Removing stains from laundry can be a frustrating chore. With the help of a few household ingredients, you can make an effective DIY stain remover that really works to get your clothes looking like new again.
Why Make Your Own Stain Remover?
Store-bought stain removers often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can be irritating to sensitive skin. Making your own with gentle ingredients allows you to avoid these issues. A homemade stain remover also costs just a fraction of the price of commercial products.
You likely already have the simple ingredients on hand. Customizing your own stain fighter means you can tweak the formula as needed for the types of stains your family encounters.
How Does a DIY Stain Remover Work?
The active ingredients in homemade stain removers work together to break down and dissolve stains.
- Surfactants like dish soap lower the surface tension of the water, helping it penetrate fabric fibers more effectively.
- Solvents like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide work to dissolve staining substances.
- Absorbents like baking soda or borax draw out discoloration from fabric.
- Enzymes in ingredients like meat tenderizer break down protein-based stains.
- Mild abrasives like salt provide gentle scrubbing action to loosen set-in stains.
Adjusting the proportions of ingredients can customize the remover for specific stain situations.
Choosing the Best DIY Stain Remover Recipe
There are a variety of effective DIY laundry stain remover recipes to choose from. Consider the following options:
All-Purpose Homemade Stain Remover
This versatile solution works on many common stains:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Mix liquid ingredients first, then stir in the baking soda just before use. Apply to dampened fabric and launder. The peroxide acts as a bleaching agent while the other ingredients work together to dissolve, lift, and absorb stains.
Enzyme-Based Stain Remover
This is ideal for food, blood, grass, and other protein stains:
- 1-2 tablespoons meat tenderizer (unseasoned)
- 1/4 cup cool water
Mix to form a paste and rub gently into the stain before washing. The enzymes break down proteins.
Laundry Pre-Treater Paste
Make this paste to pre-treat heavily stained garments:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup dish soap
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional for fragrance)
Mix ingredients into a spreadable paste. Apply to stains and let sit 1 hour before washing. The extended dwell time allows it to penetrate and lift stubborn discoloration.
Tips for Using Your Homemade Stain Remover
Follow these tips to get the best results from your DIY stain fighter:
- Work in a well-ventilated area when mixing. Avoid inhaling ingredients.
- Test remover on a hidden seam first to check colorfastness.
- Apply promptly to fresh stains for best results.
- Rub paste gently into stain. Don’t over scrub to avoid damage.
- Rinse thoroughly after treatment to avoid residue.
- Launder clothing promptly after pre-treating to prevent setting the stain.
- Store unused mixtures in an airtight container away from heat and light.
Effectively Remove Common Laundry Stains
This homemade stain remover can tackle many typical laundry mishaps:
Food Stains
Pretreat with enzyme remover. For dried-on stains, soak in warm water before washing.
Coffee and Tea Stains
Rub with a paste of baking soda and water. Or use lemon juice or vinegar.
Grass Stains
Dab enzyme remover on promptly. Or try rubbing with rubbing alcohol.
Makeup Stains
Use oil-based stains like mascara before washing. Or try rubbing alcohol or hairspray.
Ink and Grease Stains
Dab with rubbing alcohol or lemon juice before laundering. Or use hairspray or hand sanitizer.
Blood Stains
Hydrogen peroxide or enzyme pretreatment work well on blood stains.
Sweat and Deodorant Stains
Pretreat with baking soda or vinegar paste before washing.
Mud and Dirt
Let mud dry fully then brush off excess before washing. Pretreat any remaining stain with laundry paste.
With the right homemade laundry stain remover, you can handle laundry mishaps quickly and effectively. Customize your formula based on your needs. With a few inexpensive household ingredients, you can get fresh, clean laundry no matter the mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do you need for a DIY stain remover?
Common ingredients include dish soap, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, borax, meat tenderizer, and lemon juice. Combine ingredients tailored to the type of stain you need to treat.
How long do you let a homeade stain remover sit?
For light stains, just rubbing in the remover briefly before laundering is sufficient. For tougher stains, paste mixtures can be left on for up to an hour before washing.
What removes old dried-in stains?
To tackle stubborn, set-in stains, soak the garment for 30 minutes in a solution of oxygen-based bleaching agents like peroxide, OxiClean, or borax before applying a stain remover treatment.
Can you use a homemade stain remover on colored clothes?
Test removers first on an inside seam or hidden area to check for colorfastness and fabric safety. Avoid using peroxide concentrates on colored fabrics.
What home ingredients remove grease stains?
Rubbing alcohol, vodka, or lemon juice work well on greasy stains. The solvent properties in these ingredients help cut through oil and grease.
How do you get perspiration and deodorant stains out?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water to make a solution for tackling perspiration stains. Baking soda or borax pastes also help absorb and lift these types of discoloration.
What natural ingredients remove blood stains?
Hydrogen peroxide and meat tenderizer (unseasoned) both work to break down the proteins in blood stains. For dried stains, soak first in cold water.
Can I add essential oils to my homemade stain remover?
Yes, you can add several drops of your favorite essential oil to provide a light scent. Avoid using oils that could discolor fabrics. Test first.
What is the best way to apply a DIY laundry stain remover?
Lightly dab paste mixtures onto the stain, rubbing gently from the back to work the product into the fibers. Don’t over-scrub. Rinse thoroughly before washing.
Conclusion
Removing laundry stains quickly with homemade pre-treatment can save your favorite clothes from permanent damage. Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap offer an affordable and effective solution for lifing discoloration and odors.
Customize your own stain-fighting recipe based on the types of messes your family encounters. With a little practice, you can master how to make a DIY laundry stain remover that really works to keep your clothes looking their best.