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: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
