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Naturally eliminate stains from your fabrics.
Stockphoto.com/michael tupyThe harmful chemicals present in conventional cleaning products don't just impact our health—especially for children, who are more vulnerable—but also the planet's well-being. As mindful consumers, it's crucial to be aware of what's in the products we use and how they affect those around us.
You can maintain a clean and fresh home without relying on a collection of chemical-heavy cleaning products. While removing stains can often be difficult, these green cleaning tips for fabric stains offer an alternative method to eliminate them.
First, let's talk about the ever-irritating ink stain.
10. Ink
Ink stains are among the most frequent and difficult stains to remove from clothing. Like many stains we've discussed, ink can be tackled using three of our Fantastic Four ingredients: salt, baking soda, and lemon juice.
In the past, people would spray aerosol hairspray on their clothes to break down ink stains. Though it was a smelly solution and probably not the best for our clothes (or, considering the fumes from the cans, ourselves), there are still other effective home remedies to consider. For instance, sprinkle salt on a fresh stain, then soak the entire garment in milk before washing it as usual.
Another approach is to create a paste using lemon juice and cream of tartar. Begin by testing the fabric for colorfastness: Apply the mixture to an inconspicuous area of the fabric and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. If the color remains intact, proceed! Apply the paste to the stain, letting it sit for another 20 minutes. Afterward, check if the stain is gone before washing the item as usual. Alternatively, you can sprinkle cream of tartar on the stain, drizzle some lemon juice over it, rub it in, let it sit for a minute or two, and then brush off the excess cream of tartar. Launder as usual.
Here's a helpful tip for removing ink from white fabric: Apply the cream of tartar and lemon juice paste, then lay the fabric flat outside in the sun. The paste will lift the stain, and the sun will naturally brighten the white fabric. Afterward, simply wash as usual.
Imagine you're at a party and accidentally stain your shirt with ink. Since most people don't carry cream of tartar and lemon juice around, here's a quick fix: Plain club soda can prevent the stain from setting. Dip the stained area into the club soda and gently dab with a handkerchief or another lint-free cloth. If the stain is stubborn, use the previously mentioned methods, or just wash the item normally.
9. Red Wine
Red wine can be removed from fabrics using methods similar to those for ink stains. Alternatively, try this: Soak the stained area in water and create a pouch in the fabric around the stain. Pour cream of tartar into the pouched section, tie the ends, and let the garment soak. After soaking, dip the fabric in hot water a few times, then wash as usual.
Imagine you're at a dinner party, and someone gets a little too enthusiastic with their conversation. If the red wine stain is fresh, immediately sprinkle baking soda over the spill to soak it up. Then, stretch the stained fabric over a large bowl or kettle, secure it, and pour boiling water through the stain. Alternatively, you can use salt to absorb the spill by sprinkling it right away. Afterward, soak the fabric in cold water and launder as usual.
8. Blood
Blood stains on cotton, linen, or other natural fabrics should be soaked in cold salt water for an hour, then washed with warm water and your regular laundry detergent. For fresh blood stains, cover the area with salt and blot with cold water. Continue adding fresh water and blotting until the stain is completely gone.
7. Candle Wax
Begin by cooling the wax, then apply heat. Start by placing an ice cube on the wax to harden it. Once hardened, gently scrape it off with a dull knife. To remove any remaining wax, place a piece of thick paper (like a paper bag) over the stained area. Then, press with a warm iron, and the wax will melt into the paper.
6. Rust
Rust stains present another laundry challenge where cream of tartar shines as a natural solution. Its acidic properties help break down the rust. Start by covering the stain with cream of tartar, then secure the fabric around the stained area to form a pouch. Soak the pouch in very hot water for 5-10 minutes, untie it, and launder as usual.
Salt and vinegar also work effectively to remove rust from fabric. Mix them into a thin paste, then apply the paste to the stained area. Lay the fabric in the sun to bleach the stain. If sun exposure is not possible, stretch the fabric over a large bowl or pan, secure it, and pour boiling water over the stain. Allow the fabric to dry naturally, then rinse it in the washing machine or by hand. If any stain remains, repeat the process, but avoid using the dryer until the stain is completely gone.
If you're dealing with a tough stain, try this method: Combine equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice in a laundry tub or dishpan. Soak the stained garment in the mixture for 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, check the stain and launder as usual. After washing, inspect the stain again. If any remnants remain, repeat the treatment. Don't dry the item until the stain is completely removed, as heat can set it permanently.
5. Mildew
Create a thin paste by mixing lemon juice and salt, then apply it to mildew stains. Place the fabric in the sun to bleach the stain. Afterward, rinse and dry. You can also tackle mildew stains with a paste made of salt, vinegar, and water. For larger stains, you may use undiluted vinegar.
Some fabrics may still hold a musty smell even after washing. To eliminate the odor, soak the garment in a mixture of lemon juice and water, then allow it to dry in the sun.
4. Gravy & Grease
Spilling greasy gravy on your clothes can be a nightmare, but don't worry if you act fast. As soon as it happens, cover the stain with salt, allowing it to absorb the grease. Gently brush off the salt. If the stain persists, dab it with a cloth soaked in undiluted vinegar. This method works on any fresh greasy spot.
3. Coffee, Tea & Juice
If your clothing has set-in coffee or tea stains, there's no need to panic. Soak the item in a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, then let it air dry in the sun. However, the best approach is to treat coffee or tea stains while they're still fresh. If you act quickly, most of the stain will wash out easily with cold water (depending on the fabric).
Juices from fruits like cherries, cranberries, or blueberries can be removed from bleach-safe fabrics by soaking the stained garment in a solution of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Afterward, simply launder as usual.
2. Grass
For anyone who enjoys the outdoors or has active children, removing grass stains from white clothing can be a real struggle. A helpful method is to soak the stained item in full-strength vinegar for 30 minutes or longer, then launder as usual.
1. Urine
Start by soaking the fabric in a mixture of hot water and distilled white vinegar. For delicate fabrics, switch to cold water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes, then rinse and wash as usual.
