Game World!: can baking soda remove stains?

Water, Baking Soda, and Stain Removal

How do you get period blood out of sheets without washing?

It happens! Whether you get a bloody nose in the middle of the night, your little ones jump into bed with cuts on their knees, or it’s that time of the month, sometimes blood gets on sheets. So, how do you get blood out of sheets?

Removing blood is no easy task, however, it is possible. The key is to be proactive. Once the blood dries, it can leave a permanent mark. Use our guide below for exactly how to get fresh and dried blood out of sheets and pillows.

How to Get Blood Out of Sheets: 6 Tips

A water bottle, washcloth, bucket, washing machine and hanging sheets with sparkles around them. Illustrtion

The best way to get blood out of sheets is to act as quickly as possible. You don’t want the blood to sit for too long because blood clots and it can quickly stick to your sheets. Below are our tried and true tips for removing blood from sheets. This method also works for removing blood from pillowcases, quilts, comforters, and other types of bedding!

Use Cold Water

Always use cold water when removing blood stains from bed sheets. Hot water can set the stain in further and make it difficult to remove. Once you notice the stain, remove your sheets and place the spot under cold running water. This will help flush out any excess blood.

Dab the Stain

Take a cold, wet washcloth and dab the stained area — never rub it. Rubbing the stain can spread the blood and cause it to set further into your sheets. Dabbing the stain can help remove any excess blood that has not yet soaked in.

Soak in Cold Water

Once you’ve dabbed the stain, soak your sheets in cold water. You can do this in a bathtub or basin. Let the sheets soak for about 30 minutes.

Use a Stain Fighter

After soaking your sheets, it’s time to bring in the big guns and use a powerful stain fighter. There are several household options you can use that we list below, however, we recommend using hydrogen peroxide and water. This works especially well for white or lighter-colored sheets. If you have darker sheets, test out using the hydrogen peroxide on a small section to make sure it won’t bleach your sheets.

A person pours a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide over a blood stained sheet. Illustration.

To get blood out of your sheets using hydrogen peroxide, grab a large bowl and place the stained section of your sheet in it. Then, pour a little bit of hydrogen peroxide over it (we recommend about ½ of a cup) and add cold water. Let it soak for about 24 hours. If the stain has not dissolved, repeat the process.

Machine Wash

Once the solution has soaked for 24 hours, you can machine wash your sheets through a regular wash cycle. Make sure to use a mild detergent and remember to only use cold water.

Air Dry Your Sheets

You should avoid using the dryer when trying to remove a stain from your sheets. The heat can set the stain in further. The best method is to let your sheets air dry. Place them outside in the sun or by a fan to speed up the drying process.

If your stain is being stubborn, repeat the above process or try a different stain-fighting solution.

How to Get Dried Blood Stains Out of Sheets: 3 Steps

Removing dried blood from sheets is a bit trickier because the stain has already set in. However, we’ve broken it down into three easy to follow steps:

A bucket, hydrogen peroxide, and a washing machine with sparkles around them. Illustration.

Soak the sheets in cold water overnight. This will help loosen the dried blood.

Pour hydrogen peroxide on the stain. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to pat it in. After about 10 minutes, dab the stain with a cold, wet rag.

Machine wash your sheets in a regular wash cycle using cold water and a mild laundry detergent. Then, let your sheets air dry in the sun.

Don’t get frustrated if your stain doesn’t come out right away. Simply repeat the process and consider using one of the additional stain remover treatments listed below. If you have white sheets, bleach is also a great way to remove dried blood. Just make sure to dilute it first.

15 of The Best Stain Removers for Blood

There are several common household solutions that can help you remove blood from sheets and bedding.

Lemon juice: If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide on hand, try lemon juice. After soaking your sheet in cold water, apply lemon juice to the stain and gently rub it. Then, rinse with cold water and repeat until you see your desired results.

Meat tenderizer: As surprising as it may sound, unsalted meat tenderizer is a great way to remove blood stains from sheets. Simply sprinkle some of the tenderizer on the stain and add water. Then, mix the two to create a paste. After 30 minutes, rinse with cold water.

White vinegar: To use this method, pour white vinegar directly on the stain and soak it for half an hour. Then, rinse with cold water.

Aspirin: Aspirin is not only great at relieving pain, but also stains. Just take one to three tablespoons of crushed, uncoated aspirin, then sprinkle it on the stain to create a paste. Add about ⅓ cup of water to make a paste and scrub the area with an old toothbrush. Once the paste has air dried, remove any residue and rinse with cold water.

Salt water: If you enjoy the finer things in life and sleep in silk sheets, salt water is the best way to remove stains from delicate fabrics. All you have to do is mix one cup of cold water with one teaspoon of salt. Use a towel to wet the stain and let sit for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cold water.

Baking soda and lemon juice: These are two items you’re bound to have in your kitchen cabinets. To make this solution, mix two parts lemon juice and one part baking soda. Then, dab the bloodstain. Let the solution sit for five to 10 minutes and rinse.

Cornstarch and baking soda: Similar to the solution above, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch and baking soda with cold water. Apply the paste on the affected area and dab. Then, place your sheet in the sun to dry. Once the solution has dried, clear away any excess residue and if the stain remains, repeat the process.

Salt and dish soap: To do this method, first wet the stain with cold water. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap (any kind works) and two tablespoons of salt. Then, soak your stained sheet in the mixture for about 30 minutes. After, rinse with cold water.

Ammonia: Ammonia is a great way to remove a variety of stains including urine and sweat. When it comes to blood stains, mix together ammonia and water and dab it on the stained area. Then, put your sheets in the wash.

Stain stick: Stain sticks are a great way to remove any stain. You can usually find them online or at your local hardware store. After soaking your sheets in cold water, just run the stain stick on the stained area. Wait about 20 minutes and then wash your sheets as you normally would.

Cola: As strange as it may sound, Coke can help remove blood from stained sheets. Soak the stained section of your sheet in cola and let it sit for a few hours. The chemicals in the soda help lift the stain so it’ll be easier to remove after a wash.

Bleach: If you have white sheets, bleach is an amazing way to remove any stain. Mix about four tablespoons of bleach with ¼ cup of water to help dilute it. Then apply to the fabric and let it soak for 30–45 minutes.

Club soda: For this method, simply pour club soda on the affected area and let it fizz. Then, blot the stain until you start to see it disappear.

Oxiclean: After pre-soaking your sheets in cold water, mix together OxiClean and cold water (use instructions on the label for how much to include). Then, add your sheets to the solution and soak for up to six hours.

Contact solution: If you have contact solution on hand, spray it over your stain and let it sit for a few hours. Keep doing this until you see the stain start to lighten and then run it through a laundry cycle.

Repeat each of these processes as many times as possible until the stain is fully dissolved. Once you notice the stain fade, finish off the treatment by throwing your sheets in the washing machine. Make sure to use cold water and mild detergent with your regular washing cycle.

There is no better feeling than slipping into bed in nice, clean sheets. Whether you have a urine stain or a bloodstain, we’re here to help. Now that you know how to get blood out of sheets, you can get blood out of pretty much anything! Just use our guide above and test out different household stain fighters to find out what works best for you.

How do you get sweat stains out of clothes without washing?

Key Steps

If you want to know how to keep clothes fresh without washing:

Baking soda, lemon juice or vodka can tackle both sweat smells and sweat stains.

Freezing clothes will kill bacteria.

Sometimes your clothes just need a good airing out.

Sometimes your clothes look fine and feel fine; the only problem is the smell. You don’t necessarily want to give them a full wash, but you can’t walk around in them as they are. You need to know how to get sweat smell out of clothes, and we’re here to help. Here’s our guide to how to remove BO from clothes without washing.

How to Get (Almost) Every Kind of Stain Out of Your Clothes

While the focus here is on how to keep clothes fresh without washing, you’ll often find these methods more effective if you wash your clothes as usual afterwards.

How to remove body odour from clothes without washing

A lot of methods for how to keep clothes smelling fresh without washing involve things you might find around the house, such as lemon and baking soda. Because these things aren’t technically designed to be used with clothes, you can’t always predict how your clothes will respond to them. Before treating an entire garment, test your chosen method for how to get rid of sweat smell in clothes on an inconspicuous area of your clothing to check for discolouration.

Just airing clothes out in the sunshine

for a few hours is probably the simplest method for how to get musty smell out of clothes without washing. Sunlight can fade dyed fabrics, so this may not be suitable for everything you own, but it can also kill bacteria.

Baking soda

has deodorising properties. Mix up a paste of baking soda and a little water, turn your clothes inside out and work the paste into the areas that aren’t smelling their best. When the paste has dried, just brush it away.

Lemon

is a natural deodorant with a pleasant smell of its own, which makes it a great tool for how to remove musty smell from clothes without washing. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice into about 200ml of water and put it in a clean spray bottle. Give your clothes a light spray all over and hang them to dry. It’s best to save this one for white clothes, on account of lemon’s mild bleaching properties.

Vodka

kills the bacteria that’s to blame for the smell of sweat. Mix two parts vodka with one part water in a spray bottle, then spray the sweaty parts of your clothes. The vodka will quickly dry without leaving behind any smell of alcohol.

Putting clothes in the freezer

may sound like a strange method for how to keep clothes fresh without washing, but it works. Put them in a plastic bag and freeze them overnight to kill the bacteria causing that sweat smell.

While sweat is the biggest cause of complaints over the smell of clothes, it’s not the only one. Sometimes brand new, unworn clothes don’t smell entirely right. If you’re interested in how to get rid of new clothes smell without washing, the above methods can help with that as well.

How to remove sweat stains from clothes without washing

Even if you’ve got rid of the sweat smell, you might still have sweat stains to contend with. Again, test your method on an inconspicuous area before you tackle the whole garment.

Squeeze lemon juice

onto the stain and leave it for a few hours, then rinse. Lemon juice can have a bleaching effect, so it’s best to use it on white fabric.

Hydrogen peroxide

can be used in place of lemon juice in the above method. Again, it can bleach coloured clothes.

Baking soda

isn’t just for smells; it can also be used to tackle stains. Rinse the sweat stain, then use a little water to mix the baking soda into a paste and rub it gently into the stained fabric. Rinse it off an hour later.

Apply white vinegar

to the stain and leave it for half an hour, then rinse.

A half-and-half mixture of vodka and water

can also help to tackle stains. Rinse after an hour.

How do I get rid of crusty armpits on my shirts?

Underarm stains are very personal. Which deodorant you use, how much you sweat, your personal hygiene habits, and even laundry habits like the water temperature you use to wash your laundry can each have an impact on how bad these stains get.

Once the stains have built up over time, they’re very difficult to remove because the crusty combination of old deodorant that never washed out, sweat and body soil doesn’t easily dissolve in water. But when you can melt it a little, that makes it easier for a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water to dissolve the crusty buildup.

Tip

This solution should only be used on white items.

Gather your supplies

Collect all your white shirts with underarm stains, gather the tools and supplies you’ll need, boil some water, and get started.

Clorox® Bleach

Liquid Clorox 2® for Colors

baking sodea in a jar

Baking soda

1/2 cup

hydrogen peroxide bottle

3% hydrogen peroxide

1/2 cup

water drop

Water

1/2 cup

tea kettle

Tea kettle

dishpan

Plastic dishpan

measuring cup

2 cup capacity measuring cup

tongs

Heat-proof kitchen tongs

rubber glove

Heat-proof kitchen gloves

Steps to remove deodorant buildup

Mix up the peroxide/baking soda solution

Add ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup baking soda, and ½ cup tap water together in a measuring cup and stir to dissolve.

measuring cup with liquid

Bring water to a boil

Fill the tea kettle all the way — it’s normal to use a lot of water.

tea kettle boiling on stove

Place the shirt in the plastic dishpan

Arrange the shirt with the inside of the armpits positioned on top. This way you can get to each stain without moving the shirt.

