How to remove stains from clothes (without harsh chemicals!)

If your home is everything like mineclothes stains are a daily fact.

For many of us, laundry tops the list of household chores we'd rather not do. It's often voted the one job we'd happily hire someone to help with if we could. Especially with small children, stains make laundry even tougher.

Even some of my crustiest friends will turn to conventional stain sticks and sprays to remove stains. Yes, even friends who make their own deodorant, toothpaste and laundry soap still use conventional stain removal methods.

And who can blame them, since many natural stain removal methods don't seem to work on stubborn stains?

Why use natural stain removal methods?

When you switch to natural cleaning, you can't just spray it all over with Shout, wash it in Tide and call it a day… so what do you do?

Conventional laundry stain treatments are some of the most toxic cleaning products available. They contain harsh detergents, solvents, parabens and a host of artificial colors and fragrances.

Then there is the chlorine bleach that is often used on white clothes that is a major health concern. A 2010 study reported that over a quarter of a million children under the age of 5 were injured by house cleaners. Bleach was the main source and can be fatal if swallowed (most reported cases were from children ingesting bleach, usually from a spray bottle).

Natural stain remover

Already know you want a natural stain remover but don't want to do it yourself? The basics of the branch it has a natural non-toxic remover that works very well. You can use their Cleansing Concentrate and Oxygen Boost to pre-treat the stained area.

Another good option is Really Free. I have been using their natural liquid laundry detergent for years. Truly Free has an Oxyboost stain fighter as well as an enzyme stain remover and a fabric stain stick.

Both of these brands offer good non-toxic options if you just want something quick and versatile. If you want to create your own stain removers, then read on!

I borrowed some wisdom from my grandmother's era and with the help of my professional stain-making experts (aka my kids). I compiled a handy list of effective spot treatments for different types of spots. You can keep this list handy for reference when you're doing laundry. I've also included a printable version (at the end of this post) in case you find it useful as well.

How to remove stains from clothes

Stain removal naturally requires a little more knowledge and work than conventional products. When used correctly, these methods can remove some of the toughest stains (and you won't have to carry around your poison control number!).

TIP: Always treat stains from the back, not the front, to avoid rubbing more of the stain.

Natural stain removal supplies

First, you'll need the following items on hand:

Optional, but nice:

How to treat different types of stains

Here are some of the most common blemishes and how to treat them naturally. Be sure to check the product care label first before proceeding.

• Paint spots: Soak in alcohol for 30 minutes and rinse.
• Tea or coffee stains: Immediately pour boiling water over the stain until it disappears. If it's an old stain, scrub it with a paste of borax and water and wash immediately.
• Grass stains: Clean with liquid dish soap or treat with equal parts hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water.
• Mud stains: Allow the dirt to dry and clean what you can, then wipe with a borax/water paste and immediately clean in the washer
• Tomato based stains: For ketchup and other tomato products, treat white vinegar directly to the stain and wash immediately.
• Nail polish remover: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off the nail polish immediately before it air dries. Use a cloth dipped in dishwashing liquid and warm water to blot the stain, then rinse with cold water. If there is still a stain, then make a paste of equal parts cornstarch and white vinegar. Apply to the area and leave for 20 minutes before brushing. Rinse with cold water and wash.
• Stains with ink or pen markers: Soak in alcohol for 30 minutes or spray with hairspray and rinse.
• Red wine stains: I use a mixture of soap, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You can get the recipe for my red wine stain remover here (there is also an option for upholstery).
• Wax stains: Do not try to clean the hot wax from the fabric, as this only pushes it deeper into the fibers. After the wax has cooled, place an ice cube over the area to harden the wax. Scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife or spoon. Dab some enzyme-based stain remover (The basics of the branch OR Really Free have good opportunities) over the area. Use a clean cloth or soft toothbrush to work in the cleaner. After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and then wash.
• Dull whites, sweat stains or deodorant stains: Soak the stain directly in a mixture of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water for 30 minutes. Then add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the wash water. For really tough yellow stains, make a paste of 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and rub it into the stain. Leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it off.
• Other food stains: Treat with a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water and soak.
• Grease stains and oil stains: For oil-based stains, sprinkle the area with dry baking soda to remove any loose oil or grease and brush away. Then soak in undiluted white vinegar for 15 minutes, rinse and clean with liquid dish soap before washing.
• Vomit, urine, feces, egg, gelatin, glue or other protein-based stains: DO NOT LEAVE IT IN HOT WATER!!!!! This will be decided in the wind. Soak in cold water and then machine wash with a mixture of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup baking soda.
• Blood stains: Like other protein stains, hot water will only set the stain. To remove blood stains rinse/soak in cold water, then apply hydrogen peroxide to the area before washing.

If you want an easy way to remember all these treats, here's one printable guide!

How to treat REALLY Strong stains

When I encounter blemishes that do not respond to the above methods, I will use stronger products that still contain natural ingredients. My favorite is Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds, which gets an “A” from the Environmental Working Group, is an amazing all-purpose natural cleanser. Be sure to use Sal Suds NOT castile soap, which will not work the same.

It can be used directly on very tough stains in a pinch, although I prefer to make a natural stain spray:

Other natural laundry tips

Spot removal on the go:

OWN homemade baby wipes it can be kept in a small silicone pouch and makes a great on-the-go pre-treatment remover.

Laundry Booster:

Add 1 tbsp Sal Suds in a load of laundry as a natural stain remover. I will also add mine Homemade OxiClean to really dirty loads.

Here is a printable version of the above infographic: Click to download.

What's your best natural trick for treating blemishes? Please share below! My kids can put it to the test….

Here is a printable version of the above infographic: Click to download.