The best way to remove pollen stains
Spring is nearly upon us, and while we're waiting for the world outside to burst into flower, a vase of vibrant blooms can add a cheerful splash of colour to your home.
If you opt for roses or daffodils, you may not have to worry about pollen stains. But if you can't resist a bunch of tulips or a bouquet of lilies, you may end up with tough yellow stains on your carpet or clothes.
Pollen stains can be tough to remove, but the faster you act, the better chance you have of shifting them. Here's what you need to know.
Use sticky tape to remove pollen stains
The worst thing you can do when removing a pollen stain is to push the powder deeper into the fabric. This can be avoided using the sticky tape method: wrap the tape around your fingers sticky-side-out and lightly pat it on the pollen to remove as much of the powder as possible from the affected area.
Alternatively, use your vacuum cleaner's crevice nozzle to gather up the pollen. Whatever you do, don't rub in or wet the pollen.
GHI Tip: You can use the sticky tape method to remove other powdery, delicate things such as spider webs and crumbs from fabric. It's also good for lifting pet hairs from upholstery, soft furnishings or clothes.
Treat stains on washable fabrics
It's possible to remove pollen from your clothes, cushion covers or table cloths, but don't delay!
For washable cotton or wool fabrics, spot-treat any remaining traces of the stain with Dr. Beckmann's Stain Devils Nature and Cosmetics, then either hand wash or machine wash at as high a temperature as the item's care instructions allow.
For washable silk fabrics, machine-wash at 30°C on the delicates cycle or hand wash with a detergent for delicates and wool.
Spot-treat stains on carpets
After vacuuming or using the sticky-tape method to remove as much pollen as possible from carpets, treat any remaining traces with Dr Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover, following the instructions on the bottle.
Prevention is better than cure!
To avoid getting pollen on clothes, carpets or soft furnishings, remove the pollen-laden stamen of cut flowers such as lilies before you arrange them in a vase.
The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies advises holding each flower in turn over the sink and pinching out or snipping off the stamen using fine, sharp scissors. Ideally, do this before the pollen reaches its powdery, stain-producing peak!
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