Pour boiling water onto each armpit stain

This is to “melt” any build-up. Pour the water slowly; the teakettle helps control the rate of the pour.

Be careful when working with boiling hot water.

puddling liquid

Pour off some of the hot water

Pour off as much of the hot water as you can without moving the shirt. Work quickly to keep the stains in a more melted state. If you do need to handle the shirt either use kitchen tongs or wear gloves.

water pouring down drain

Apply the peroxide/baking soda mixture

Pour the mixture directly onto the stains. Let the solution stay on the stains for 5 minutes.

puddling liquid

Machine wash the shirt

Use hot water, a good detergent and the appropriate bleach for the fiber content of the shirt:

For white cotton or polyester shirts, add 1/3 cup Clorox® Bleach

For white items with spandex, add Clorox 2® for Colors

front load washing machine

Air dry the shirt

Really crusty stains will likely need multiple treatments to remove the buildup. Keeping the shirt out of a hot dryer will help.

open window with curtains

Suggestions for buildup prevention

These stains don’t happen overnight; you may need to try a different brand of deodorant or antiperspirant if the problem persists. And you can often prevent crusty underarm stains by adjusting your laundry habits:

Don’t overload the washer

Clothing needs to tumble or circulate easily through the wash water for proper cleaning.

Wash using hot water

When washing white items, always select hot water and a heavy duty cycle for the best cleaning. Air dry if you’re worried about shrinkage.

Use a good detergent

Check the ingredient list for enzymes, and make sure you add the recommended amount.

Always add bleach

Use the appropriate laundry bleach along with your detergent every time you wash a load of laundry. Use Clorox® Bleach for cotton and polyester, and Clorox 2® for Colors for any white items that include a little spandex.

And If you don’t know a lot about using bleach, brush up on the basics with our How to Use Bleach in Laundry and What Is Color Safe Bleach and How To Use It articles.

How do you get GREY armpit stains out of white shirts?

HOW TO REMOVE SWEAT STAINS

Considering swearing off white shirts forever? Here at Molly Maid, we believe life is too short for sweat stains. Those yellow stains are a common problem and nothing to feel self-conscious about. Follow these simple tips to banish pit stains forever. And remember – everybody sweats!

Why Does Sweat Stain?

Fun fact! (Okay, maybe not that fun.) Sweat is colorless. It’s actually a reaction between your sweat, the bacteria on your skin and your deodorant that causes the staining.

You might be lucky enough to only sweat when you’re working out. But many people suffer from excessive sweat in their everyday lives.

There are some simple ways to prevent sweat from staining clothes in the first place:

Wear antiperspirant. Wearing strong antiperspirants can significantly reduce the amount of sweat your armpits produce. Always check the product label to make sure it actually contains antiperspirant ingredients – many products are only deodorants.

Apply a thin layer of antiperspirant to clean dry skin before bed. It works best this way!

Don’t apply too much deodorant. This can cause even more staining.

Wear an undershirt or sweat guards.

Trim underarm hair.

Clean clothes before sweat dries. You can try applying some lemon juice and water to keep the stain from drying before you can treat the stain. Alternatively, run the shirt under some cold water.

It’s always a good idea to keep a sweater or extra clean shirt at the office. Put those on if you’re feeling sweaty before a big presentation.

How to Remove Sweat Stains

If there’s already a sweat stain on your favorite shirt, it’s time to get cleaning. You can always consult the Molly Maid Stain Removal Guide. It has loads of tips for every cleaning scenario.

Homemade Stain Remover with Baking Soda

Here’s how to remove pit stains:

Flush with white vinegar. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Let the stained fabric soak in the mixture for about 30 minutes.

If the stain is still there, flush with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has a bleach-like effect but doesn’t damage color. Blot hydrogen peroxide onto the stain generously and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Launder with hot water. Use your usual laundry detergent.

More Tips for Sweat Stains

Consider these additional tips if you’re dealing with sweat stains:

Do not use bleach. Interestingly, bleach is not a good option for sweat stains. It might actually make the stains worse.

Don’t try to clean dry-clean-only or silk clothing yourself. Always take those items to your cleaners and point out the stain. They can remove sweat stains for you.

Taking care of the laundry and keeping the house clean can be a serious endeavor. Hiring a trustworthy cleaning service can help lighten your load.

How do you get yellow armpit stains out of white shirts without peroxide?

You might love the color yellow, but not when it shows up in the armpits of your favorite white and off-white dress shirts. This problem frequently happens to both men and women, although men who wear short-sleeve and long-sleeve button-downs tend to have more experience with the issue.

What Causes Yellow Armpit Stains?

Although we frequently refer to these unsightly areas as “sweat stains,” they are not always caused by perspiration itself. Instead, yellow armpit stains can result from aluminum-based deodorant residue clinging to the fabric. Over time, the particles from the sweat-aluminum reaction discolor the shirt’s fibers, leading to dark patches.

Of course, knowing how yellow armpit stains get there is one thing, but you need to know how to remove yellow armpit stains from white shirts. Fortunately, you have several at-home and professional sweat stain remover options to get rid of these eyesores.

Vinegar or Lemon Spot Treatments

You may already have some white vinegar or a bowl of lemons in your kitchen. If your yellow armpit stains have just begun to take shape, a vinegar or lemon juice spot treatment may send them away.

Place up to three tablespoons of vinegar or fresh lemon juice in about a cup of regular tap water. Rub the mixture into the stained area using circular motions. Allow the solution to penetrate the stain for up to an hour.

Wash your shirt using your washing machine’s cold setting. Before popping it into the dryer, check to see if the yellow stain has disappeared. If it has not, try another treatment method before heat-drying.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Like vinegar, you probably have baking soda and hydrogen peroxide handy. Mix equal parts of these staples to form a thick paste. Then, rub the paste into the underarm areas of your shirt.

After 30 minutes, throw the shirt into the washing machine. In some cases, this method takes the yellow out completely, or at least enough to make the shirt wearable.

Alternating At-Home Yellow Armpit Stain Solutions

Remove yellow stains

For notoriously tough yellow sweat stains, you may need to move from vinegar or lemon spot treatments to baking soda and hydrogen peroxide pastes and back again. Be patient as you slowly work through this process.

At some point, you should begin to see progress. If you do not, resist the urge to just throw them away. After allowing them to air dry — tumbling them in a hot dryer will only set the stains — move on to professional help.

Visiting a Professional Cleaner

When your stain resists your best home-based efforts or your yellowed white shirt is constructed of a delicate material, turn to professionals such as the community-driven team at Classic Drycleaners in one of our eight great locations in Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, Etters, Lemoyne, and Enola. Or try DIY at one of our full-service attended laundromats!

Removing a few yellow armpit stains may take time, but it can be worth the fuss. Why buy all new white dress shirts just because you don’t know how you get yellow armpit stains out of white dress shirts? Try everything you can to hold onto your favorite items, including bringing them to a place dedicated to foiling life’s little messes and stains such as Classic Drycleaners.

Tags: stain removal, yellow stains

How do you get yellow stains out of white clothes at home?

Do you have yellow perspiration stains on your shirts? This is one of the most common problems that women face! The easiest solution is never let them happen in the first place, but if you have them, we've got some simple at-home remedies to clear them up.

Prevent underarm stains, remove yellow stains from white clothing

3 Main Causes of Yellow Underarms

First of all, stains on white clothes can put a real damper on your wardrobe options. You may be asking yourself what causes the yellowing underarm on all your white and light colored blouses. How is that despite wearing deodorant, you are always having to buy new white shirts? You wash as directed, but hot water and even cool water with detergent isn’t helping.

1. Perspiration:

Perspiration is mostly water, however it is made up of a small percentage of other things - ammonia, sodium chloride, urea and lactic acid. All of which cause the yellowing and embarrassing sweat stains.

2. The reaction of antiperspirant and sweat:

Aluminium based compounds, which are commonly found in most drugstore antiperspirants, cause our sweat ducts to swell and blocks the moisture from escaping. With time our sweat bonds with these compounds and chemicals before being released from our body, and as a result as the moisture escapes stains are left in the underarm of clothes.

3. Fitted Tops and Sleeves:

When moisture and sweat from your body gets trapped between skin and fabric for long periods of time, a build up of bacteria starts to form which creates odours. When this is left on our clothes for too long, damaging stains will appear.

How do you remove yellow stains from white clothing at home?

If you've been wondering how to get stains out of your white clothes, we are here to help! There are, of course, many stain removers on the market, but below we list three solutions using common products you probably already have in your home. Read on to learn our best stain removal remedies.

1. Baking Soda and Water

Baking Soda Stain Removal

Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a quarter cup of water and scrub into the stain, and let the mixture sit on the stain for about an hour. Then, wash the piece of clothing in cold water. Once complete check to see if the stain is removed, if not, repeat before drying.

2. Vinegar and Water

Vinegar Stain Removal

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your stain and let it sit for about an hour. Wash the piece of clothing in cold water. Once complete check to see if stain is removed, if not, repeat before drying.

And for stubborn yellow stains...

3. Hydrogen Peroxide and Water

Stubborn Stain Removal Guide

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, then soak stain in mixture for 30 to 45 minutes. Afterwards, wash your clothing piece in cold water. Check to see if the stain is removed, if not, then repeat before drying.

*Please take precaution when using hydrogen peroxide with coloured clothing as it may cause discolouring. Before using test a small, discrete area on the clothing item first.*

How to Prevent Yellow Underarm Stains on your Tops

NUMI Prevents Stains

Stains can take a lot of work to remove. That’s why we created our classic collection of Essential Undershirts to make things easier! By layering a NUMI undershirt under your blouses, the soft to the touch, barely there feeling of our undershirts, will protect your tops with our high-performance Sweat-Secret™ Technology and help keep your clothes clean longer.

What is the best homemade stain remover?

I have tried many methods of removing stains from clothing over the years. This homemade stain remover aka “miracle cleaner” really does the job, it is inexpensive and easy to make.

Be sure to sign up for my email… to get new recipes and ideas in your inbox!

homemade stain remover in a brown glass spray bottle

SAVE this tip to Pinterest!

MY FAVORITE HOMEMADE STAIN REMOVER

Tackling stains just got a whole lot easier! With just 3 simple household ingredients you probably already have, you can make your own DIY stain remover that will remove just about any stain! I’m not kidding!!

HOW TO MAKE DIY STAIN REMOVER! WATCH THE VIDEO!

DIY Stain Remover Miracle Cleaner

Play Video

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The other day when I was mixing up a fresh bottle of my favorite homemade stain remover, I realized I have never shared it here on the blog.

Probably in part because it’s been all over Pinterest for years and I assumed everyone already knows about it. Yet I’m surprised every time I tell someone about this homemade stain remover and they had never heard about it. Which made me think, I would be doing an injustice to my readers who have NOT heard about it if I didn’t share this life-changing formula we call….. The Miracle Cleaner.

Back in 2008 Glamour magazine shared an article

THE ONLY STAIN REMOVER YOU’LL EVER NEED

The story tells a tale of a favorite dress and a glass of red wine. After thinking the dress was completely ruined, a friend let her in on a little stain removal secret that she has sworn by ever since…………….

