Weekend Adventure: Take a Hike!
Free time is hard to come by, but when it does, it’s awesome to escape to the countryside and going on an adventure!
Hiking is a great pastime, and the best part is you can do it alone or go with a group of friends. Along the way, there are breathtaking views and fresh air (or even a startled animal or two!) to take in. Hiking makes you appreciate nature and life a lot more.
Besides, anyone can hike – whatever their age, fitness level, physical ability or preference. Hiking is a great workout at whatever pace you set or the direction you take. It also has many health benefits.
But it is not always very easy, and you can encounter a number of obstacles on the way. You can come across difficult terrain, loose mud, dirt and clay, and all of these will leave stains on your hiking gear.
Read on for our guide on what to expect from your next hiking trip and how to remove the stains you’re likely pick up along the way, using Vanish.
Preparing for your hike
When embarking on a hike, it’s important to start with the right equipment and pack light, suitable clothing that is durable as well.
Put all your stuff in a sturdy rucksack and wear a pair of strong hiking boots; if you anticipate rainfall or walking through marshy land or water bodies, you must have waterproof boots and gear. Layer up with breathable fabrics in the summer, and if you’re going hiking in the winter, pack a fleece jacket, warm trousers and a change of clothes.
Different types of hiking terrains
With trails and climbs of varying difficulty to choose from, hiking can be as laid back or as challenging as you make it out to be – but whatever the degree of difficulty, there is always the possibility of stains.
- Flat or very gently rolling terrain
This is best suited to beginners or those who prefer a leisurely hike. There are no climbs on this terrain, just gentle slopes and large flat land. Whether running alongside a river or lake or through fields, you can expect to be surrounded by grass, mud or woodland.
- Moderately hilly terrain
Usually formed from grass, clay or concrete, moderately hilly terrain can be firm on the feet and quite steep at the same time. This terrain is perfect for those who like their hikes with a view and some exercise to match, so expect to come away from this terrain with dirt, dust and mud stains on your clothes and boots.
- Steep hills
This kind of terrain is not for the faint hearted. Steep hills can mean a challenging scramble to the summit of the mountain. Whether on clay, stone and rubble or snow and ice, high ridge walks come in many varieties. Whatever surfaces your steep hill trail incorporates, you are almost certain of getting your hands dirty while you make it to the top.
Treating common hiking stains
As with many outdoor activities, hiking is likely to leave quite the (wrong) impression on your clothes. Whether you get stains from jumping across puddles, wading through rivulets, walking through mud or scrambling up a cliff face, stains are proof of the adventure you just had. Thankfully, the most common hiking stains are easy to treat with the right stain removing products like Vanish.
For tough mud stains, mix ¼ scoop of Vanish Gold Oxi Action Powder with ¾ scoop of warm water until you get a paste. Rub the mixture onto both sides of your stain and leave for up to five minutes before washing your clothing as usual. Add a scoop of Vanish into your wash to ensure perfect results.
To get out grass and dirt stains, turn your hiking gear inside out and rinse the stains with cold water. Try Vanish Oxi Action Gel to get rid of those tough hiking stains. Fill the Vanish dosing pod with 20ml of the Vanish Oxi Action Gel, and simply rub the gel onto the stain. Leave to soak for 10 minutes before washing as normal with a further 60ml of gel.
To remove stains and odours caused by sweat, soak your clothes in 60ml of Vanish Oxi Action Gel and 4L of warm water.
Wherever you choose to go on a hiking adventure, make sure you’re fully prepared by following the tips mentioned above, but most importantly, make sure you enjoy yourself. Thanks to Vanish, stains should be the least of your worries, so go ahead and relish your hike!