The Best Homemade Stain Removers for Clothing
I do not remember the last time I wore white (maybe my wedding dress). There is a zero percent chance that I will get through an entire day without a single spill, splash or stain. I am resigned to the fact that dark clothes are my only option, but I still find myself spot-cleaning on an average day. Let’s face it—stains are inevitable.
Whether you’re wrestling with a rogue splash of red wine, a stubborn blueberry blotch, or even melted wax, there’s no need to panic. With a little DIY magic and items you likely already have at home, you can banish those stains and keep your clothes looking fresh.
Here are some tried-and-true homemade solutions for tackling specific stains, plus tips for best results!
1. Oil Stains
Cooking mishap? Grease on your favourite shirt? No problem!
What You Need:
Dish soap (preferably one designed to cut grease)
An old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush
Instructions:
Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain.
Sprinkle baking soda on top and gently scrub with the toothbrush.
Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and launder as usual.
Pro Tip: Act fast! The sooner you treat an oil stain, the better.
2. Melted Wax
Candlelit dinners are great until wax drips on your clothes. Here’s how to fix it.
What You Need:
A dull knife or credit card
Brown paper bag or parchment paper
Iron
Instructions:
Allow the wax to harden completely (pop the item in the freezer if needed).
Scrape off as much wax as possible with a dull knife or credit card.
Place a brown paper bag or parchment paper over the stain.
Set your iron to a low setting and gently press it over the paper. The wax will transfer to the paper.
Launder as usual.
Pro Tip: Avoid rubbing the wax while it’s still soft—it will spread the stain.
3. Blood Stains
Bloodstains might seem intimidating, but they’re no match for cold water and a little elbow grease.
What You Need:
Cold water (never hot!)
Salt
Hydrogen peroxide (optional for tougher stains)
Instructions:
Rinse the stain under cold running water immediately.
Make a paste with salt and a little cold water, then apply it to the stain.
Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
For stubborn stains, dab hydrogen peroxide onto the area, let it fizz, and rinse.
Launder as usual.
Pro Tip: Avoid hot water—it can set the stain!
4. Red Wine Stains
Wine spills happen to the best of us. Here’s how to save your shirt (and your night).
What You Need:
Salt
Baking soda
Instructions:
Blot the stain with a paper towel (don’t rub!).
Sprinkle salt generously over the stain to absorb moisture.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda to create a paste.
Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse with cool water and wash as usual.
Pro Tip: Keep white wine handy—it can help dilute red wine stains in a pinch.
5. Blueberry Stains
Blueberries are delicious but notorious for staining. Here’s how to tackle the purple mess.
What You Need:
Lemon juice
White vinegar
Dish soap
Instructions:
Rinse the stain with cold water as soon as possible.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Rinse with cool water, then apply a mixture of white vinegar and dish soap.
Let it sit for another 10 minutes before rinsing and washing.
Pro Tip: Test lemon juice on a small, hidden area of your clothing first to ensure it doesn’t bleach the fabric.
General Stain-Removing Tips
Act Quickly: The faster you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove.
Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the fabric.
Always Test First: Test any homemade solution on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t harm the fabric.
Avoid Heat: Don’t put stained clothing in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone, as heat can set it permanently.
Stains don’t have to spell disaster for your favourite clothes. With these homemade stain removers, you can tackle even the toughest stains using simple, budget-friendly ingredients. So, the next time life (or lunch) gets messy, you’ll be ready to handle it like a pro.
