People have been dealing with stained clothing since they began wearing clothes. And although there are tons of commercial stain removers on the market, I’ve had the most success with one of the oldest recipes around. Since the original 17th and 18th century recipes that Sarah Munro has researched all use lye soap, this recipe has been updated for the 21st century with great success. (Sarah, a PhD historian, is the heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH.)
This recipe uses a combination of Dawn dishwashing liquid and 3% Hydrogen Peroxide but make sure to get the original Dawn. The newer formulations have all sorts of additives that you don’t need, and some of these additives are petroleum-based and leave behind a slight reside on fabrics.
For tough stains, spray the fabric (or soak in a bucket for larger pieces of clothing/fabric) and sprinkle on some baking soda. Use an old toothbrush to blend it all together, let it sit for an hour, and then launder as usual. I have used this recipe on all sorts of fabrics and stains and it has never failed me. It works on coffee, tire grease, chocolate, etc. And if the stain doesn’t all come out the first time, you may need to do a second round. Good luck!
Sarah Munro’s Natural Stain Remover
Equipment & Ingredients
Directions:
In a large glass measuring cup, mix one part Dawn dishwashing liquid and 2 parts 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. I prefer to use 1/2 cup of Dawn and 1 cup of peroxide per recipe. Stir gently and pour into a spray bottle, using a funnel if necessary.
To use, spray directly on the stain and launder as usual.
If you have a tougher stain, like yellowed underarms, spray the stain with the remover, sprinkle on some baking soda (you can never use too much), and use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain. Let the mixture sit for an hour and then launder as usual.
If you are using this remover on items that are hard to rinse, like a carpet or mattress stain, increase the amount of Hydrogen Peroxide to 3-4 parts per 1 part of Dawn. You will get fewer suds. Rinse with a wet sponge and let air dry.
NOTE: 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, even at the higher amounts, won’t bleach fabrics or textiles. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is the common type found in grocery stores and drug stores and it doesn’t act like a bleach. Bleaching isn’t an issue until you get to the 6% solution which usually needs to be special ordered.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
