5 Green Cleaning Tricks To Get Rid Of Tough Stains

One of the most difficult tasks when washing our garments is to remove those sweat, dust or food residue stains that tend to penetrate fabrics. Some disappear just by using a good detergent. However, others require additional products to completely remove them.

While there are many industrial stain removers that make it easy, we know that they are full of harsh chemicals that impact both the environment and health.  Also, these options tend to be too expensive and not everyone has enough money to buy them when they need it. However, more than for economy, it is good to look for ecological solutions that, due to their properties, help in this task without causing adverse reactions.

In the next space we want to share 5 interesting tricks that, using natural ingredients, remove stains without having to make so much effort.

Take note!

1. Hydrogen peroxide

The whitening properties of hydrogen peroxide are ideal for removing ketchup, sweat or ink stains. Its use on garments penetrates the fabrics and removes dirt without damaging them.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water (1 liter)
• ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide (125 ml)

Preparation

• First, heat the liter of water. Then mix it with the hydrogen peroxide.

How to use

• Dip the stained garment in the liquid and let it soak for 40 minutes.
• Lastly, rinse as usual.

2. Lemon juice

The acidic compounds in lemon juice are bleaching and disinfecting agents. For this reason, they help to remove stains from dirt, dirt and sweat. It is ideal for leaving white garments in their original tone and for enhancing bright colors.

Ingredients

• 1 glass of lemon juice (200 ml)
• 4 cups of water (1 liter)

Preparation

• Dilute the lemon juice in a liter of boiling water.

How to use

• First, soak the items in the liquid for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Afterwards, rinse with your usual products.
• If the stain persists, rub the juice directly onto the fabric.

3. White vinegar

White vinegar is one of the eco-friendly cleaning products that often makes it easier to remove ink stains, sauce and other residues that easily penetrate fabrics. Its use on garments, both white and colored, facilitates washing and also has a softening effect.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water (1 liter)
• ¾ glass of white vinegar (150 ml)

Preparation

• Bring the water to a boil. Then add the white vinegar to it.

How to use

• First, soak the garments in the mixture for 20 minutes and rinse.
• In addition, you can add the vinegar to one of the soap compartments of the washing machine and start the cycle.

4. Baking soda to remove stains

Suitable for both white and colored garments, bicarbonate is a bleaching and disinfecting product. For this reason, it is often used as an ecological alternative to some conventional detergents. Its compounds help to remove traces of food, grease and sweat retained in garments.

Ingredients

• 8 cups of water (2 liters)
• 1 cup of baking soda (150 g)

Preparation

• Heat the water and add the baking soda.

How to use

• Dip the stained clothing in the solution and let it soak for 30 minutes.
• If the stain is too stubborn, sprinkle the baking soda directly onto the fabric. Then rub it in with a brush.

• Finally, rinse with your usual products.

5. Corn starch

Cornstarch is a natural product that can help remove those oil or grease stains that affect clothing fabrics. Its absorbent power extracts this substance and, when it dries, it facilitates the action of other washing products.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water (1 liter)
• ½ glass of white vinegar (100 ml)
• ½ cup of cornstarch (100 g)

Preparation

• Heat the liter of water and add the white vinegar.

How to use

• First, sprinkle the cornstarch over the grease stain and let it sit for 40 minutes.
• Later, remove the excess with a brush and dip the garment in the vinegar water solution.
• Let it soak for another 30 minutes and rinse.

Keep in mind that, although these tricks do not give the same result as industrial products, their application helps to protect the environment and health.

While stain removers seem harmless, many of their volatile particles are the cause of allergies and breathing difficulties.