Removing Common Stains from Clothes Using Household Items You Already Have
In the world of fashion, accidents happen. From coffee spills to grass stains, these mishaps can leave our favourite clothes looking less than pristine. But fear not, for help is at hand with a few simple household items.
Author Bonnie Ferrero, a keen hiker, cook, gardener, and home decorator, shares her tips on removing common stains from clothing using everyday products like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.
When it comes to oily and grease-based stains, dish soap is your best friend. Apply a small amount mixed with warm water directly to the stain, gently rub it in, rinse, and repeat if necessary before washing.
Baking soda, on the other hand, works wonders for lifting stains and odors. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, brush off the powder, and then wash normally. For tougher stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and pre-treat the affected area.
White vinegar is a versatile solution for breaking down a wide variety of stains. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply it to the stain, wait a few minutes to penetrate, then rinse and wash. Adding a cup of vinegar to a laundry load can also deodorize and brighten clothes.
For a combined homemade stain remover spray, mix one part white vinegar, one part baking soda, two parts water, and a few drops of liquid dish soap (optional, for grease). Spray this onto the stain, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, gently scrub or blot, then rinse or wash as usual.
For very tough stains, such as protein, oil, or set-in stains, a paste made from baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap can be applied and left for about 15 minutes before washing.
When treating stains, always blot excess material first, test any solution on a hidden part of the fabric to avoid damage or discoloration, and wash clothes as directed by fabric care instructions.
From coffee stains to blood stains, these natural methods leverage the cleaning power of acidity (vinegar), mild abrasiveness and deodorizing action (baking soda), and grease-cutting ability (dish soap) for effective stain removal without harsh chemicals.
Amy Ekren, stylist and owner of Inherit Clothing, emphasizes the importance of recognizing different types of stains to properly treat them. Knowing how to wash various garments is crucial for maintaining quality in a clothing company, she notes.
So next time you find a stain on your favourite shirt, don't panic. Instead, reach for the vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap, and give your clothes a new lease of life.
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