Stains on white clothing need to be removed as quick as possible otherwise they can ruin the clothes
Removing stains from white clothing can be challenging, but you can save time with some cheap and natural solutions already sitting in your kitchen.
It can be incredibly frustrating trying to remove splashes and spills from white clothes as the stains latch onto the fabric and can permanently set into the material
It is essential to act quickly to make sure your clothes are not permanently damaged, and Christine, a laundry expert and the co-founder of Smart Sheep Dryer Balls, has broken down some of the “best” stain removers you likely already have on hand.
She said: “Coffee, wine, and grease leave ugly discolourations. With the right products and methods, you can avoid clothing catastrophes and keep your favourite white tees, button-downs, linens, and dresses looking brand new.”
Some of the most effective solutions include white vinegar, lemon juice or even common salt, which can break down stains while brightening your clothing.
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While frustrating, most stains can be dealt with using simple kitchen ingredients
Tips for removing stains from white clothing instantly
Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most commonly used laundry methods to remove stains as most households have it sitting in their kitchen cupboard.
All you need to do is pour undilated vinegar onto a fresh stain and use a clean towel to carefully blot the stain. Try to avoid excessively rubbing the stain as much as possible, and then wash on a normal cycle on the washing machine.
Christine said: “The vinegar will remain on the fabric, continuing to break down the stain compounds as the item agitates in water.”
This method works best for common stains such as sauces, grass, mud, sweat and deodorant marks, or even more challenging stains such as wine and coffee.
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White vinegar and lemon juice can whiten clothing by targeting the stain
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice “works wonders” to remove yellow stains from white clothes which are older or have not been washed properly. It is also best to use on stains from berries, wine, tomato sauce and mustard stains.
Christine said: “Like vinegar, lemon juice provides natural acidity that breaks down stubborn stains on contact.”
All you need to do is gently blot the stain using a towel and try not to rub at it as it can damage the fabric or make the stain permanent.
After blotting, place on a normal laundry cycle and the lemon juice will continue to break down the stain in the water as it is being washed.
However, be careful to read the instructions first before using this method as lemon juice can permanently alter certain fabrics.
Christine said: “Spot test delicate silks, wools, and coloured fabrics, as lemon juice can lighten some dyes.”
Salt can help remove deeply set stains
Salt
Salt will help remove grease, sweat, wine and grass stains, but can also be used to remove blood stains as well.
Christine said: “Table salt can help draw out liquid spills and deeply set stains. The abrasive grains of salt help scrub the stain, while the salt also draws out and absorbs liquid spills on contact.”
Remove stains with salt by pouring a generous amount of onto a fresh stain, and then allow it to sit for around 10 to 15 minutes.
Blot the stain gently and avoid rubbing, then rinse the fabric under cold water and wash away any salt residue.
Place the clothing in the washing machine on a normal laundry cycle, but wash at the coolest temperature on your washing machine.
Stains will vanish after one normal wash if natural solution are applied correctly
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is the best method for removing blood stains as it is an oxidizing agent, and when used to clean blood it can break down the organic material while also helping loosen the blood from the material.
To use hydrogen peroxide to remove blood stains, rinse the fabric under cold water and then apply the hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes until it begins to bubble.
Then, blot any excess liquid and wash the clothing as normal but use the coolest water temperature your washing machine has.
Christine said: “Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that helps brighten whites and lift set-in stains.
“It naturally degrades over time into just oxygen and water, making it a safe yet powerful stain remover.”