Homemade stain remover ingredients

THE RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE MIRACLE CLEANER STAIN REMOVER

(printable version at the end of this post)

FOR LAUNDRY STAINS:

1 part blue Dawn dishwashing liquid

2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide

Mix and pour or spray directly on the stain, launder as usual and watch it disappear like MAGIC.

how to make a DIY homemade stain remover

WHAT DOES 1 PART TO 2 PARTS MEAN?

You can mix however much of this homemade stainer remover you need. Whether you want to mix just enough to treat one small stain or a bottle full, you will measure out twice as much hydrogen peroxide than the dishwashing liquid.

So, if you use 1 teaspoon of Dawn, you will need 2 teaspoons of peroxide. Or 1/2 cup of Dawn and 1 cup of peroxide.

diy-stain-remover-image

HAVE ODOR TO REMOVE TOO?

Add a little baking soda for extra deodorizing and scrubbing power. Good for armpit stains, pet stains, vomit and grease stains.

how to remove clothing stains with homemade stain remover

WHAT CAN YOU USE THIS DIY SPOT REMOVER ON?

I keep a bottle of this Homemade Stain Remover in my laundry room to spray on stains, and it has yet to fail me.

Besides usual food and other mysterious stains that appear on my family’s clothes, I have used the DIY Stain Remover to successfully removed set in grease on a favorite t-shirt, yellow armpit stains, chocolate, blood, and tire grease when a white hat was driven over after being lost in the street.

If I’m worried about a really tough stain, like the hat or yellow armpit stains, I will use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain remover into the fabric (you can also sprinkle with a little baking soda to make a paste for a little extra deodorizing and scrubbing power) and let it sit about an hour before washing.

diy-stain-remover-stain-gone-image

If it’s a large stain, as was the case with the dress, you can mix the formula and add it to a bucket of hot water and soak the entire garment for a few hours.

If the stain does not come out completely the first time, try it a second time, but it has worked the first time on everything I have tried.

As with any stain removers, always do a spot test, but if it’s a garment that’s already a loss because of the stain, what do you have to lose?

DOES THIS HOMEMADE STAIN REMOVER WORK ON CARPET?

I have used the DIY Stain Remover on carpet with great success as well, and I know others have used it on upholstery, mattresses, grout, and many other items around the home!

For treating stains where it’s harder to rinse, like carpet, upholstery, or a mattress you will want fewer suds so it’s best to use a higher ratio of peroxide (3 or 4 parts peroxide to 1 part Dawn).

DIY stain remover in a glass bottle

WON’T HYDROGEN PEROXIDE BLEACH MY CLOTHES?

Household Hydrogen Peroxide is 3% can be a very effective cleaning agents without a bleaching effect. While higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at 6% or more are strong enough to cause bleaching.

The brown bottles at the drugstore are generally 3% Hydrogen Peroxide.

LIKE THIS HOMEMADE STAIN REMOVER? PIN IT!

pinterest-image

I would love to hear if you have tried this DIY stain remover, and what results you had!

Need MORE household tips?

You can find more of my Tidy Home tips here.

How To Easily Remove Oil From Fabrics/Clothing

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How does baking soda remove yellow stains from white clothes?

White clothes are notorious for being easily stained. Whether it’s from armpit sweat, rust, or a yellow sports drink, yellow stains can ruin your best-looking white shirts, pants, or bedding. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can easily remove these unsightly yellow stains from your clothes. You can either use store-bought cleaning items or everyday products you have lying around your house to make your clothes bright white again!

Method

Removing Stains with Common Household Items

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 7

Add vinegar to your laundry to both remove stains and soften fabric. White distilled vinegar works as both a stain remover and a fabric softener when added to a laundry load. Simply pour 0.25 cups (59 mL) of vinegar into your washing machine during the rinse cycle to clean and soften your stained white clothes.[1]

Avoid using vinegar in your laundry along with chlorine bleach, since this combination will produce fumes that can be harmful to breathe.

Note that using vinegar in the laundry may harm clothes made of silk, acetate, or rayon.

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 6

Use hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda on pesky stains. Combine 1 tablespoon (15 mL) each of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda into a single mixture, then use the back of a spoon to apply the mix to the stain so that it’s completely covered. Let it sit for 1 hour, then wash the clothes as normal.[2]

Note that there is a small chance that the coloring of the dish soap may discolor your clothes, so use clear, colorless dish soap for best results.

If the stain doesn’t come off after trying this method once, a second application of the cleaning mixture will often do the trick.

EXPERT TIP

Susan StockerSUSAN STOCKER

Green Cleaning Expert

You can also try baking soda on its own. To remove yellow stains from clothing, mix 4 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water, and use that to scrub the clothes. Let the garment sit for 1-2 hours, then rinse and check to see if the stain is completely removed. If it is, wash the clothing as normal. If not, repeat all of the steps until the stain is gone.

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 8

Try adding lemon juice to your laundry with your detergent. This will not only get rid of stains, but will also give your clothes a nice lemony smell. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of the lemon juice to your laundry along with your detergent, then wash as normal.[3]

Don’t use lemon juice with colored clothing, since it may accidentally bleach them.

Scrub cotton clothes with white toothpaste before washing them. Toothpaste has a number of surprising uses besides brushing your teeth, one of which is removing stains from clothing. Wet your clothing, then use an old toothbrush to apply a thin layer of white toothpaste to the stained area. Scrub the stain vigorously for about 30 seconds, then rinse the clothing in water.[4]

For the best results on white clothing, use a toothpaste with whitening properties. Avoid using colored toothpaste, since this may actually stain your white clothes even worse!

The toothpaste method typically works well on cotton clothes, although it may not work on other fabrics.

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 10

Treat stains with crushed aspirin and water if that’s all you have around. Crush 3-4 aspirin tablets into a powder, then mix the powder with 0.5 cups (120 mL) of hot water to form a paste. Rub this paste onto the stain and allow it to sit for 2 hours. Finally, wash your stained clothing as normal in a hot water cycle.[5]

The crushed aspirin method works because the main ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, which is just as effective at removing stains as vinegar or lemon juice.

Note that the crushed aspirin should only be used on white clothing, as it may discolor your colored fabrics.

Method

Using Store-Bought Cleaning Items

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 1

Use a stain-removing laundry detergent to remove stains in the wash. Simply tossing your white clothes into the wash with a laundry detergent specially designed to get rid of stains is probably the easiest way to get rid of yellow stains. Wash your clothes in the laundry as you normally would with the stain-removing detergent to remove the stains in 1 step.[6]

There are a lot of detergents on the market that will not only remove your stains, but also leave your clothes smelling terrific!

You can find laundry detergent designed to remove stains at most grocery stores and mass retailers where detergent is sold.

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 2

Wash your clothes with 1 capful of bleach if they aren’t delicates. Add the capful of bleach to a load of white clothes along with detergent to remove stains while also improving your clothes' overall shine. However, make sure your clothes can be safely bleached before you wash them this way. Avoid bleaching colored clothes or delicates, as the bleach might damage them.[7]

You can check to see if your clothes can be safely bleached by looking at their tags. If a hollow white triangle is on the tags, this means they can be safely bleached. If the triangle has diagonal stripes in the middle of it, those clothes can only be treated with non-chlorine bleach.

If the tag on your clothes contains a solid triangle with an X on top of it, that means they cannot be bleached at all.

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 3

Add bluing agent to the laundry to remove stains and whiten clothes. Bluing agent adds the slightest hint of blue to your clothes, which actually combines with the yellow hue of your stains to make them white. Mix the agent with cold water, per the instructions on the bottle, then toss it into your laundry machine with the detergent and the stained clothes and wash them as normal.[8]

You can buy bluing agent at any department store or grocery store that sells laundry detergent.

Note that bluing agent isn’t actually a cleaning agent, so although it will offset the yellow hue of your stains, it won’t do anything to make them cleaner.

Image titled Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes Step 4

Clean your clothes with borax if the stains also smell. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to remove stains from clothes and even deodorizes and brightens them. Add 0.5 cups (120 mL) of borax to your laundry along with detergent at the beginning of the wash cycle to wash clothes with odorous stains.[9]

Borax is also a great multipurpose cleaner you can use to clean the inside of your car, your pet’s bedding, and even the washing machine itself!

Use rust remover to remove yellow stains caused by rust. If the stains on your clothes were caused by rust, there are a number of commercial products specifically designed to remove rust that you can use. Simply add the rust remover to your washing machine as it's filling with water and let the clothes soak in it for 5 minutes. Then, add your detergent and wash the clothes as normal.[10]

Be sure to follow the usage instructions on the bottle very closely, as rust remover fumes can be dangerous when inhaled.

To best protect yourself, wear rubber safety gloves when handling rust remover.

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Tips

Some people have also found success at removing yellow stains from white clothes with vodka. If you happen to have vodka in your house and want to try cleaning with it, blot it on your stained clothes before washing them in the laundry machine as normal.

In case the yellow color is caused by flower stain, you should first remove the pollen using tape and then clean the cloth as mentioned above.

How do you get old stains out of clothes naturally?

Many households have made the decision to limit their families' exposure to harsh chemicals. Many cleaning products are not recommended for young children and they are usually more expensive than natural options.

Here are seven natural products that will effectively help remove stains and odor from clothes and keep your laundry routine green.

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Baking Soda

baking soda as a natural cleaner

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

That same box of baking soda that you have in your kitchen cabinet is one of nature's best gifts to laundry, and very inexpensive to boot. It is a perfect green odor remover to keep your laundry smelling fresh and is safe to use on all fabrics, including children's sleepwear.

Baking soda also aids in boosting detergent performance, softening fabrics, and reducing suds for quicker loads in front load washers.

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Lemon or Lime Juice

lemons and limes

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Fresh or bottled 100 percent real lemon or lime juice has a natural bleaching action on fabrics due to the acetic acid.

If you spill some on colored clothing, you'll want to remove the juice before it causes permanent discoloration. However, you can use either type of juice on white fabrics to help remove yellow underarm stains or rust stains.

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How to Remove Underarm Stains and Odor From Clothes

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Distilled White Vinegar

distilled white vinegar

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Distilled white vinegar is a miracle worker in the laundry room. It is inexpensive, gentle on fabrics, and safer to use than chlorine bleach and fabric softeners. Always choose white vinegar over apple cider or other types because it will not stain fabrics (and it's cheaper!).

White vinegar is key to removing yellow underarm perspiration stains and odor, removing mildew stains, whitening and brightening your clothes. Just adding one cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse will leave clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh.

You can even use vinegar to clean your washer and help control musty washer odors.

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Hydrogen Peroxide

hydrogen peroxide bottle

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Head to the medicine cabinet for the hydrogen peroxide as a good alternative to the much harsher chlorine bleach when you need to whiten clothes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidizing agent that can be used as a bleach. The 3% solution sold in drug stores as a first-aid disinfectant is the best choice for the laundry as well. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen and is a more environmentally safe alternative to chlorine bleach.1

Hydrogen peroxide works well in removing underarm yellowing and the dye from nail polish, curry, and red wine stains.

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Borax

borax in a glass jar

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

You may think borax comes from a chemical lab because most of us associate it with the 20 Mule Team brand. But, borax is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. Borax has no toxic fumes and is safe for the environment. Borax can irritate skin and should not be ingested.2

Borax boosts the performance of any type of detergent in cleaning clothes and removing stains (especially on cloth diapers), softens hard water, and helps control odor. Almost all DIY laundry detergent recipes contain borax.

