Budget-friendly homemade stain removers

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When a blouse gets stained with makeup, or your son spills juice all over his uniform, mommies tend to reach for the bleach or other chemical stain removers to take out these stains. But apart from being costly, these detergents and stain removers are made from chemicals and come in plastic packaging that are not exactly eco-friendly. 

 

With the help of chemist Janir Dalukan, “Good News” shows us that removing pesky stains in our clothes doesn’t require expensive fabric detergents. Next time you do the laundry, try these five cheap and homemade stain remover recipes that will keep clothes extra clean in a natural way.

 

Citrus stain remover

 

What it does: Removes food stains on fabric

 

Aside from ascorbic acid, citrus peel also contains added special component called limonene. “Ang limonene ay medyo oily so madaling madi-dissolve ang [food] stains at ilan pang oily stains like grease,” says Dalukan.

 

Ingredients:

Citrus fruit peel (e.g. orange peel and lemon peel)

Brown sugar

Yeast

 

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Leave the mixture covered overnight to let the peels release its natural juice. Rub the stain off using this solution, then wash as usual.

 

Cost: P20 to P40

 

Homemade fabric whitener

 

What it does: Whitens and disinfects clothes

 

Instead of reaching for commercial bleach, use this natural stain remover to brighten your white clothes. Hydrogen peroxide is a kinder alternative that can whiten and remove stains with a milder chemical structure than bleach.

 

Ingredients:

Dishwashing liquid

Baking soda

Hydrogen peroxide

 

Instructions:

Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Rub it into the yellowish areas of your white fabric and let it set for a couple of minutes before laundering.

 

Cost: P30

 

Ammonia-based stain remover

 

What it does: Removes make up stains on clothes

 

According to Dalukan, liquid detergent helps balance the effect of ammonia on clothes. “Nakakatulong ito kasi nga very harsh ‘yung chemicals ng ammonia, pero not harsh enough para sirain ‘yung fabric.”

 

Ingredients:

Ammonia

Liquid detergent

 

Insructions:

Combine ammonia and liquid detergent. Use the mixture to spot treat make up stains and other smudges on clothes. Wash as usual.

 

Cost: P25

 

All-natural stain remover

 

What it does: Wipes off ink stains on fabric

 

Vinegar and cornstarch, when combined, produces an all-natural product that can easily wipe off tough stains like ink. “Maganda talaga ‘yung vinegar kasi acidic siya,” Dalukan explains. “‘Yung cornstarch naman, ang maganda sa kanya, medyo adsorbent ‘yung material, meaning dumidikit at kumakapit sa kanya ‘yung ink.”

 

Ingredients:

Vinegar

Cornstarch

 

Insructions:

Stir the vinegar and cornstarch together. Let the mixture soak for a few minutes before using on areas with ink stains.

 

Cost: P10

 

Aspirin stain remover

 

What it does: Removes tough stains on collar

 

Asprin contains salicylic acid which is known to treat skin problems. However, it can also be used to rub off stains on clothes, particularly on areas prone to tough stains like the collar. Dalukan explains, “Ang mga kuwelyo, kadalasan meron ‘yang stains at oils galing sa katawan ng tao na mabilis ding mag-react d’un sa salicylic acid.”

 

Ingredients:

Water

Aspirin

 

Instructions:

Place the aspirin in water, mix and wait until it dissolves. Use the solution to spot treat stains on collar. Wash as usual.

 

Cost: P15 —Donna Allanigue/CM, GMA News