Make a non-toxic DIY stain remover
Make your own all-natural stain remover for an effective and affordable way to fight stains—without the toxic brew found in most commercial products.
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With the perfect stain-fighting recipe, you may never have to buy a commercial stain remover again!
Common household stain removers
Homemade laundry stain removers can be made with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll be able to remove those pesky spots and splotches without exposing your clothes (or family) to harmful chemicals.
With a little know-how, household items can be transformed into effective DIY cleaning solutions for eradicating stains, sans harsh chemicals:
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Citric acid powder
- White vinegar
- Starch-based absorbents
- Table salt
Baking soda
The mildly abrasive texture of baking soda loosens embedded stains and lifts them from the fabric. It also absorbs odors that cause dinginess. For a pre-wash soak, mix 1 cup baking soda per gallon of water and submerge smelly clothes before washing. The alkaline nature of baking soda also brightens fabrics.
Lemon juice
The natural citric acid in lemon juice acts as a bleach, helping to whiten clothes and remove yellow discoloration from white fabrics. The acid also breaks down stubborn organic stains, such as yellow armpit stains. Freshly squeeze 1-2 lemons directly onto rust or mustard stains before washing. For extra whitening power, let clothes soak in lemon water before washing.
Citric acid powder
This powdered acid works to lift and remove stains by breaking down residue bonds on a molecular level. Dissolve 1 tbsp citric acid per 1 cup of water and apply it to wet stains before washing for whitening power on light fabrics. It's great for tackling dinginess and yellowing.
Citric acid works best on organic stains from foods, plants, oils, and perspiration residue. It performs moderately well on some dye based stains. Citric acid is not as effective on greasy inorganic stains or permanent dyes without the addition of other ingredients.
White vinegar
The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves alkaline-based stains like grass, coffee, and sweat. It's also effective at removing mildew and grease stains. Make a solution of 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups water and spray it directly on stained areas before washing. For heavy stains, soak the fabric in vinegar water first.
White vinegar works on many organic stains, but not so well on red wine, ink, or blood.
Starch-based absorbents
Talcum powder, cornstarch, and chalk can all absorb oily stains if applied immediately before washing. The fine particles draw out the grease from the fabric. Just sprinkle on grease drips or rub chalk over oil-based stains, then rinse and launder as usual. The sooner, the better for these adsorbents to work.
Starch-based absorbents can be highly effective at pulling out oils if you apply them right away. They’re not so effective for stains that are fully soaked into the fabric.
Table salt
The grainy texture of table salt works well as a gentle abrasive on rust stains. For wine stains, the salt draws out and absorbs the color before it sets. Simply pour salt directly on the stain right after it occurs, let it sit briefly, then rinse and wash.
Table salt is useful for treating fresh stains from red wine and some fruit juices quickly, especially on light-colored clothes. It is not as effective on thicker or oil-based stains once they have dried into the fabric.
Equipment
You don’t need any fancy tools for your DIY stain remover. Just raid your cabinets or drawers for these items:
- Spray bottles. Recycle an empty cleaner bottle or purchase new empty sprayers. The spray nozzle allows you to directly apply your DIY stain solution to clothes. No more pouring and dripping!
- Mason jars. These quintessential pantry jars are perfect for mixing up and storing batches of your stain-fighting potions. Wide mouths make it easy to add ingredients.
- Funnels. A standard kitchen funnel helps you neatly guide liquids into spray bottles or jars without spilling a drop. No messy clean up!
- Measuring spoons and cups. For stain-removing success, accurately measure out ingredients. Standard measuring cups and spoons help get the proportions right.
- Labels and markers. To remember what concoction is in what jar, use removable labels and markers to note ingredients and dates mixed. Identify bleach solutions clearly.
DIY Stain remover recipes
Let’s jump right in to some easy recipes you can whip up in a few minutes to start battling stains.
All-purpose stain remover
Here’s an easy recipe for fighting stains of any type.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Spray bottle
In a spray bottle, mix the ingredients together until they are dissolved. Shake before each use. Lightly spray over stains, let sit for a couple of minutes, then launder as usual.
Oil and grease remover
Try this recipe when fighting stubborn oily and grease stains.
