Stains happen. However, many cleaning products available in stores contain toxic chemicals that are dangerous to you and the environment. They’re also expensive! There are several highly effective, safe homemade stain removers that will knock out even the toughest stains. Remember, it’s always best to tackle a stain as soon as possible. When that’s not reality these super-stain fighters can still work their magic:
Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide:
Mix one part Dishwashing Liquid Soap with two parts hydrogen peroxide. Either combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and spray on a cloth, douse the stain directly with the mixture, or allow washable items to soak in it prior to throwing them in the washer. This is a serious, all-purpose stain remover. For an even stronger formula, add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Old red wine stains, dirt, chocolate, yellow armpit stains, and other food stains will start to disappear in front of your eyes. Rub the mixture into the stain with a cloth or toothbrush and let it sit for about an hour, dab away the foam, and launder if necessary. This is also effective on carpets and non-washable items, including mattresses. Again, rub it in, allow it to sit, and dab away foam.
Coarse Salt and Lemon Juice or Coarse Salt and Club Soda:
Coarse salt works especially well for stains on hard surfaces. Are your counter tops discolored from an old tomato sauce stain or a red wine spill? Cover the stain with salt, moisten the salt with lemon juice, let sit for several minutes, and then scrub. Pour salt over urine and vomit stains on hard surfaces as well. Scrub and then rinse with club soda. For coffee or soda stains on the carpet, cover with coarse salt, allow the salt to soak up any liquid, and then vacuum. Good as new!
White Vinegar and Baking Soda:
Nix carpet stains by creating a paste of distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Use a toothbrush to work the mixture into the carpet fibers. Let it dry and then vacuum the paste up. Old stains may require more than one treatment. This is also effective on pet stains, particularly pet urine, as it deodorizes too.
Baking Soda, Liquid Dish Soap, Water, and White Vinegar:
You don’t need a heavy duty cleaner to eliminate stains and mildew in your bathtub and on tiles. Instead, combine 1 1/2 cups of baking soda, 1/2 cup of liquid dishwashing soap, and 1/2 cup of water. Just prior to using the scrub, add a few tablespoons of distilled white vinegar. Wait until the last minute, or the vinegar and baking soda will cause a reaction. Apply the mix, scrub, and wipe clean. Baking soda can be used solo to soak up greasy stains or even added to your laundry detergent to boost its effectiveness.
Cream of Tartar and Hydrogen Peroxide:
Clean rust stains from sinks, porcelain and fixtures or revive discolored aluminum pans by making a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Let it dissolve the stains, scrub, and rinse with warm water. When you’re unsure of what a stain is, gently rubbing this paste on the stain and rinsing will work in many cases. You can even use cream of tartar on its own to clean tiles. Let it settle and then wipe it off.
Do you have any other recipes for a homemade stain remover?
