6 most common stains and how to effectively remove them
With spring fast approaching, we thought we’d put together some tips and tricks to help you battle stains the eco-friendly way. Whether you’re tackling grass stains made by wandering little ones or a coffee stain from an accidental spill – we’ve got you covered.
When it comes to stains you have to remember to act fast! Those pesky stains have a way of setting into to fibres of your clothing and they do it fast. We’ve found some great stain remover methods and solutions using just a few ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard.
Some general stain removal tips
- Act fast – stains set quickly so you need to act fast
- Always use cold water on your stains
- Don’t let your stains dry, treat them straight away
- Pre-treat with stain remover or discover some natural and eco-friendly ways to treat stains below
- Use a laundry detergent packed with enzymes – our BIO Laundry Detergent Egg would be perfect for this!
1. Coffee stains
A great way to battle a coffee stain is by using a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar and water. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help lift the stain while the vinegar breaks down any oils and residue from the coffee.
How to Remove:
- Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth to absorb excess coffee.
- Mix the vinegar and water, then apply it to the stain.
- Sprinkle the baking soda over the wet area. It will fizz up, helping to lift the stain.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot again and rinse with cold water.
- Wash as normal.
2. Wine stains
Most fear the almighty wine stain, and rightfully so, it’s tricky to lift and you have to act fast. One eco-friendly and natural way to remove a wine stain is using hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
How to Remove:
- Start by blotting the stain as soon as possible to soak up excess wine.
- Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, then apply the mixture to the stain.
- Gently rub in the solution and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash the fabric as usual.
3. Grass stains
Grass stains are notoriously tricky to remove and right up there with wine stains. For a natural and eco-friendly way of removing your grass stains you’ll need some white vinegar and some dish soap.
How to Remove:
- Mix the vinegar and dish soap in a bowl with warm water.
- Soak the stained fabric in the solution for 30 minutes.
- Gently scrub the stain with a brush, then wash in cold water.
4. Grease stains
Removing grease stains can be very tricky. For a natural stain removal solution to battle grease stains, all you need to do is combine cornstarch or baby powder with dish soap and apply it to the stain, it’s as easy as that!
How to Remove:
- Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on the stain to absorb the grease.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes, then gently brush off the powder.
- Apply eco-friendly dish soap directly onto the stain and rub gently.
- Wash the item in cold water.
5. Ink stains
It’s not often that you’re met with an ink stain but it’s a stain you’d want to feel ready and well prepared for. For a natural stain remover solution all you’ll need is equal parts lemon juice and water.
How to Remove:
- Apply lemon juice to the ink stain, then sprinkle with baking soda.
- The mixture will fizz and help lift the ink.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft cloth or brush.
- Rinse with cold water and wash as usual
6. Mud stains
Mud stains are perhaps the easiest stains to tackle but it’s best to be prepared! For a natural stain remover solution for mud stains, all you’ll need is dish soap and baking soda.
How to Remove:
- Let the mud dry completely (don’t try to remove wet mud, as it can spread the stain).
- Scrape off any excess dried mud.
- Mix dish soap with water and gently scrub the area.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the stain to lift any remaining residue.
- Wash as usual.
