After a rigorous laundry process, I often find that some tough stains persist; I could scrub, pinch, or scrape them, and they just won’t budge. Rather than throwing the affected clothes away, I turn to my list of handy household ingredients that can be used to get the toughest stains out in no time.
I’ll share some of these ingredients and how to use them.
How to Get Tough Stains Out of Clothes
Various home remedies can help get rid of tough stains. However, not all fixes may work for your stain, so don’t give up entirely if a particular hack doesn’t get a stain out; keep at it. The most important rule is never to run your stained clothes through a dryer until you’re sure the stain has been eradicated; otherwise, the stain will set in. Here are the different methods of removing tough below;
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an all-purpose household ingredient that can be used to remove any stain from clothes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda to get tough stains out of clothes.
Step 1: Make a paste with four tablespoons of baking soda and ¼ cup of warm water to make a thick paste.
Step 2: Use a toothbrush to spread the paste onto the stain and leave for about 30 minutes to dry. Wash the clothes with regular laundry detergent either by hand or with a washing machine.
Note: If the stain has been on the clothes for too long, leave the baking soda paste on the fabric for about two hours before washing.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing stains, but dish soap should be added to make it more effective. Here is how to go about it below:
Step 1: Mix about three tablespoons of any dish soap of your choice with six tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to form a solution.
Step 2: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the solution into the stained area and allow it to set into the cloth for about an hour.
Step 3: Wash the clothes with regular laundry detergent either by hand or with a washing machine.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the easiest ingredients to get. The acidity in lemon juice makes it an effective stain fighter. Here is how to make use of Lemon juice to take out tough stains below:
Step 1: Divide a lemon into two halves and express the juice of one lemon directly onto the stain. Add a teaspoon of salt to the area and use an old toothbrush to scrub until the stain vanishes.
Step 2: Rinse thoroughly with cool water and leave to dry out in the sun. Expose the cloth to the sun to create an added bleaching effect.
4. Meat Tenderizer
Meat tenderizer is a stain remover and can be used to get rid of tough stains on your clothes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a meat tenderizer to get stains out of clothes:
Step 1: Wet the stain with warm water and sprinkle an unseasoned meat tenderizer on the area. Use your fingers or an old toothbrush to massage the stain into the cloth of your fingers.
Step 2: Wait an hour for the solution to set in the fabric, then wash as usual.
5. Ammonia
Ammonia might be a harsh chemical, but it works as a multi-purpose stain-removing agent; it can be used to remove chocolate milk stains from clothes. Here’s how to use it: dilute 50% strength of ammonia with warm water in a well-ventilated area.
Use a sponge to add the mixture to the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the cloth thoroughly with cool water before washing it with laundry detergent.
How To Remove Tough Stains Out From Clothes Without Washing
Stains can happen unexpectedly, especially when you aren’t in the position to wash them. Here are some methods you can use to remove tough stains without washing below:
White Vinegar
When your clothes get stained, white vinegar can be a remedy for removing the stains, especially without washing the whole garment. Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use white vinegar without washing:
Step 1: Get a clean bowl and measure two cups of warm water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and one tablespoon of dish soap into the bowl and stir until everything blends thoroughly.
Step 2: Get a clean cloth and soak a corner into the mixture. Using the cloth, gently apply the mixture to the stain. Don’t scrub, but rap at it.
Step 3: Continue until you see the cloth absorbing the stain. Change corners and repeat. Continue until all stain disappears. Once the stains disappear, you are ready.
Rubbing alcohol
Alcohol is an excellent product for dealing with all kinds of stains; it is a natural remover and gentle on fabrics. Below are the step-to-step instructions on how to use this method:
Step 1: Slide any thick paper or board between the shirt parts. Soak a cotton ball or the corner of a clean cloth into the alcohol.
Step 2: Blot the stain with the alcohol. Once the cotton ball begins to change color, discard it for another. In the case of the clean cloth, switch to another corner.
Step 3: Once most of the stain is gone, turn the cloth inside out and repeat the blotting. Once the stain is gone, you can air dry it.
Aspirin
The bitter taste or smell of aspirins might turn you off from taking them, but they can be useful when you least expect them, especially when handling stains. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use aspirin to get rid of tough stains:
Step 1: Crush two aspirin pills into powdered form and mix with half a cup of hot water. Pour the solution onto the stain and use an old toothbrush to scrub it into the stain.
Step 2: Rinse the cloth thoroughly with cool water and leave to dry. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible.