As a working mom juggling office demands with the chaotic schedule of baseball practices and games, the struggle to keep those pristine white baseball pants looking fresh is all too real. Over the seasons I’ve experimented with various methods and products to combat stubborn stains and keep those pants looking like new. In this blog post, I’ll share some tried and tested tips that have worked wonders for me, alongside insights from other moms in the trenches.
SOAK AND SCRUB
Make sure to treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the fabric. My go-to method for tackling stains involves a powerful yet simple combination: OxiClean and hot water. I start by soaking the pants in this mixture to help loosen dirt and grime. Then, armed with a bar of Fels Naptha, I target stubborn stains, particularly on high-traffic areas like the knees. A laundry stain brush or a soft scrubbing sponge like the netted Scrub Daddy can be invaluable allies in this battle against dirt.
TRUSTY ALTERNATES
While some swear by products like “White Brite,” I personally found the scent overpowering. Instead, I’ve had great success with Zote, a product like Fels Naptha, especially effective against turf and red clay stains. For an extra boost, grate some Zote and add it to your washer alongside your usual detergent for squeaky-clean whites.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
If you talk with my husband, he will tell you to take the pants to a car wash and use the pressure washer. If it can get his beloved white Dodge Ram glistening (which he also claimed was a necessity for travel ball tournaments), he thinks it can do wonders for the baseball pants. His other option is to clean the pants and our deck at the same time with a power washer. Power washing is a game-changer for many moms when it comes to restoring the brightness of baseball pants. However, it’s essential to exercise caution, as overuse can lead to twilling. Reserve this heavy-duty method for occasional deep cleans, especially when the stains seem particularly stubborn. Some moms opt for power washing towards the end of the season when pants may be nearing the end of their lifespan due to wear and tear.
COMBATTING BLOOD STAINS
Blood stains are every baseball mom’s nightmare, but fear not – hydrogen peroxide is here to save the day. It’s essential to spot test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide does not cause any adverse effects such as discoloration or damage to the fabric. Once you’ve confirmed that it’s safe, apply the hydrogen peroxide directly to the blood stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then launder the pants as usual.
THE WASHING MACHINE
Choose a detergent specifically formulated for white clothes or one that contains whitening agents. Avoid using bleach unless the fabric care label explicitly states it’s safe, as bleach can weaken and yellow the fabric over time. Wash baseball pants in cold water to help preserve the fabric and prevent shrinkage. Hot water can set stains and cause colors to bleed, especially on white fabrics.
Personally, I prefer washing the pants by themselves in a quick wash or low-water setting to ensure thorough cleaning without the risk of dirt transfer. I learned this lesson the hard way when clay residue from the baseball pants ended up on my white jeans during a mixed load. Thankfully, I applied the same cleaning process to my jeans as I did to the baseball pants, and they emerged good as new!
To maintain the integrity of the pants and prevent any lingering stains from setting, always remember to hang them to dry after washing. Direct sunlight can also help naturally whiten fabrics.
Keeping baseball pants white amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life is no small feat, but armed with the right tools and techniques, it’s entirely achievable. Finding the method that works best for you can make all the difference. So, here’s to clean, bright baseball pants and many more seasons of cheering from the sidelines!