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Talc, Cornstarch or Chalk

talc

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Talcum powder, baby powder, kitchen cornstarch, or plain white chalk are wonderful natural treatments for helping to absorb oily stains. If you catch the oil or grease drip on fabric promptly, they can even remove it!

How to Remove Stains from Marble

Simply sprinkle the oily stain liberally with baby powder, talcum powder or cornstarch; you can also rub the area with white chalk. Allow it to sit on the stain for at least ten minutes to absorb the oil; then simply brush away. Later, wash or dry clean the garment following care label directions.

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Table Salt

table salt

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

There are old wives' tales about using salt to set the dye and stop dye bleeding of fabrics. Unfortunately, salt won't work that way on today's fabrics and dyes. But plain, simple table salt works in the laundry as a mild abrasive element for stain removal of rust and red wine stains and to absorb liquid stains before they set.

If you have a red wine spill, sprinkle it liberally with table salt. Use the cheapest salt you can find. Let it absorb the liquid and then brush away before you wash the item. Remember, if you don't wash it out, salt can leave white stains on your fabric.

If you have stains or residue on the bottom of your iron, salt works well as a gentle abrasive. Simply dampen a handful of salt very slightly and scrub the faceplate of the iron. When the iron is clean, wipe with a clean damp cloth. You're ready to iron.

Can all stains be removed?

The short answer is unfortunately no, not all stains can be removed, and here are three reasons why.

The longer a stain is left untreated, the less likely it is to be removed. When a spill first occurs, it sits on the surface of the fabric, but over time, that spill can start to react with the fabric causing the fabric to actually change colors. So when a neglected stain is finally addressed and actually removed, the fabric where the stain once sat is now a different color. That’s why we always say when you spill something on a garment, bring it to us as soon as possible.

Not knowing what the stain is made of makes it more difficult to remove. Different stains require different approaches. If a spotter knows what the stain is, they can automatically choose the appropriate product or method. When they don’t know what the stain is, they rely on their years of experience and training to make an educated decision. Many times they start out with the mildest methods and agents first. If that doesn’t work, then they try something stronger. This process continues until either the stain is removed or the spotter realizes that they could damage the garment if they continue. Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all stain remover, so that’s why we always ask that you share as much information as possible at drop off.

There are some stains that are incredibly stubborn, but place that stain on a delicate fabric, then it becomes even more challenging and sometimes impossible to remove.

The bottom line on successful stain removal is to address it as soon as possible, let us know at drop off what the spill is, and never put anything away without cleaning it first. For more information about stain removal, check out our article entitled Stain Removal Tips. If you have questions about or need assistance with a particular stain, stop by one of our locations and speak to a member of our trained staff.

Can you use baking soda on black jeans?

Manufacturers dye fabrics to get the desired colors, and sometimes the odor is not removed in process. Jeans, especially black ones, may still smell strongly of dye when you purchase them. You can get rid of the odor by using an appropriate washing routine that safely removes the dye smell without causing your jeans to fade.

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Step 1

Set your washing machine to a cold water cycle and turn it on. The cold water will prevent fading.

Step 2

Place the jeans into the wash along with a capful of laundry detergent designed for use with dark colors. Also add a half cup of baking soda, which helps deodorize the fabric.

Step 3

Pour one cup of white vinegar into the washing machine at the start of the rinse cycle. The vinegar is another deodorizing agent that will get rid of the dye odor without harming the jeans.

Step 4

Dry the jeans as you normally would.

Will baking soda bleach a black shirt?

Faded black clothes can be a remarkably frustrating laundry mishap, but this fading process is not necessarily inevitable. A few essential washing practices can prevent your favorite black garments from losing their color. If those don't prove helpful enough, there are also a few additional tricks you can try.

Part

Essential Washing Practices

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 1

Wash the clothes less.[1] No matter how special you treat your black clothes and how many precautions you take when washing them, the washing cycle itself wears the dye down, eventually causing it to show signs of fading. To limit the effects of fading, you should only wash your black clothes when necessary. If you can skip a washing here or there, do so to preserve the integrity of the dye.

Black pants and sweaters worn over other layers of clothing can usually be worn up to four or five times before needing to be put through the wash, especially if the clothes are only worn indoors. Similarly, if you only wear the garment for a few hours a day, it can likely be set aside and worn again without going through a washing cycle.

Note, however, that black undergarments and socks should be washed after one wearing.

In between washings, you can treat stains with stain remover and eliminate chalky residue from deodorant with a dry sponge.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 2

Sort with like colors. Whenever possible, wash your black clothes with other black clothes or with other dark garments.[2] Dye has a tendency to run during the washing cycle, but if there are no lighter garments to soak of the dark dyes, those dyes will be reabsorbed back into the black clothes they came from.

Aside from separating clothes according to color, you should also separate them according to weight. Doing so can protect the weave and color of your more delicate black garments.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 3

Turn the garments inside out. The surface of the fabric directly exposed to the abrasive washing cycle is the surface that will receive the most wear. As a result, the dye will fade first on the surface always facing out during the laundry. Preserve the outside of black clothing by turning each garment inside out before you wash it.[3]

Black color fades due to the friction that results when clothes rub against each other in the washing machine.

More precisely, friction causes the fibers to break, and the ends of those fibers are exposed. Since the surface of the fabric is disrupted, the human eye sees less color, even when no dye has actually been lost.

You can further reduce the amount of abrasion and friction your clothes experience by closing zippers and fastening any hooks.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 4

Use cold water. Warm water encourages dye to loosen from the fibers and bleed, so bright colors and black clothes tend to fade faster when washed in warm temperatures. Washing these garments in cold water, on the other hand, can preserve the dye longer.[4]

Warm water breaks down fibers, which is why the colors fade faster in warm wash cycles.[5]

Your cold water cycle should use water ranging between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 and 26.7 degrees Celsius) and no warmer.

Note that you may need to change your laundry habits during cold winter weather. Freezing cold outdoor temperatures can cause the water temperature of your washing machine to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius). In temperatures this low, even liquid detergents may not be entirely effective. If the temperature outdoors drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8 degrees Celsius), you should consider using a warm water wash and a cold water rinse.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 5

Stick with the shortest cycle possible.[6] Essentially, just as you should wash your black clothes as infrequently as possible, you should also make those washing cycles as brief as possible. The less time your clothes spend in the washing machine, the less chance the dye has to run and fade.

A delicate cycle works well when in doubt, but as a general rule, you should still choose settings that are appropriate based on how soiled the clothes are and the type of fabric the clothes are made from.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 6

Add a specialized detergent. Nowadays, there are special detergents that are formulated for use with dark fabrics. These detergents help hold the dye in place during the washing cycle, so that dye is less likely to run and the clothes are less likely to fade.

If you do not use a detergent labeled for dark colors, use one formulated for cold water loads. These detergents can partially neutralize the chlorine in tap water, which is important since chlorine bleaches and lightens black clothes.

Note that detergents do not necessarily contribute to fading, even though some help prevent it more than others. Any liquid detergent is suitable, but you should not use any bleach.

Liquid detergents work better than powder detergents in cold water. Powders tend not to dissolve completely in cold water, especially when you use a short cycle.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 7

Skip the dryer. Heat is the enemy when you are trying to prevent black clothes from fading. Black clothes should be hung to dry or laid flat to dry. Avoid using the dryer unless absolutely necessary.[7] If you must use the dryer, skip the fabric softener sheet if possible.

When you line dry black clothes outside, make sure that you place them in an area away from the sun. Sunlight acts as a natural bleach, which will fade your black clothes faster.

If you do need to use the dryer, use the lowest temperature possible based on the type of material the clothes are made from. You should also watch the clothes carefully to make sure that they do not become over-dry or too warm. Remove the clothes while they are still slightly damp to be on the safe side.

Keep your black clothes away from the sun as you air-dry them.[8]

Part

Additional Tricks

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 8

Add a little vinegar.[9] During the rinse cycle, add 1 cup (250 ml) of white distilled vinegar. Add the vinegar directly to the washing machine basin containing the black clothes; do not add it to the detergent slot, if a separate slot exists.

Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle has several benefits, including those that pertain to preserving black clothes. This household miracle fix can set colors and also strip fabric of detergent residue. That residue can otherwise create a film on your clothes, making the color appear faded.

Vinegar is also a natural clothing softener.

The vinegar should evaporate during the rinse cycle, so usually, no smell will be left behind. If a smell does linger, however, air drying the clothes should get rid of it.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 9

Try salt.[10] Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) of table salt to the wash cycle alongside your black clothes. The salt should be placed directly in the main tub of the machine and not in a separate compartment.

Salt can help prevent color dyes, including black dye, from bleeding. It is especially helpful when used on new clothes, but it can help restore the color of old clothes by rubbing off detergent residue.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 10

Use a sprinkle of pepper. Simply add 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) of black pepper into the washing machine tub along with the black clothes at the start of the wash cycle. Do not add any to a separate detergent compartment if one exists.

The abrasiveness of black pepper strips away residue responsible for some of the fading, and the black tint of the pepper can help strengthen the dark hue of the dye.

The black pepper should wash out during the rinse cycle.

Image titled Keep Black Clothes from Fading Step 11

Shake baking soda into the washer. Sprinkle 1/2 cup (125 ml) baking soda to the washing machine tub after you fill it with the black clothes you want to preserve. The baking soda should be in the same portion of the machine as the clothes. Wash the load of laundry as usual from that point on.

Baking soda is commonly used to help brighten whites as a form of non-chlorine bleach. As a non-chlorine bleach, however, it can also be used to brighten other colors, including black.

Image titled Choose Coffee Step 2

Harness the power of coffee or tea.[11] Brew 2 cups (500 ml) of coffee or black tea. Add this liquid directly to the rinse cycle after the black clothes in your washing machine have already gone through the washing cycle.

Coffee and black tea are both used as natural dyes. Even though they dye light fabrics brown, on black fabrics, they strengthen the black dye and darken the overall hue of the garment.

Bicarbonate of soda - also colloquially known as baking soda - can be used to bring a rise to all manner of bakes, help to remove odours and clean surfaces. People also use the wonder powder to whiten teeth, treat heartburn and even relieve itchy skin - but does bicarbonate of soda remove stains?

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Bicarbonate of Soda is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃.

The handy cupboard staple is a salt made up of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion.

Tips for cleaning have been surging across social media, with baking soda touted as a one-stop product for removing bad odours, and cleaning surfaces.

But when it comes to staining, how does bicarbonate of soda fare?

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Start by blotting away as much of the moisture as possible with a white paper towel. If you can, hold the fabric under a faucet with a running stream of cold water. Flush the stained area from the wrong side of the stain so that the dye is forced away from the surface of the fabric.

Next, if the stain is brightly colored, sponge the stain with a bit of plain rubbing alcohol or non-sudsing household ammonia and rinse well. If the color is gone, wash as recommended on the care label.

If some stain remains, treat the stained area with a solvent-based stain remover like Zout or Shout. If you don't have a stain remover, use a bit of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent (Tide or Persil are highly rated brands) to treat the stain. These detergents contain enough enzymes to break down the stain. Less expensive brands may not work as well. Never use natural soap in a bar or soap flakes on the stain because they make tannin stains more difficult to remove.

Allow the stain remover to sit on the fabric at least fifteen minutes and wash as usual. Check the stained area before tossing the garment in the dryer. If the stain is not gone, move to the next step. Drying the item on high heat if it is still stained will make the stain even harder to remove.

