If you’ve started detoxing your home, you’ve probably gotten rid of chemical-filled stain removers. If you’re anything like me, you’ll still need something to restore clothing to its original glory. My Homemade Stain Remover With Essential Oils brightens clothes and removes stains; no chemicals required!
I even have an option for those who prefer a gel formula. I know your family needs this toxin-free option just as much as mine does!
Table of Contents
3 Hazardous Chemicals in Stain Removers
There are a lot of potent toxins in store-bought stain removers. I’ve heard many horror stories of clothes getting holes from these laundry products! It would take all day to list every chemical in stain removers, but here are a few of the top offenders.
1. Ammonia
While ammonia is highly diluted in stain removers, it’s still an ingredient to take note of. If you’ve ever been in a room with ammonia vapors, you know just how suffocating they can be! Ammonia can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin. (1)
In fact, most companies recommend using cleaning gloves, a mask, and goggles when working with this product! The effects of ammonia are long-lasting, with some studies showing a lesser quality of life years after exposure. (2)
2. Bleach
Bleach is a risky cleaning agent to keep in your home. There are so many things that you can’t mix with bleach, and if you get even one drop on fabric, it’s ruined. One of the main ingredients in bleach is sodium hydroxide, a chemical that can cause burns, eye irritation, and damage to mucous membranes. (3)
Some people have even reported hair loss! I don’t know about you, but even the thought of breathing in bleach makes my throat hurt. I’m so happy I came across natural alternatives.
3. Synthetic Fragrances
To cover up the smell of ammonia and bleach, companies add synthetic fragrances. There’s not much transparency regarding this group of ingredients, which means you have no clue what you’re cleaning with! The FDA has put a legal loophole in place that allows companies to keep their fragrance elements a secret, so others don’t steal their formula. (4)
What falls under the singular word “fragrance” is a combination of over 4000 different toxins. Many of these are known carcinogens. Essential oils are what we use as an alternative to synthetic fragrance. They get the job done and smell great!
Stain Removing Tips From a Seasoned Mama of Five
As a Mama of little ones, you could say I’ve removed a stain or two! While it would be nice to toss any clothes with stubborn stains, most budgets don’t allow that. Over time, I’ve learned some tricks that can get almost any stain out. Grass, dirt, blood, and other messes don’t stand a chance!
- As with any new product, it’s best to do a spot check first. This extra step ensures that your fabric reacts appropriately.
- I recommend applying stain remover to both sides of the cloth. It helps push the stain out!
- If it’s a body-related stain, you can add some vegetable glycerin to help fight discoloration.
- As with most DIYs, it’s best to make a small batch to use in a short period. Hydrogen peroxide doesn’t stay full strength for long, but it can last about a week if kept in a dark, cool place.
- You may need to reapply and repeat if you’re tackling a stubborn stain. You can apply the solution and then throw the clothes in the wash with a lighter stain.
- If the stain is oily, you can sprinkle it with cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or diatomaceous earth to help soak up the oil. These can be used with the homemade stain remover for clothes.
Safe & Natural Stain Control Ingredients
You may already have some of these ingredients in your pantry! They may be simple, but they get the job done.
Water: These ingredients would be too potent on their own, so we dilute with water! I recommend using purified or distilled water, as tap water contains toxins that contribute to diabetes, obesity, and more. We use AquaTru’s water filtration system in our home. It creates the best-tasting water!
Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap: This is the soap we use in all of our DIYs. Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap has been around for years and has never once compromised on ingredients or quality. They’re entirely vegetable-oil-based and toxin-free.
Hydrogen Peroxide: This frugal ingredient is excellent at removing fungi, bacteria, germs, and stains! Its bubbling action helps lift stains from fabric. Hydrogen peroxide is a great, gentler alternative to bleach.
Lemon Essential Oil: This ingredient is optional but highly recommended. Lemon essential oil gives this stain remover a boost of anti-bacterial, anti-stain power.
Homemade Stain Remover With Essential Oils
- ½ cup distilled water
- ¼ cup Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap
- ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
- 2 drops lemon essential oil – optional, but it adds extra anti-bacterial, anti-stain power
- Supplies:
- Glass measuring cup
- Glass spray bottle for storage
- Mix the distilled water, liquid soap, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon essential oil in a large glass measuring cup.
- Pour in a glass spray bottle – dark glass or covered with a dark bag and stored in a dark place at room temperature to help the peroxide last longer.
- Gently shake before each use.
- If you're tackling a liquid stain, blot as much of it as you can first.
- Spray and let the solution sit for about 5 min.
- Scrub with your finger, a soft brush, or rub with a rag.
Step One: Mix the Ingredients
Mix the water, soap, peroxide, and essential oil in a large glass measuring cup.
Step Two: Pour in a Glass Spray Bottle
Pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle. I recommend dark glass because it helps the solution keep its stain-fighting power. Gently shake before each use.
Step Three: Remove Stains
If the stain is liquid, blot it as much as you can first. Spray the item of clothing and let the solution sit for about 5 minutes. Then, scrub with your finger, a rag, or a soft brush before putting it in the washer.
Stain Remover Gel Variation
You may prefer using stain remover in a gel form, like the popular homemade stain remover recipe that uses Dawn dish soap. This is my all-natural version of that DIY!
- 1 tablespoon Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap
- 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Supplies:
- Glass jar for storage
- Mix the liquid soap and peroxide in a glass jar.
- Add baking soda until the mixture reaches desired consistency.
- Apply with fingers, spoon, or soft brush.
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes, then wash the clothing as you usually would.
Step One: Mix Liquid Ingredients
Mix the liquid soap and peroxide in a glass container.
Step Two: Add Baking Soda
Add the baking soda and stir. Add additional baking soda until you reach the desired consistency.
Step Three: Remove the Stain
Apply the mixture to the stain with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash the clothing as you usually would.
If you don’t have time to DIY your laundry products – shop at a store you can trust. We use MyGreenFills for safe laundry products delivered to our door.
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If you haven’t detoxed your laundry room yet, read this article on why you should and what natural products you can use. And remember, what you put ON your body goes IN your body!
