💃 Cheap + Easy DIY Stain Lifters

Stains are inevitable, whether it’s a splash of coffee on your favorite shirt or a ketchup stain on your kiddo’s jeans. While store-bought stain removers can do the job, they often contain harsh chemicals and can even be pricey. Fortunately, you can make your own DIY laundry stain removers using common (and cheap!) household ingredients.

These DIY solutions are not only cost-effective but also kinder to the environment and your fabrics:

The Classic: Baking Soda and White Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 cup warm water

How to Use:

1. Mix the baking soda and water to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain.
3. Pour the white vinegar over the paste and watch it fizz.
4. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
5. Rinse with warm water and wash as usual.

Best For: This method works well on tough stains like grease, sweat, and food. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, while the vinegar helps lift the stain.

Lemon Juice and Salt Solution

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon salt

How to Use:

1. Mix the lemon juice and salt to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stain and rub it gently.
3. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes in the sun (sunlight enhances the bleaching effect of lemon juice).
4. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Best For: This natural bleaching solution is ideal for removing stains from white clothes, such as sweat stains, ink, and rust. The acidity of the lemon juice breaks down the stain, while the salt acts as a mild abrasive.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap Mixture

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• 1/4 cup dish soap

How to Use:

1. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
2. Apply the mixture directly to the stain.
3. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or your fingers.
5. Rinse with cool water and wash as usual.

Best For: This powerful combination is effective on organic stains like blood, wine, and food. The hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, while the dish soap cuts through grease and grime.

Cornstarch and Milk Paste

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• A few drops of milk

How to Use:

1. Mix the cornstarch and milk to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to dry completely.
3. Once dry, brush off the residue and wash the item as usual.

Best For: This gentle solution works well on delicate fabrics and oily stains. The cornstarch absorbs the oil, while the milk helps lift the stain from the fabric.

Rubbing Alcohol and Dish Soap Spot Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

How to Use:

1. Mix the rubbing alcohol and dish soap in a small bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to the stain using a cotton ball or soft cloth.
3. Blot the stain gently, being careful not to rub it in further.
4. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Best For: This method is excellent for ink, makeup, and dye stains. Rubbing alcohol helps break down the pigments, while dish soap lifts away the residue.

White Vinegar and Dish Soap Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup dish soap
• 1/2 cup water

How to Use:

1. Mix the vinegar, dish soap, and water in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well and spray directly onto the stain.
3. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub with a brush.
4. Rinse with warm water and launder as usual.

Best For: This all-purpose stain remover works on a variety of stains, from food to sweat, and is safe for most fabrics.

Pro-Tips for Best Results

Pre-treat as soon as possible: The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove.

Test on a small area first: Before applying any DIY stain remover, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.

Avoid using heat: Never apply heat to a stained area (e.g., ironing or using hot water) before treating the stain, as it can set the stain permanently.