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Easy 2-Ingredient DIY Stain Remover

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Learn how to easily make your own DIY stain remover! It only has 2 ingredients you probably already have at home to help make your clothes nice and clean.

We’ve all been there: a splash of red ketchup on a white shirt, a drip of mustard on the sofa, or a grass stain on your child’s favorite jeans.

Stains are an inevitable part of life, especially with kids, but dealing with them doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

While commercial stain removers have pretty good results, they are often expensive and contain a long list of toxic chemicals.

When I learned I could make my own DIY stain remover for clothes, I had to give it a try.

So here is a DIY stain remover spray for clothes you can use to help keep your family’s clothes nice and clean, even with messy toddlers.

The Problem with Commercial Stain Removers

Commercial stain removers may seem convenient, but they do have some problems.

According to a study, many stain removers contain toxic ingredients that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and environmental harm.

If you read the ingredients on your stain remover you bought, you probably don’t know most of the ingredients inside. As you research, you will find tons of toxic chemicals that are hurting you

Stain removers from the store also cost a lot more than making your own clothes spot cleaner.

Why Choose a DIY Stain Remover?

Homemade stain removers offer tons of benefits. Here are just a few of them:

  1. Cost Savings: The ingredients for DIY stain removers are inexpensive and often already found in your kitchen. When compared to the cost of the name brand ones at the store, the savings are huge!
  2. All Natural: By using natural ingredients, you reduce the chemical load on you and your family. You can create a totally non-toxic fabric stain remover!
  3. Customization: Homemade laundry stain removers can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you need a hypoallergenic solution or something strong enough to tackle tough stains, you can adjust the ingredients accordingly.

How Hydrogen Peroxide Works on Stains

Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that breaks down into water and oxygen. This reaction helps to lift and remove stains, particularly those caused by organic materials like blood, sweat, and food.

Its oxidizing properties make it effective at breaking down the color molecules in stains.

Fabrics for Hydrogen Peroxide

  1. White and Light-Colored Fabrics: Hydrogen peroxide works exceptionally well on white and light-colored clothes.

    It helps to brighten and remove stains without the risk of discoloration. It’s commonly used for items like white t-shirts, linens, and cotton garments.
  2. Natural Fibers: Fabrics such as cotton, linen, and hemp generally respond well to hydrogen peroxide.

    These materials can handle the bleaching action without significant damage, making them ideal candidates for this treatment.

Caution with Certain Fabrics

  1. Dark and Colored Fabrics: Hydrogen peroxide can cause fading or discoloration on dark or brightly colored fabrics.

    The bleaching effect can lighten the dye, leading to uneven patches. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
  2. Delicate Fabrics: Materials like silk, wool, and some synthetic blends may not react well to hydrogen peroxide.

    These fabrics are sensitive and can be damaged by the oxidizing action, leading to weakened fibers or color loss.

How Castile Soap Works on Stains

Castile soap, a versatile and biodegradable soap made primarily from vegetable oils, is known for its gentle yet effective cleaning properties.

Here’s how it works and how to use it for stain removal:

Castile soap is made from natural oils like olive, coconut, and hemp oil. These oils have excellent cleaning properties due to their ability to break down grease and dirt.

The soap works by emulsifying the stain, which means it helps to lift and suspend dirt and oils in water so they can be rinsed away easily.

Benefits of Using Castile Soap for Stain Removal

  1. Gentle on Fabrics: Castile soap is gentle and safe for most fabrics, making it an excellent choice for delicate items.
  2. Eco-Friendly: Being biodegradable and made from natural ingredients, castile soap is environmentally friendly.
  3. Versatile: It can be used on a variety of stains, from food and drink spills to grease and dirt.

Types of Stains Castile Soap Can Help Remove

  1. Grease and Oil: The natural oils in castile soap are effective at breaking down greasy and oily stains.
  2. Food and Drink: It works well on stains from foods like tomato sauce, chocolate, and drinks like coffee and wine.
  3. Everyday Dirt and Grime: Perfect for removing dirt and everyday grime from clothing and household fabrics.

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DIY Stain Remover Recipe

Here is the easy stain remover recipe:

Supplies

Instructions

Add in your castile soap to your small spray bottle. 

Next fill the remainder of the bottle with hydrogen peroxide

Place the cap tightly back onto the bottle and shake to mix it all together.

How to Use DIY Natural Stain Remover

Saturate the stain well and then let it sit for about 5 minutes before placing it in the washing machine.

I tried this on a grass stain and it worked really well!

Tips for Using Homemade Natural Stain Remover on Clothes

  1. Spot Test: Before using this shirt stain remover on any fabric, perform a spot test. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area, wait a few minutes, and rinse. Check for any changes in color or texture.
  2. Application: Apply this DIY stain remover for colored clothes directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water. For tougher stains, you can gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly: After treating the stain, rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove any remaining stain remover. This helps to prevent any potential damage from prolonged exposure.
  4. Avoid Heat: When treating stains with hydrogen peroxide and castile soap, avoid using hot water or a dryer until you are sure the stain is completely removed. Heat can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
stain remover on counter with lemon and brush

Stain Remover

Materials

  • Small spray bottle
  • 2 tablespoons castile soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

    1. Add in your castile soap to your small spray bottle.
    2. Next fill the remainder of the bottle with hydrogen peroxide.
    3. Place the cap tightly back onto the bottle and shake to mix it all together.

    Notes

    Saturate the stain well and then let it sit for about 5 minutes before placing it in the washing machine. I tried this on a grass stain and it worked really well!

    © Kateable

    Want more DIY cleaning recipes that use essential oils? Check out this recipe book!

    Natural Laundry Stain Remover Recipe Wrap-Up

    This is one of the best clothes stain removers I’ve found.

    Switching to a DIY stain remover not only saves you money but also protects your family from harsh chemicals too.

    With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, there’s no reason not to give it a try. So, next time you’re faced with a stubborn stain, reach for your homemade spot remover and see the results for yourself.

    Want more DIY cleaners? Check out these: