Homemade stain remover is any product made from common household ingredients that is able to remove stains on clothing, laundry, upholstery, or carpeting. Many people choose to use homemade stain remover instead of commercial stain removers, both to save money and to avoid exposing their family to various chemicals. Some common ingredients found in homemade stain treatments include baking soda, peroxide, lemon juice, Borax, vinegar, bleach, or ammonia, among others.
There are many recipes found online for homemade stain remover. Many have varying amounts of ingredients, so it may take some trial and error to find ones that work on particular types of stains. In addition, it is important to never mix bleach and ammonia; this can create toxic and poisonous fumes. Keep in mind that some homemade stain removers can be stored for later use, though this does not include treatments made with peroxide and baking soda. Be sure to clearly label every bottle of stain remover, and to list all of the ingredients in case of accidental ingestion or spills.
For a homemade stain remover for laundry, there are a number of options. Many people find a combination of Borax and water to be an excellent stain remover. Another recipe, which generally calls for one part baking soda, one part hydrogen peroxide, and two parts water can be an effective soak for clothes. Yet another effective option is to create a mixture with ammonia, white vinegar, laundry detergent, and water.
A bit of dish soap added to upholstery, clothing, or carpeting can help to remove grease stains or most other food stains. It is gentle yet effective. Vinegar makes a great cleanser for counter tops or appliances. Whenever a stain has occurred, the method used to treat the stain is as important as the homemade stain remover itself. With most stains, it is important to blot the stain up as much as possible with a plain white cloth; do not rub the stain, which can grind it in, and make it impossible to remove.
Next, once the stain has been blotted, apply the homemade stain remover. Some stain removers need to sit on the stain for just a few minutes, while others should soak overnight. The instructions provided with the recipe online should specify this. If the stain is in a noticeable location, it might be a good idea to test a hidden area with the stain remover first, to be sure it does not change the color of the garment or upholstery.