What you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup hot water
- Small jar
In a jar, mix baking soda and cornstarch together. Stir in vinegar and hot water until a smooth paste forms. Using a damp cloth, rub paste on grease and oil stains before washing. Rinse well.
Ink and makeup remover
For ink or makeup marks, use this homemade stain remover recipe.
What you’ll need:
- 1-2 juiced lemons
- 1 part rubbing alcohol
- Small bowl and toothbrush
In a bowl, mix equal parts lemon juice and rubbing alcohol. Using an old toothbrush, brush the mixture onto ink or makeup stains until they lift. Rinse and launder as normal.
Wine stain fighter
Remove those pesky wine stains with this effective home recipe.
What you’ll need:
- 1⁄4 cup of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Small bowl
Mix the ingredients into a paste. Immediately apply it to wine stains before washing, gently rubbing into the fabric. Rinse clean.
3-ingredient lemon stick
Here's an easy lemon recipe that smells delightful and cleans effectively.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup grated laundry soap bar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
Melt soap and coconut oil together. Stir in lemon oil. Mix into a paste and transfer to a container. The acidity in lemon lifts stains while the oils penetrate fabric.
Read about stain stick recipes for more DIY magic.
Stain remover storage
Once mixed up, homemade stain removers need to be stored properly. Follow these guidelines for maximum freshness:
- Keep in spray bottles or jars with tight sealing lids. Air exposure can degrade solutions.
- Write the mixing date on the label. Most homemade removers last 2-3 months if stored properly.
- Refrigeration extends shelf life. The cool environment slows spoilage.
- Citrus-based mixes last longest refrigerated. The vitamin C in lemon/lime juice oxidizes quickly.
- Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide also stay active longer when refrigerated. Heat and light degrade them.
- Baking soda and borax solutions can be stored at room temperature in sealed, opaque containers.
- If liquid separates or smells odd, it's time to remix a fresh batch.
With the right storage tactics, your homemade creations will remain powerfully effective against stains for months! Just be sure to label containers clearly and refresh old mixtures.
How do you use your DIY stain remover?
Homemade stain removers work best when applied correctly. Follow these guidelines to get clothes looking like new again:
- Act quickly when you notice a new stain. Immediately apply your DIY solution to fresh stains while they are still wet and easier to lift.
- Gently rub the stain remover into fabric using a soft brush or sponge. This agitation helps the ingredients penetrate deep into fibers for better cleaning power.
- Allow your solution to soak on the stain for 30 minutes before putting it in the washing machine. This dwell time lets the natural cleaning agents fully lift the discoloration.
- Wash clothes in warm water after pre-treating the stains. The warm temperature boosts activation of the stain-fighting ingredients.
- For stubborn stains, dip an old toothbrush in water and scrub the spot to help loosen the stain before washing.
- Always pre-treat stains with DIY solutions before washing clothes, not after, so the ingredients have time to work.
With the right techniques, you'll see amazing results from your homemade creations. It's time to start a new chapter in eco-friendly stain removal and say goodbye to harsh chemicals!
Pros of homemade stain removers
Ditch chemical-laden store-bought stain removers for natural, homemade solutions to get some great benefits:
- Non-toxic. Homemade stain fighters use gentle ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice instead of harsh chemicals. This keeps your family and the environment safe.
- Customizable formulas. Tweak DIY stain remover recipes to your needs. Add more whitening power or different scents. Adapt the consistency for spray or stick.
- Targeted stain removal. Unlike generic store-bought options, homemade removers can be mixed to tackle specific stains like coffee, grease, ink, grass, and more.
- Fun family activity. Making your own stain remover is a great hands-on learning activity for kids. They can help measure, mix, and make labels.
- Budget-friendly. Homemade solutions provide incredible stain fighting power at a fraction of the cost of commercial products. Common ingredients go a long way!
Going the DIY route provides an eco-friendly, adaptable, targeted way to lift stubborn stains and spots. Protect your family and the planet while saving money by making your own homemade stain remover.
Learn about the best stain removers for baby clothes!
Cons of homemade stain removers
While homemade stain fighting has many advantages, there are a few potential cons to keep in mind:
- Testing and tweaking. It may take some experimenting to find the perfect stain-fighting recipe for your needs. Homemade solutions require more effort than ready-made ones.
