How to Make a DIY Laundry Stain Remover That Really Works

The most effective way to remove laundry stains is to treat them with a stain remover before you toss them in the washer. Stain remover ingredients jumpstart the process of breaking the bond between the fabric and the stain so the laundry detergent and water in the washer can remove it. But what if you don't have a stain remover on hand? Make a DIY laundry stain remover that works.

Key Ingredients and How They Work to Remove Stains

Commercial stain removers have ingredients like enzymes to break apart stains, surfactants to lift stain molecules from the fabric and suspend them in water, and mild bleaching agents to remove discoloration.

You can create a similar DIY combination with ingredients you probably have on hand: a good dishwashing liquid that contains a degreasing agent and hydrogen peroxide.

• Dishwashing liquid contains agents that break apart grease and oil molecules and lift them from surfaces. Use a good quality liquid (Dawn Ultra, Palmolive Extra Strength, Seventh Generation Free Clear) that has a significant level of cleaning ingredients.
• Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent and a mild form of bleach that helps remove the staining tannins in food or dyes that are added to products. Use a three percent solution commonly sold in drug stores.

Common Stain Removing Ingredients

In addition to dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide, there are other products in your pantry that will also remove stains. Some are more effective than others depending on the type of laundry stain.

• Baking Soda: An effective odor remover, baking soda can be added to water — 1 cup per gallon of water — as a presoak before washing smelly clothes and linens. 
• Lemon Juice: The citric acid in fresh or bottled 100% lemon juice has a natural bleaching action to remove stains on light-colored fabrics. Lemon juice is an effective stain remover to help remove yellow underarm stains or rust stains.
• Citric Acid Powder: The same citric acid powder you use for food preservation or crafting soaps and bath bombs, can be mixed with water to remove discoloration and stains on light-colored clothes.
• Distilled White Vinegar: The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar helps to whiten discolored fabrics and remove tannin stains. It is key to removing yellow underarm perspiration stains and odor, and mildew stains.
• Talc, Cornstarch, or Chalk: Talcum powder, baby powder, kitchen cornstarch, or plain white chalk will help absorb oily stains from fabrics. If you catch the oil or grease drip promptly, they can even remove it.
• Table Salt: Salt works as a mild abrasive on rust stains and an absorbing agent on red wine stains before they set.

Before You Begin

Dishwashing liquid is shelf-stable for several years. However, hydrogen peroxide is not. It is highly light-sensitive, which is why it is sold in dark containers and will lose its cleaning ability if transferred to a clear container. It is most effective when freshly opened but will still provide cleaning qualities for about six months. Eventually, the hydrogen and oxygen molecules will revert into a solution of plain water.