from an active day, mud splatters after an outdoor adventure, or the unavoidable grease stain from tuning up your gravel bike, fret not!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of removing these common stains those with active lifestyles face using simple yet effective methods. We'll also highlight the use of non-toxic stain removers like Defunkify to ensure both your clothes and the environment stay in great shape.

Blood Stains on Clothes

Why is it the minute you look up to take in the view while trail running, you find yourself taking a digger and ‘Superman-ing’ towards the ground at great speed?! And calling all women who find themselves underprepared for their period when exercising - it happens all the time. ’Blood stains may seem daunting and nobody wants to ruin a quality piece of athletic apparel, but with the right approach, they can be conquered:

1. Cold Water Rinse: Immediately rinse the stained area under cold running water. This will help remove as much of the blood as possible.

2. Pre-Treat: Apply a mixture of water and salt, or hydrogen peroxide (for whites and colorfast fabrics) directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.

3. Enzyme Cleaner: Treat the stain with an enzyme-based cleaner like Defunkify. Enzymes help break down protein-based stains like blood.

4. Check and Wash: Assess the stain's visibility. If needed, repeat the pre-treatment and enzyme cleaner steps before laundering. Use cold water to avoid setting the stain.

Sweat Stains on Clothes

Raise your hand (not too high!) if you have shirts that appear a shade or two darker in the underarm region? Perhaps there’s a stiffness to the fabric or scent that seems to always linger behind even after washing? Active days can lead to unsightly sweat stains, but worry not:

1. Pre-Treat: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar. Gently dab the solution onto the sweat stains. Let it sit for a few minutes.

2. Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste using baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto the stain to help break down sweat residue.

3. Enzyme Cleaner: Apply an enzyme-based stain remover to further break down and remove the stain.

4. Wash: Launder the garment with cold water, using a quality laundry detergent like Defunkify to eliminate odors and stains while being gentle on fabrics.

Grease Stains on Clothes

Ever have to fix a bike chain mid-ride? Chances are you wiped your grease laden hands on your shorts and hopped back on the saddle. Prepping for a day of physical activity often involves cooking and eating a hearty meal the night before. In both cases, grease stains may be an unfortunate result. Here's how to handle them:

1. Blot Excess Grease: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot away any excess grease. Avoid rubbing, as it can spread the stain.

2. Cornstarch or Talcum Powder: Cover the stain with cornstarch or talcum powder. These powders help absorb the grease.

3. Brush Off and Pre-Treat: After about 15 minutes, brush off the powder and pre-treat the stain with a liquid laundry detergent.

4. Enzyme Cleaner: Apply an enzyme-based stain remover like Defunkify to help dissolve and lift the grease stain.

5. Wash: Wash the garment on the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric, using a grease-cutting laundry detergent.

Mud Stains on Clothes

Depending on where you live, the season and the activity, mud may be an ever present part of your active lifestyle. Fact: Outdoor fun can lead to stubborn mud stains. Here's how to tackle them:

1. Let It Dry: Allow the mud to completely dry. Attempting to remove wet mud can push it deeper into the fabric.

2. Shake and Brush: Gently shake or brush off the dried mud from the garment's surface.

3. Pre-Treat: Apply a liquid laundry detergent to the stained area. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the fabric.

4. Enzyme Cleaner: Apply an enzyme-based stain remover like Defunkify to break down the remaining mud particles.

5. Launder: Wash the garment as usual using cold water. Check for any remnants of the stain before drying.

Chocolate Stains on Clothes

Oh, the joy of indulging in a chocolate treat! If your adventure food quiver involves Snickers bars or M&M packed trail mix then you know that melt-y chocolate-y fingertips are a small price to pay for a delicious and effective energy-snack boost. But what about those chocolate stains on your clothes? Here's how to bid them farewell:

1. Act Quickly: The faster you address chocolate stains on clothes, the better the results. Gently scrape off any excess chocolate without spreading the stain further.

2. Pre-Treat: Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent, preferably one that's enzyme-based, directly onto the stain. Gently rub the fabric together to work the detergent into the stain.

3. Soak: Let the garment soak in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps loosen the stain from the fabric fibers, making removing chocolate stains from clothes easy peasy.

4. Check Before Washing: Before tossing the garment into the washing machine, check to ensure the stain is no longer visible. If the stain persists, repeat the pre-treating and soaking steps.

5. Wash: Launder the garment as usual, but avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain. Use a stain remover booster like Defunkify to enhance stain removal and maintain fabric quality.

In your quest to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, you’re gonna need to know how to eliminate stains effectively - your only other options will be to a) replace your pricey and beloved athleticwear or b) to walk around looking like a toddler, neither of which sound super appealing! 

Remember that using eco-friendly and non-toxic stain removers like Defunkify can be both a practical and responsible choice. These products are designed to be tough on stains while being gentle on fabrics and the environment.

With the right strategies and stain removers in your arsenal, you can bid farewell to blood, sweat, mud, grease and chocolate stains, allowing your clothes to shine brightly once more.