- Varying results. Depending on the ingredients and mixtures, homemade formulas may not have the same strong cleaning power as our eco-friendly stain stick.
What is the best stain remover for clothes?
While homemade solutions are great, not everyone has time to mix up DIY formulas. If you want a pre-made natural stain remover, buy a Smart Sheep stain stick.
Made from plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, and essential oils, our stain stick is non-toxic and perfect for food and pet stains. The solid twist-up stick format is leak-proof and easy to throw in your bag.
This miracle cleaner tackles the toughest oil, ink, juice, and grass stains. Just apply directly to stains, let sit briefly, then wash as normal. The natural cleaning agents go to work dissolving and lifting stains without any scrubbing needed.
“I have used commercial stain sticks for quite some time but for some reason they have disappeared from the market. These small simple sticks are both kid and eco friendly and work great!! The best part is you can rub them on a stain as you remove your clothes and throw them in the hamper till laundry day!” —W.Waite, Amazon purchaser (5 stars)
“I have a new comforter I had not yet used. My favorite toddler found lipstick and applied liberally to my comforter. In a panic, I ordered this. Next day I used it on the stains. The lipstick disappeared with just spot cleaning! Totally AWESOME.” —JK, Amazon purchaser (5 stars)
While homemade stain removers can be highly effective, they require time and trial and error. For busy families who want a fuss-free, environmentally friendly stain solution, Smart Sheep's stain stick is the clear choice.
Stain remover FAQ
What is the best laundry stain remover for white clothes?
The best laundry stain remover for white clothes, especially for blood stains, is hydrogen peroxide. It is a powerful and effective solution for removing tough stains, including blood. Simply apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, let it sit for a 10-15 minutes, and then wash the garment as usual.
It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics, so it is best to use it on white clothes only.
How do you make instant stain remover for clothes?
To make an instant stain remover for clothes, mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide and one cup of dish soap in a small bowl. Apply the mixture directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently rub the stain with a cloth or sponge and rinse with cold water. Repeat the process if necessary until the stain is removed.
What removes stains quickly?
There are several products that are known for their cleaning ability to remove stains quickly. Some popular options include stain removers such as the Smart Sheep stain stick, OxiClean, Shout, and Tide to Go pens. These products are designed to target specific types of stains, such as food or beverage spills, and can be applied directly to the stain for quick and effective removal.
Household products like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove stains from clothing, carpets, and other surfaces.
What is the best liquid to remove stains?
The best liquid to remove stains depends on the type of stain. For example, for greasy stains, concentrated dish soap or rubbing alcohol can be effective. For coffee stains or food stains, white vinegar or lemon juice may work well.
Does baby powder get rid of stains?
Baby powder can be an effective emulsifier for greasy stains. Allow baby powder to rest on the stained area for a few minutes. Depending on the cloth, let it sit overnight to absorb the oils.
How to remove old stains from laundry?
To remove old stains from laundry, you can try treating the stain with a stain remover or pre-treating it with a mixture of detergent and water before washing. It may also help to soak the garment in an oxygen-based bleach solution before laundering.
Do chocolate stains come out?
Chocolate stains can be removed if you act quickly. Because it breaks down the oils in the chocolate, dish soap works well on natural fabrics like cotton and silk. Allow a few minutes for the treatment to take effect. The cleanser requires time to break down the chocolate's oils. Move the treated clothing item into a basin or bowl of cold water before attempting to rub at the stain.
Is vinegar or baking soda better for laundry stains?
Vinegar is better for removing odors and brightening colors, while baking soda is more effective for removing tough stains like grease or oil.
How to get rid of mud stains for dark colored clothing?
To get rid of mud stains on dark-colored clothing, scrape away dried mud with a dull knife. Allow liquid laundry detergent to rest on the stain for 15 minutes. Scrub the detergent into the stain with a wet toothbrush and a few drops of water, cleaning both sides of the dark fabric. Machine wash it as usual, but separate from other clothing.
Further reading
What are the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin?
Is it safe to use dryer sheets on baby clothes?
Homemade stain remover for white clothes
Why is the dryer making my clothes smell burnt?
Will essential oils on my dryer balls stain clothes?
Do we really need fabric softeners?
How can I keep my sheets from balling up in the dryer?