If soft drink color remains on the fabric, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (brand names are: OxiClean, Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and tepid water following package directions and submerge the garment. Allow it to soak at least four hours or overnight and then launder as usual. This type of bleach is safe for natural and synthetic fabrics that are either white or colored. If the stain is not gone, repeat this step. When no stain remains, launder as usual.

Dry Clean Only Clothes

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, blot away as much of the drink stain as possible with a white paper towel. As soon as possible, head to the dry cleaner and point out and identify the stain.

If you are using a home dry cleaning kit for a small stain, be sure to treat the area with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

Carpet and Upholstery

There's never been a party that didn't end up with a few spills and stains. When the soft drink hits the carpet, move as quickly as possible to treat the stain. Begin by using white paper towels to blot up as much of the stain as possible. Use an old shoe or spatula to press the towels into the stain. Keep moving to a clean towel until no more color is transferred.

Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent, one-half cup distilled white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Use a clean white cloth to blot this solution into the stain. Work from the outside edges toward the center to prevent spreading the stain.

Blot away the cleaning solution with a clean dry white cloth until no more color is transferred. Dip a clean white cloth into plain water to "rinse" the area. It is important to remove all the soapy residue because it can actually attract soil.

If the stain is gone, allow the carpet to air dry away from direct heat. If the stain remains, mix a solution of oxygen bleach and cool water following the package directions. Use a soft bristle brush to work the oxygen bleach solution into the carpet. Allow it to work for at least one hour before blotting away and rinsing with cold water on a cloth. Repeat until all of the stains are gone. Allow the carpet to air dry and then vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.

To remove soft drink stains from furniture and car upholstery, use the same cleaning solutions and techniques as recommended for carpet. Be careful to not overwet the fabric because excess moisture can cause problems with the cushion fillings. Allow the upholstery to air dry away from sunlight and direct heat.

If the furniture fabric is silk or vintage, blot away the stain and then contact a professional upholstery cleaner especially if you need more stain removal tips.

What can you not clean with baking soda?

Baking soda is such a great cleaning agent that it’s tempting to want to use it on everything. And although you can use it for lots of things, you can’t really use it for everything. It’s abrasive, which means you have to be careful with surfaces that are lightly sealed or that have a finish that can be worn away (the same way you would be careful with scrubbing too hard with a scratchy sponge). And some metals are more reactive than others, so baking soda can cause discoloration. While it doesn’t totally ruin the metal, it’s certainly unsightly.

The other thing to be careful of with baking soda is combining it with something acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice. As the chemicals combine with that satisfying fizz, they form a gas. If you combine them in a sealed container, like a soda bottle, it could potentially explode and harm you. So if you want to use them in combination, do it right before you clean instead of trying to store up a solution.

That being said, in all my research, I could only find a few things to avoid cleaning with baking soda altogether. Here’s the short list.

1. Aluminum cookware

While you can give many metal surfaces a scrub with baking soda, use caution if you’re cleaning aluminum cookware. If you use it quickly and rinse it off, you might be fine, but allowing a baking soda mixture to sit on the surface for too long can cause it to oxidize, which means that the surface changes color.

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2. Antique silver

Although using baking soda and aluminum foil can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, some dealers caution against using it on antique silver, as it can be too abrasive and ruin the finish (especially if you’re unsure of the provenance and it’s possible that the pieces are not actually sterling silver). And definitely don’t use it on any serving pieces that have decorative insets like turquoise or pearls. If something is truly precious, take it to a professional.

3. Gold-plated serving pieces

Okay, it’s unlikely that many of your big serving pieces are actually plated with 24k gold — most likely it’s brass or a gold alloy — but if you have wedding china with a gold rim or serving pieces with true gold accents, take care with baking soda. Because gold is a soft metal, it is easily scratched even with a light abrasive like baking soda.

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4. Marble surfaces

Although I’ve read some recommendations out there to use baking soda to clean marble, stone manufacturers don’t recommend it. Even though baking soda is only mildly abrasive, repeated applications can wear away at the sealant. Best to stick to designated marble cleaners.

Have you ever had a bad experience cleaning with baking soda? Tell us in the comments below.

Can I use baking soda on black clothes?

Dark clothing and fabrics look good because of their deep, dark hue. Once the color and intensity fades, the lack of contrast makes the inflatable park clothing or fabric look old. Faded jeans, blankets, bed sheets and blouses look like they needed to be replaced even though they are still usable. Here are some tips on how to prevent dark fabric from fading.

It’s Dye

Most commercially available textiles derive their dark color from dyes. Dyes have the tendency to fade especially when exposed to repeated washing and bleach. What you need to do is to prevent the dyes from being washed off the fabric.

Using Natural Additives

Do not make the mistake of thinking that natural and organic additives are weak. A lot of people are using baking soda, for example, to remove unpleasant odor from clothing and to keep white fabrics bright. When it comes to washing dark clothing, you can use vinegar, salt and even baking soda.

For the vinegar, add 1 cup of white vinegar when rinsing the load. The vinegar smell will fade as the fabric dries. When washing new colored clothes, use ½ cup rock salt in the wash cycle. This prevents the dark colors from bleeding too much. To keep the colors vibrant, add ½ cup of baking soda during the wash cycle.

Do not Leave your Clothes under the Sun for Too Long.

The sun can fade the colors. You can see this effect in billboards and posters that have been outdoors for too long. Take your clothing inside once it is dry.

Turn them inside out.

Turning your dark clothing inside out when washing lessens the impact of the detergent to the dye. This is especially helpful for dark denim.

Line Dry as much as Possible

Line drying your clothes is safer for the environment because it produces no carbon dioxide. It helps the water evaporate naturally. Although it may take a longer time to dry, line drying is friendlier to colored clothes because it uses no high heat. Heat can fade the colors of fabrics.

Color Safe Bleach

Never use ordinary chlorine bleach on dark clothing. Instead, use color safe bleach for colored clothing.

Use Cold Water

Cold water prevents dye from quickly seeping out of the textile fibers. Rinse dark and colored clothing using cold water as much as possible. Also, use the shortest cycle for rinsing when washing clothes.

Is washing soda the same as baking soda?

what is the difference between using regular baking soda in the laundry vs. the Laundry Booster?

The laundry booster is made of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) While both sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are excellent cleaning products, the laundry booster, also called washing soda, is more caustic. Laundry booster should never be used internally.

Can I use baking soda instead of laundry detergent?

Baking soda and distilled white vinegar are two of the most versatile products that people turn to for a multitude of household cleaning solutions. Let’s take a look at whether these solutions that have been passed down through generations are in facteffective for laundry!

Before going further, we have to warn you: adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash along with your laundry detergent increases the risk of poorer cleaning performance, as detergents are optimized for a specific pH level, which is altered by the presence of these two household additives in the wash.

Although vinegar and baking soda are safe to use in both regular and HE washing machines, they are considerably less efficient than high-performance laundry detergents at delivering an outstanding and odorless clean.

Vinegar

Vinegar's low pH level can weaken cellulose fibers like cotton, linen, and rayon or nylon fibers and alter the color of pH-sensitive dyes

Adding vinegar to the wash along with your regular laundry detergent might interfere with its cleaning performance

White vinegar purchased at stores is mostly made out of water and requires 5 or more cups per load to work effectively

Baking Soda

Although vinegar and baking soda shouldn't be harmful to your washing machine if used in moderate amounts, extreme use can impact some of the coatings on the drive shaft components, which are the parts responsible for switching cycles from agitate to spin.

Baking soda’s high pH can damage natural, protein-based fibers like wool, cashmere, and silk and can fade colors over time

Adding baking soda along with your laundry detergent can decrease your laundry detergent’s ability to clean away low-pH sensitive stains like coffee, tea, wine, and other stains

Some dyes in colored fabrics are pH sensitive, so exposure to high pH of baking soda could fade their color

Avoid using baking soda in the rinse as it can cause a reaction on fabric making them rough and stiff

Using baking soda under hard water conditions could lead to fiber breakage on some fibers like nylon and elastane

Vinegar and Baking Soda in Laundry

While vinegar and baking soda can sometimes offer benefits in pretreating small stains and odors, a real laundry detergent is always best for great whitening, brightening, odor-removing, pre-treating heavy stains, and fabric softening capabilities.

Vinegar’s main component is acetic acid, which helps make it an option to perform small laundry tasks. Baking soda can control overflowing suds and revitalize aged linens. But when battling with musty towels, dingy clothes, underarm odor, or stiff fabrics, there's nothing better at getting rid of tough stains and bad smells than Tide’s laundry detergents.

Is Using Baking Soda and Vinegar Together a Good Idea?

The short answer is no. And the long answer goes like this: When used together, baking soda and vinegar will neutralize each other, effectively canceling out the benefits of low pH for vinegar and high pH for baking soda.

How Does Washing Clothes With Vinegar or Baking Soda Compare to Detergent?

Let’s get straight to the point: How do these household products compare to a detergent like Tide PODS when it comes to getting clean, fresh-smelling, soft clothes? The "vinegar and baking soda"-type methods were invented at a time when neither the machines nor the detergents were as advanced as they are now to clean larger loads in more efficient washing machines.

Even though vinegar and baking soda can help to loosen body soils and pH-sensitive stains by lowering or increasing the wash water's pH level, to actually remove these stains you will need detergent action. Using vinegar or baking soda will only add to the time and cost of doing laundry; they cannot substitute for a high-quality laundry detergent. High-quality detergents like Tide are formulated with different kinds of ingredients optimized to clean a variety of stains such as food greases, which are not pH-sensitive, and eliminate odors while protecting clothes from damage in the wash.

Tide's newer, innovative laundry detergents are equipped with powerful cleaning ingredients including surfactants, enzymes, specially designed polymers, builders, and chelants. They not only remove week-old smells in one wash, but they also hold on to all soil and odor types in the wash water preventing them from redepositing onto other fabrics—creating a more effortless and efficient clean. In addition to offering outstanding cleaning performance even in a cold wash, washing with Tide PODS and liquid detergents is easier and quicker than any laundry hack you might come across.

How long should you soak clothes in baking soda?

That same box of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) that you have in your fridge is also an inexpensive way to remove odors from laundry, boost detergent and bleach performance, soften clothes, clean an iron, and control detergent suds. Safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers, baking soda is one of the top two best products (along with distilled white vinegar) for making your laundry greener by reducing your dependence on harsh chemicals.

So, what can baking soda do? Read on to learn how baking soda can:

Reduce and remove laundry odors

Boost detergent and bleach performance

Soften fabrics naturally

Clean an iron

Control excess suds

0:46

Click Play to Learn How to Properly Use Baking Soda in Laundry

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Reduce and Remove Laundry Odors

woman smelling clothes

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

Body odors on our clothes and linens are caused by bacteria. The bacteria are removed when detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells on the fabrics to be flushed away. However, less expensive detergents that don't contain hard-working enzymes to tackle bacteria need a boost to work more effectively.

Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer's water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria.

For heavy odor problems like underarm perspiration or environmental odors like cigarette smoke, use baking soda and water as a pre-soak. Dissolve 1 or 2 cups of baking soda in some warm water. Fill the washer tub or a large sink with cool water and add the dissolved baking soda. Add your stinky clothes and allow them to soak overnight and then wash as usual.

If you have garments that need refreshing and they are not washable, place them in a sealable container like a storage tub with an open box of baking soda. Leave them for at least 24 hours—longer is better—to help remove odors.

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Boost Bleach and Detergent Performance

baking soda with bleach

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Chlorine bleach is often used to help remove odors and general grime in our laundry. In water that is too acidic or alkaline, bleach needs a boost to work more effectively. By boosting its cleaning properties, you may be able to use less bleach to achieve the same results, saving yourself money and reducing the bleach's impact on the environment.

Home Stain Removal With Martha Stewart And Wayne Edelman of Meurice Garment Care

Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda for each 1/2 cup of bleach (being sure to add the bleach at the proper time) will help regulate the pH level in the water so bleach will work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen the soil.

If you're not using chlorine bleach, that 1/2 cup of baking soda will boost the performance of your detergent. This is especially important if you have hard water or use a value detergent. The dry baking soda should be added to the empty washer tub before dirty laundry is added. Do not place baking soda in a washer's automatic dispensers.

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How to Clean Pots and Pans With Baking Soda

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Soften Fabrics Naturally

jar of baking soda

The Spruce / Kori Livingston

Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer's rinse water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each rinse cycle acts as a balance to suspend detergent or mineral deposits in the water and keep them from redepositing on clothes, which can make clothing feel stiff.

As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic fabric softeners with perfumes that mask odors. Unlike synthetic fabric softeners that can interfere with fire-retardant finishes on children's pajamas, baking soda can be used safely.1

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Clean Irons

iron and laundry

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Baking soda is a natural gentle abrasive. To remove built-up starch and scorch deposits from the faceplate of a cool iron, mix a paste of baking soda and water. Using a white cloth, rub the paste over the face of the iron. For tough build-up, use the cloth to scrub gently and repeat until the build-up is gone. Finish by wiping off the faceplate with a cloth dampened with distilled white vinegar.

Your iron will now glide smoothly, making ironing much easier and leaving no tell-tale deposits.

Continue to 5 of 5 below.

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Control Washer Suds

overflowing washer

The Spruce / Sydney Brown

Overflowing suds from the washing machine looks funny on TV, but it isn't much fun when it happens to you in the laundry. With the popularity of the new HE or high-efficiency front-loading washers, suds control is a priority. If you mistakenly use regular laundry detergent rather than HE detergent, you'll see those suds begin to flow.

If it happens, turn off the washer and grab your box of baking soda. Sprinkle the powder directly on the suds to quickly break them down. The baking soda will absorb some of the moisture, and clean up will be easier.

Will baking soda and vinegar ruin clothes?

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

vinegar and baking soda used for laundry

ESKAY LIM/GETTY IMAGES

Vinegar and baking soda, two pantry staples, double as laundry room must-haves. Read on to find out why.

Did you know some of the best laundry detergent add-ons can be found right in your pantry? Baking soda in the laundry can be a great addition for a natural fabric softener or controlling excess suds, while vinegar in laundry can be an amazing agent for getting those whites extra sparkling and banishing mildew odor. They help even the best laundry detergents to be more effective.

“Keeping a jug of vinegar and a box of baking soda in the laundry room goes a long way—they help to get your clothes and washing machine clean,” says Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space, a blog about cleaning and organizing. There’s one very important caveat, she notes: “Both vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean your washing machine and clothing, but they should not be mixed together because they neutralize each other.”

Read on to see how you can get the most of your laundry by using baking soda and vinegar to deeply clean your clothes—and check out the best baking soda and vinegar cleaning solutions for other areas of your home, while you’re at it.

New to doing laundry? Don’t worry we’ve all been there. Be sure to read up on how to hand-wash your clothes and how to separate laundry. Before you know it, you’ll be a laundry pro!

Why you should use vinegar and baking soda in the laundry?

Adding baking soda or vinegar to your laundry can help you clean both your washing machine and your garments better. Both of these pantry staples are an effective and inexpensive way to remove mildew odors, soften fabrics, and even brighten your whites. Not to mention, given they’re natural ingredients, they’re safe for the environment, too.

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What it does and how it works

Whether you’re washing clothes or cleaning your washing machine, here’s how baking soda and vinegar help your laundry become squeaky clean.

Baking soda: Putting baking soda in laundry has three functions: 1. It deodorizes. 2. It whitens/brightens. 3. It provides mild abrasion. “When used to clean a washing machine, baking soda can help to slough off buildup and can also help to deodorize the interior,” Baker explains. A scoop of baking soda added to laundry in the wash helps fabrics come out looking brighter and smelling fresher.

Vinegar: Vinegar in laundry has some powerful cleaning properties, too. “Vinegar is a mild acid, so it can help to break down mineral deposits from hard water as well as help to break down and loosen dirt, grease, grime, and product build-up from both the machine and garments, depending on when used,” Maker explains. This process helps to leave fabrics a little softer, too. Another benefit is that vinegar helps to break down bad odors. And yes, washing clothes with vinegar is safe and won’t ruin your wardrobe.

However, while baking soda and vinegar in laundry are powerful additions, they are no replacement or substitution for detergent. To actually remove dirt and stains, you’ll need the power of detergent to launder your clothes.

Benefits of using baking soda or vinegar in laundry

Deodorizes

Removes bad odors

Dissolves detergent residue

Cleans clothes

Cleans washing machine

Brightens clothes

Softens clothes

Washing your clothes with baking soda and vinegar offer several benefits. Both deodorize by removing bad odors and clean the insides of your washing machine as well as your garments by breaking down any product build-up. Baking soda also helps brighten faded clothing, while the acetic acid in vinegar Is strong enough to dissolve soap and detergent residues which can leave clothes feeling softer—but don’t worry, it’s still mild enough that it won’t harm your fabrics.

How to use baking soda in laundry

For laundry: Add 1 cup of baking soda into the drum, before putting in your dirty clothes and linens, Maker instructs. Then, add your favorite detergent and launder as usual. Though she typically recommends this for whites because baking soda is a natural brightener, if you have a smelly load, you can add a scoop to any type of clothing since it won’t fade or bleach your items, Maker says.

For cleaning the machine: Add 1 cup of baking soda into the drum and then run your machine on the hottest possible cycle. For extra cleaning power, “You can also put some baking soda on a sponge or microfiber cloth and scrub the inside of the drum prior to running the cycle,” Maker says.

How to use vinegar in laundry

For laundry: Add up to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine and run the load on a regular cycle, says Maker.

For cleaning the machine: You can use either baking soda or vinegar to clean your washing machine, but using both will give you a one-two punch, Maker says: “Do the baking soda first, as the baking soda will help to scrub, then the vinegar will melt away any excess debris and help to deodorize.” First, pour a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run the washer’s hottest, longest cycle. Then follow it up with vinegar: “Add vinegar to the detergent and softener compartments (up to 1 cup each) and run the machine on the hottest possible cycle,” Maker says.

What you should know before getting started

Don’t use vinegar and baking soda in laundry together. Even though no harm will come to your clothes if you put both baking soda and vinegar in the laundry at the same time, you should use them separately for the best results. That’s because when they’re used together, vinegar and baking soda in the laundry will neutralize each other, effectively canceling out the benefits of vinegar’s low pH and baking soda’s high pH.

Add vinegar to the rinse cycle for best results. Although it will cause no harm to your clothes, there is a risk that the vinegar’s pH may cancel out the detergent’s cleaning power if you add vinegar to the start of the wash cycle. For best results, add vinegar to the rinse cycle after the detergent has done its job in the wash cycle.

Does baking soda get stains out of white clothes?

No matter how careful you are with white clothes, stains happen. They may be the result of spills, yellowing from age or perspiration, or accidentally washing whites in with dark blues. Bleach and baking soda both are valuable in the laundry and are particularly useful with white clothes, but they perform different tasks. Where bleach is all about whiteness, baking soda is about freshness.

Chlorine Bleach

Bleach has been the gold standard for getting white clothes back to pristine white condition for years. When used properly, bleach excels at removing stains and grime from white clothing and sanitizing your garments.

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If you have a washing machine without a bleach dispenser, pour 1/2 cup of bleach into the wash water after adding the detergent but before adding the clothes. In machines that have a bleach dispenser, just fill the dispenser to the fill line without measuring. In extra-large machines use 1 cup of bleach added to the water after the detergent is added and before adding the clothes.

Most white fabrics and some colored garments can be bleached.

WARNING

However, don't bleach with wool, silk spandex, leather, or mohair. If you aren't sure if your garment can be bleached, mix 1.5 teaspoons bleach in 1/4 cup of water. Apply one drop of the mixture to a hidden area of the garment. Wait a minute and then blot with a towel. If you don't see a color change, you can bleach the garment.

Baking Soda

While baking soda is more often known for its odor control qualities, it does have natural whitening capabilities that are appreciated by people who would rather not turn to bleach. Adding baking soda to the laundry gently cleans your clothes and removes tough smells and stains. It also softens clothes and boosts the detergent's power. It even keeps the washing machine clean.

To use baking soda in the laundry, add the detergent and clothes to the water as usual. Then add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the filled washing machine.

Baking soda is a natural stain remover that can be used on most types of fabric. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste then apply the paste to the stain. After it dries, wash it off with water. This mixture works to remove stains caused by food, oil, grease, and dirt.

The Best of Both Worlds: Bleach and Baking Soda Together

The best thing about baking soda in the laundry is its ability to act as a natural boosting agent for bleach. You can use 1/2 cup of bleach and 1/2 cup of baking soda together for white loads. The baking soda masks some of the bleach smell and makes the bleach even more effective. The white laundry comes out whiter and fresher as a result.

How do you get tough stains out of clothes?

Not much beats the stain-fighting power of vinegar. Learn how to treat 13 of your toughest laundry stains with distilled white vinegar and just a bit of elbow grease.

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Tomato Stains

tomato sauce stain on a blouse

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Saturate the tomato stain with vinegar and allow it to soak in. Then, launder as usual. Check to make sure the stain is out before you run the clothing through the dryer.

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Mildew Stains

vinegar bottle next to towels

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

If you forgot to move the wash over to the dryer and it smells mildewy or has visible mildew stains, just mix equal parts vinegar and water with a pinch of salt, and soak the clothing in the solution. It should lift mildew stains from most fabrics. If you still see signs of staining after soaking, make a solution of undiluted vinegar and salt, and soak it again.

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How to Remove Coffee Stains From Clothing

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Coffee/Tea Stains

coffee stain on fabric

The Spruce / Natalie Jeffcott

To banish coffee or tea stains, soak the stained fabric in 1/3 cup vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup water. Hang the garment outside in the sun to dry, then launder as usual.

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Mustard Stains

mustard stain

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Mustard stains require a bit of persistence. Start by applying undiluted vinegar to the stain and allowing it to soak in. If that doesn't do it, you may also need to treat the spot with laundry detergent. Just work it into the stain and throw the clothing in the wash, checking to make sure the stain is out before you dry the garment. Repeat the process, if necessary.

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Sweat Stains

sweat stain on a shirt

The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

To remove sweat stains, pour vinegar over the discolored area and rub coarse salt into it. Table salt will work if it's all you have. Place the garment out in the sun to dry before washing it.

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Grass Stains

vinegar next to grass and stains

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

To remove grass stains, soak the garment in undiluted vinegar for 30 minutes, then launder it. If you can still see signs of the stain after washing, try making a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Use an old toothbrush to coat the stain, then launder it again.

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Ink Stains

ink stain on fabric

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Defeat stubborn ink stains by spraying the stain with hairspray, then dabbing vinegar on the hairspray to remove it--and the ink.

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Blood Stains

blood stain on fabric

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Fast action is the cure for blood stains. Pour vinegar over the stain and allow it to soak for 15 minutes before rinsing it with cool water. Repeat if necessary, and wash immediately.

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Set-In Stains

using a paste of vinegar and baking soda

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Saturate set-in stains with vinegar, then rub the spot with a paste made from equal parts vinegar and baking soda. You can add a couple of tablespoons each of vinegar and laundry detergent to a bucket of water and soak the garment overnight if the stain persists. Then, rinse and wash.

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Crayon Stains

crayon stains on a shirt

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Rub vinegar into the crayon stain with a brush (an old toothbrush works great), then toss the garment in the wash.

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Vomit Stains

soiled linens

The Spruce

Rinse the garment in cool water to remove as much of the vomit as possible, then soak the vomit stain in vinegar and wash the garment. Repeat the process, if necessary.

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Rust Stains

Rust

101cats / E+ / Getty Images

To remove a rust stain, soak a cotton ball in vinegar and use it to blot the stain. Cover the stain with a thin layer of salt and rub it into the vinegar and the fabric. Lay the garment outside in direct sunlight until the stain has faded, then wash as usual.

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Iron Scorch Marks

iron on ironing board

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Accidentally leave the iron on your clothes for too long? Reverse the damage by soaking a cotton ball or rag in vinegar and dabbing at the scorched area. Blot the stain with a clean rag, which should lift the stain. It may take more than one application to remove the scorch mark fully.

What are the hardest stains to remove?

Removing stains — whether from fabrics, carpets, and even appliances — can be all sorts of frustrating. Some of the common questions that most people ask when getting them are: "How to remove old stains from clothes?" "How to remove stains on white shirt?" or "How to remove stain from colored clothes?" On a normal cleaning routine, the ever-dependable combination of soap and water can do the magical trick on removing common stains like dirt and mud. But for these 8 hardest and stubborn stains to remove, you would be needing more than that to get rid of them.

1. HOT COCOA

Hot cocoa may be the drink that you’ve always turned to for comfort, but it can also be your worst and hardest enemy as a stain. Cocoa is made up of some of the world’s toughest stains. It is essentially made from chocolate, which by itself is already a big culprit for dark stains. Apart from this, the drink also proves to be a tough stain to remove because it has the strong combination of proteins, fat, and sugar. If you also like putting milk onto your drink, this only makes it even harder to beat. But you don’t need to ditch this classic drink out of fear! To remove it, rinse the area first with cold water. After the traces of the stains begin to disappear, you can switch to lukewarm water. To wash it off and remove the stains, try to use a mild soap or a detergent to continue breaking up the fat and sugar on the stains. To further remove it, using a hydrogen peroxide or a cleaning bleach would be your best choices.

2. POOP

Whether abruptly unleashed by your pet or kid, getting the slightest hint of poop stain can ruin any fabric or carpeting. For unsanitary and hazardous stains like this one, you would need to act fast to remove it. Prolonging your washing process for a poop stain will only worsen the odor and result in more difficult cleaning and scrubbing. For pets, you would need to treat the fabric or carpet using a pet stain solution. For humans, it is recommended to get liquid or gel-based enzyme cleaners to combat the germs that have come with the poop stains. For best results, follow the step-by-step instructions on these cleaning solutions and repeat the process until you restore the surface’s original shine.

3. BLOOD

Getting hit with injuries is a daily possibility that we need to always be prepared for. From cuts to grazes to unceremonious bouts of nosebleeding, you can expect to get your clothes dotted with dark red stains if any of these happen to you. The proteins found in blood and the pigments that make up for it all contribute to a difficult stain removal process such as a hot cocoa drink. However, for all the likelihood of getting these stains is also the possibility of erasing them. To clean blood stains, clean the fabric in cold water until most of the marks left by the fresh blood is removed. Afterwards, use a stain remover for clothes that is enzyme-based or baking soda to help in removing the stain. Enzymes in particular are powerful in breaking down this type of stain.

Read also: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON REMOVING BLOOD STAINS FROM YOUR BED

4. PERMANENT MARKER

It may be called a permanent marker for a reason, but this doesn’t mean that you should face defeat right away when it comes to removing its stain! As a matter of fact, you can remove these stains with the help of the right set of cleaning tools. First, cleaning it by using an ink solvent will help a lot in breaking down the stain. But in order to fully remove the pesky ink stains on your fabric, you need to brush it with a stiff and bristled cleaning brush until you can no longer see traces of any ink. Afterwards, finish and remove it by rinsing the material with clean and warm water.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Clothes after Washing with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Read also: HOW TO REMOVE PERMANENT MARKET STAINS

5. TOMATO SAUCE

Are you a huge fan of spaghetti or pizza? Then chances are you have already experienced getting your shirt or any type of clothing stained while eating these dishes. The tomato meat sauce is one of the hardest stains to remove because of the grease and oil that come along with the mix. Luckily for you, you can continue eating your favorite pepperoni pizza or Italian spaghetti as long as you know how to clean tomato sauce stains. To start, you need to soak the stained fabric in cool water. Afterwards, add in a tablespoon of white vinegar to the mix. You can also use a spot treatment solution to break and weaken the particles that come with the stain. Once you’re done with the cold water, wash it with hot water and your strongest laundry detergent to fully get rid of any greasy residue.

6. GRASS STAINS

Removing grass stains is another stubborn mark that needs proper cleaning. People who are into sports usually fall prey to this dirty culprit. So how do you clean grass stains? First, you need to apply a stain treatment directly to the grass stain and hand wash the fabric. You can also use diluted white vinegar to get rid of any of the stain’s residue.

7. RED WINE

Curing a wine hangover is hard but removing its stain is even harder! If you encounter wine spills over your shirt or dress or any type of clothing, there’s no reason to panic. With the help of some natural cleaning ingredients and knowing how to wash it properly, you can remove wine stains just as fast as you can down a hangover with your favorite painkiller. First you need to do is to try removing the stain with a handful of salt. Afterwards, the salt will begin absorbing the wine stain’s color, turning it into pink. Once this is noticeable, you can soak the clothing in cool water mixed with a few cups of enzyme detergent and allow it to soak overnight. However, if you find that you still aren’t able to remove the wine stain altogether, then it’s time to turn to the power of a heavy duty cleaning detergent.

Read also: HOW TO REMOVE RED WINE STAINS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

8. CHOCOLATE

Whether you’re an adult or a child, chances are you love eating anything made of chocolate. That’s why it also comes as no surprise that chocolate stains are the bane of every shirt’s existence. To remove these sweet and sticky stains, start by removing any trace of excess choco stain on the fabric. When that’s done, start pre-treating the stain by using a stain detergent and then wash it. You can then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to help wash away the stain and rinse the fabric to its original clean state.

What stains clothes permanently?

Uh-oh! We’ve all been there! Dropping or spilling food items or otherwise on clothing, furniture, or your carpet! It can be a frustrating experience, and while your first instinct may be to toss the item, take account of the ten worst stains and how to treat them.

1. Tomato Sauce & Ketchup

Tomato sauce and ketchup are particularly unfriendly con clothing. Still, you can get a ketchup or tomato sauce stain out! Remove the excess sauce if you can, then blot the stain with a clean cloth. Next, mix cold water with a tablespoon of liquid detergent and apply the solution to the stain – blotting the area until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

2. Blood

Blood can be particularly tricky to remove. Soak the item in cold water and rub the spot with your fingers until the water stops turning pink. Next, rinse the garment, blot the stain, and apply a stain remover with extra stain-fighting power, allowing the item to sit before you wash it. Next, wash the item as normal. If the stain still hasn’t been removed, try hydrogen peroxide, but be wary as this can discolor some fabrics.

3. Red Wine

Red wine stains can be removed by first, covering the stain in salt in order to absorb the color. Next, soak the stain in cold water with enzymatic laundry detergent and leave it overnight. Repeat this step until the stain is removed, then wash as normal. In the event that you can’t wash your garment right away, treat it with a Tide to Go pen!

4. Chocolate

First, remove the excess chocolate from the garment. Then, pre-treat the stain with a stain-release liquid, using a bristled toothbrush to spread the detergent effectively. Once you’ve done this, let the garment sit for five to ten minutes, and wash as normal on the hottest wash temperature available.

5. Fruit & Fruit Juice

Try to treat fruit and fruit juice stains immediately before they get the chance to permanently stain your clothes. Stretch the fabric so it’s taught, then pour water over the stain to remove it. Next, let the garment soak in a water white vinegar mixture for an hour and rinse it until the stain disappears.

6. Grass

To remove grass from your garment, apply stain remover directly onto the stain and rub the fabric together. Next, wash the garment as normal, and once washed, apply a diluted white vinegar solution to remove any color that remains.

7. Coffee

To remove coffee from a garment, run cold water over the stain and use stain remover directly. Rub the fabric gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then let it sit for a moment. Lastly, without rinsing the item, wash it on the usual cycle with the hottest temperature water possible.

8. Grease

If you get grease on your clothes, rinse the stain as soon as possible with cold water and rub dish soap on the stain to loosen it. If necessary, repeat this step. Once you’re loosened the stain properly, rub the area with a stain remover, saturating the stain, and without rinsing, wash the item with the hottest temperature of water indicated.

9. Ink

A hand hack to remove ink from clothing is using a hairspray! Place a paper towel under the stain, then spray the ink. After letting it soak for a few seconds, blot the stain with a clean cloth and repeat this process until the stain is removed.

10. Perspiration

Perspiration is a difficult stain to remove. After using a prewash stain remover and allowing the item to sit for a moment, wash your item in the hottest water recommended with an enzyme detergent and a bleach. Lastly, to remove odor, use scented laundry detergent packs to fight set-in odors.

Removing touch stains is a breeze when you go to the experts! Contact Fluff & Fold to learn about our pricing options.

Can baking powder remove stains?

Baking soda is gentle enough to be used on any fabric. If you weren’t aware already, Baking soda acts as a natural bleach, cleanser, deodoriser, fabric softener and is great at tackling tough stains.

Pre-Soak with Baking Soda

To pre-soak your clothes before washing, fill up a bucket of water and add a cup of baking soda. Add your clothes into the bucket, swirl them around and leave to sit for a few hours to overnight. Although not a ‘stain’, pre-soaking helps to eliminate musty smells.

Pre-Treat with Baking Soda

There are two ways to remove stains with Baking via pre-treating. You can either sprinkle baking soda directly onto it or create a paste by mixing it with a 2:1 ratio of baking soda and water.

Grease stains- apply baking soda onto stain and leave for 30 mins to 1 hour.

Sweat stains- rub paste on stained area and let sit for a few mins.

Blood stains- rub paste on stained area and let sit for a 1 hour.

Vomit stains- apply baking soda directly onto stain and leave for 1 hour.

Fruit juice stains- apply baking soda onto stain, leave to sit, then rinse from the back of the stain.

If the stain is dry, use the paste method, but if it is wet, sprinkle baking soda on it.

Add Baking Soda In The Wash

You can add 1/2 a cup of baking soda directly into the wash, along with your clothes and detergent, or you can add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle. Adding a cup of white vinegar will enhance baking soda effects.

Is baking soda good for clothes?

Sweaty gym clothes. Muddy kids’ clothes. Stale work clothes. With so many different fabrics, messes, and odors to get clean, a hamper full of dirty laundry can give your detergent a good workout.

No matter which detergent you choose, you can boost its cleaning and deodorizing power by adding ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda. How? Chemistry! When paired with your laundry detergent, ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda uses the power of pure sodium bicarbonate — a natural occurring substance — to:

Neutralize odors by balancing pH levels, and

Soften wash water, so you can use less detergent or bleach — and make it more effective

Here are 5 easy steps to whiter whites, cleaner clothes and a new level of freshness:

Place your clothes in the washer

Add ½ cup of baking soda to your washer

Add detergent, like ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters.

