Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Using Homemade Stain Removers

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Buying laundry products can be expensive, especially if you have to go through a trial and error process to determine what works. In the case of stain fighting formulas, you do not get many opportunities to get it right. Eventually the stain will set in for good and become almost impossible to remove. When it comes to stain fighting strategies, it is better to learn early n the game what works and what doesn't.

The good news is that it is possible to make your own high quality laundry products at home, including stain removers. Many times, home remedies work much better than their commercially available counterparts. Not just stain removers, but also pre-wash solutions, delicate fabric detergents, and bleaches can all be made using simple household ingredients. Using the homegrown approach will certainly save you a lot of money in the long run.

Of course, when using homemade products, be sure to test a small, hidden area first.

Household Products That Remove Stains

Do you have automatic dishwasher detergent in your home? Did you know that this material is also a very effective stain fighter? All you do is make a paste using automatic dish detergent and water and then use a soft bristle brush to scrub away the stain. Rinse the item out and wash as usual.

Cloth covered buttons on clothing have a habit of becoming very dirty, primarily due to repeated handling. Many times these stains become set and don't come out easily. A soft bristle toothbrush and a mixture of mild detergent and water, applied with some good scrubbing, will normally remove these deep-rooted stains. Again, afterward you wash the garment as usual.

If you drink red wine, then you've experienced red wine stains. The key here is to get on the stain before it dries and sets in. Sprinkle salt on the stain and place the item in cold water. Sprinkle some more salt on the stain and don't be stingy with it. Scrub the salted area with a soft brush and the stain should come right out.

Ballpoint pens are also major sources of stain problems. When one leaks in your pocket, it can ruin whatever you are wearing. Fortunately, hair spray is an excellent stain remover. Spray the stain with an ample amount of hairspray and rinse with cool water. Wash, rinse, and repeat the process until the stain is gone.

Stains on white garments can be covered up using baby powder. Just rub it into the stain and the stain will disappear. Of course, this is a temporary fix, but it is perfect for getting you through those pesky last minute problems.

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Recipe for Homemade Detergent