Run the wash cycle

Add another ½ cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle

Does baking soda leave a stain?

Sometimes, when arriving to clean carpets, we have found that people have already tried a number of things and when what they have not succeeded, they have called us. “Does baking soda stain carpet?” is asked of us regulary.

We find that there are a number of assumptions which are made or passed on which do not work and can make things worse.

The problem is that some of the substances put on the carpet can make it more difficult to remove the marks.

28 STAIN REMOVAL LIFE HACKS TO SAVE YOUR DAY

Salt

Over and over again, in doing a pre-inspection before starting the carpet cleaning, a client would point out a stain and say what caused the mark then say that salt was put on beacuse it was thought it would draw the stain out. Salt may draw some of the moisture, there are other effects that you don’t want.

The daying process often uses salt. Some people think that this to fix the dye to the fibres. This is not accurate. When salt is in the dying process, it is to take the colour out of the dyeing solution and drive it on fibre.

In putting salt on a stain, like red wine, you could be helping the colour penetrate the carpet fibres which is not something you want to do.

Does baking soda stain carpet?

While bicarbonate of soda (baking soda, sodium bicarbonate) can remove some marks on your carpet but only when used with an acid solution. If you use it without the acid (something like vinegar) it does little.

The problem with this is that it depends on what you are trying to remove. A side effect of using this is you end up with a white residue which can be hard to remove. There are easier ways to get the same result.

We are often asked if baking soda will stain carpet. We have never found that bicarb or baking soda (the same thing) to ever stain carpet. Some are also concerned that the vinegar will bleach carpet. There is little risk of this happening, even with woollen carpets.

Supermarket Carpet Cleaners

Watch out for these products and don’t use them. Most of these products contain bleach which can take the colour out of the carpet. Not all carpet are the same so you could be lucky but why risk it?

Also, you are leaving the product on the carpet allowing the bleach to continue working after you’re done. Another reason is because a sticky residue can be left on the carpet and as a result, can attract more dirt.

At the end of the day, to get the best result and avoid damaging your carpet. Use a trained and certified professional to treat any stains you have or general carpet cleaning.

How long do you leave baking soda on a stain?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is usually associated with baking. But this alkaline substance can be used for so much more.

Associate Professor Roderick Bates, from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at Nanyang Technological University, says: "As a weak alkali or base, it can be effective in neutralising acidic things, such as removing certain pesticides and the odour of smelly feet, but a wash with plain water would do just as well in many cases."

He adds that it is non-toxic and thus safe for most uses. He says baking soda may have some antibacterial properties, but cautions against claims that it can prevent and heal cancer.

Also, be sure not to confuse it with baking powder, which is also used as a leavener in baking. Unlike baking soda, baking powder, which contains baking soda and other ingredients, is not ideal for cleaning.

GET RID OF BAD ODOUR

What: Use baking soda to remove bad smells from clothes, especially the odour of heavy perspiration.

How:

1. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to make a paste.

2. Rub the paste on the affected spots on garments, for example, the neck or armpit areas.

3. Let the paste sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse off.

Tip: If the smell is very strong, dissolve a cup of baking soda in a basin of water, let the clothes soak overnight and then wash them the next day.

GET RID OF STAINS

What: Baking soda can remove food and drink stains from clothes.

How:

1. Make a paste of two to three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub the paste on the affected areas.

2. Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse and scrub the stain off or put the garment into the washing machine.

Tip: To remove tougher, older stains, leave the paste on for an hour or two. Make sure the clothing is "colour- fast" before applying the paste or the colour may run.

(Photo: The Straits Times)

MAKE HOUSE FIXTURES SPARKLE

What: Baking soda, when combined with white vinegar, can be used as a non-toxic cleaner to remove tough stains from the toilet bowl.

How:

1. Sprinkle about a cup of baking soda onto the sides of the toilet bowl and wash it off with about two cups of white vinegar.

2. Leave for 10 to 30 minutes.

3. Scour the toilet bowl with a toilet brush. Flush.

Tip: Taps (pictured), sink drains and floor traps can be cleaned using the same method.

(Photo: The Straits Times)

CLEAN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

What: Baking soda can be used safely to clean fruit and vegetables before cooking. It is said to be effective in removing certain pesticides.

How:

1. Put fruit and vegetables in a bowl and cover with water. Mix in a spoonful or two of baking soda (pictured).

2. Soak for about 30 minutes.

3. Rinse the fruit and vegetables thoroughly and pat dry before eating or cooking.

Tip: This method of cleaning is especially useful if one intends to eat fruit and vegetables with the skin on.

10. REMOVE STAINS ON TEETH

What: Remove stains on teeth caused by coffee, curry and other food.

How to Remove Armpit Yellow Stains from White Shirts with Baking Soda - CleanBoo

How:

1. Add one part water to one part baking soda to make a paste.

2. Put some paste on a toothbrush, about the same amount as you would toothpaste.

3. Brush teeth for a couple of minutes. Rinse mouth.

Tip: Some have suggested adding lemon juice to the paste for a "whitening" effect. Do not do this. According to dental surgeon Sufrie Mohamad Ishak from Parkway Dental Practice, lemon juice is very acidic and, over time, brushing teeth with such a mixture will erode the outer layer of the tooth enamel, causing sensitivity.

He also warned against replacing regular toothpaste with baking soda as toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.

How do you use baking soda to remove stains?

You can get stains out of clothing and fabric without using toxic chemicals. Many household items make natural, non-toxic and safe stain removers. Vinegar and baking soda take care of most stains and leave clothes fresh and clean in the process (see References 1). Milk, lemon juice, salt, club soda and glycerin also remove some stains from cloth (see References 3).

Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar removes perspiration stains and odor, as well as stains from deodorants. Rub straight white vinegar onto the stained area before washing the garment. (See References 1) Remove scorch marks and coffee stains from clothes by applying undiluted white vinegar to the stain (see References 3). Wool and silks take on a yellow tint over time. Fill a bucket with 1 pint of warm water and add a tablespoon of vinegar. Sponge the vinegar solution over the fabric and then wash to brighten the garment and take the yellow out. (See References 1)

Baking Soda

Baking soda, also called bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate, lifts stains from fabric. Mix 4 tbsp. of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water to make a general stain remover. Use the paste on perspiration stains and collar rings before washing. (See References 1) Rub baking soda onto rust stains and fresh grease stains and use it to clean cloth diapers (see References 3). Apply baking soda to bad stains and let it sit for three hours before washing (see References 1).

Other Stain Removers

Remove chocolate stains by soaking the fabric in club soda and then washing it (see References 1). Lipstick stains and ink stains require a 30-minute soak in straight milk (see References 3). Lemon juice cuts through raspberry stains, rust stains and perspiration marks (see References 1, 3). Apply straight table salt to fresh red wine stains, let it sit for an hour or two and wash. Use glycerin to remove tea, perfume, cola and mustard stains. (See References 3)

Soaking Stains

Remove blood stains before they set into the fabric. Fill a bowl or bucket with cold water and soak the fabric for 10 minutes before washing with soap. A fresh stain comes out more easily than an old, set stain, so treat stains as soon as possible. Even if you don't have time to wash the clothes right away, get the stain soaking. Always use cold water to soak stains. Hot water simply sets the stain in the fabric, making removal impossible. (See References 3)

Can baking soda remove old stains?

A baking soda paste is a great option to use to pretreat even the toughest stains. Making a baking soda paste requires only water and baking soda. To make it, mix a two to one ratio of baking soda and warm water in a small bowl. If you use 1 cup of baking soda, you'll only need 1/2 a cup of water.

This pasty mixture can be applied to stained clothing before laundering. A baking soda paste helps draw the stain out of the fabric to be trapped and held in the baking soda. As the paste dries, it removes the stains. Before using baking soda, be sure to check for colorfastness first. Don't be afraid to change up the amount of water you add to make a paste to the consistency that you like working with.

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How to Remove Red Wine Stains From Carpet

Smelly Stains

Stains that have a really bad odor benefit from baking soda as a pre-treater. Dried baking soda sucks up moisture and laundry odors as it sits in contact with them. Pouring baking soda on a wet stain and allowing it to sit can help remove both the stain and the odor. Be sure to brush off the baking soda into the sink or the trash before washing through the regular cycle.

Using baking soda to treat odor

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Blood Stains

Use a baking soda paste rubbed onto a dampened blood stain. Allow it to sit for up to an hour. It can help lift the stain from the fabric. Because baking soda also can whiten, it will help to remove the color or dye portion of the stain as well.

using baking soda to remove blood stains

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Sweat

A baking soda paste can be useful in banishing sweat stains and odors on clothing. Rub the paste onto the stained area of the clothing before laundering. Tough stains may need to let the paste sit for one to two hours. Just brush the baking soda off into a sink or trash before washing normally. Once again, the baking soda also works to absorb any odors from the clothing that may be lingering.

using baking soda to remove odors

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Fruit and Wine Stains

Fruit and wine stains need to be treated right away, but if you're in a hurry, pour a little baking soda on the stain, and then later run hot water through the back of the stain. This is an emergency pretreating method that really works. The baking soda soaks up any liquid remaining on the clothing as it sits and dries.

baking soda used to treat red wine stains

The Spruce / Danielle Holstein

Vomit

Usually, a lot is going on when you have someone throwing up in your home. Trying to deal with the laundry at that moment is not easy. And even if you did deal with it right away, the smell of vomit can linger even in clothing that has been washed. Sprinkling baking soda on the site and rubbing it in can help remove the smell when it is washed. This is especially helpful with spit-up when washing baby clothes. You can even pour baking soda on the stained area and then come back to it later when life calms down and you actually have the time to work on the stain. The baking soda will have absorbed the remaining liquid and helped to absorb odors, too.

baking soda cover stain

FAMILY HANDYMAN

Want a cheap ingredient for whitening and brightening laundry, and eliminating odors and stains? Turn to good old reliable baking soda.

There’s a secret weapon for your laundry room that you may have never thought of. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has a multitude of uses for baking, personal health and hygiene and household chores.

Goodbye to Yellow Armpit Stains!

When used as part of your laundry routine, it can help whiten and brighten clothes, eliminate stubborn odors and stamp out stains. Plus, at about $1.25 per pound, it’s one of the cheapest ingredients you can find to up your laundry game. Read on for eight ways to use baking soda in your laundry room.

On This Page

As an Odor Fighter

As a Stain Remover

For Extra-Clean Clothes

As an Alternative to Bleach

To Sanitize New Baby Clothes

As an Unscented Fabric Softener

To Save on Detergent

To Clean Up a Laundry “Oops”

As an Odor Fighter

Baking soda is alkaline, so it neutralizes acids — and many of the nastiest odors, such as sweat, urine and vomit, are acidic. If you’re wondering how to get cat pee out of clothes, try baking soda. Leslie Reichert, who runs the Green Cleaning Coach website, suggests adding a few tablespoons of baking soda to your regular laundry soap to help remove odors. For really tough odors, soak the smelly item overnight in a baking soda and water solution.

As a Stain Remover

According to baking soda manufacturer Arm & Hammer, baking soda and water are a potent duo for stain removal.

Make a paste with six tablespoons of baking soda and 1/3 cup of warm water, rub it into the stain and let it do its thing. The baking soda will lift the stain out of the fibers. Discard the baking soda before you put the item in the washer. For oily stains, Reichert recommends sprinkling baking soda directly on the stain and letting it sit overnight before washing.