Tackling tough stains doesn't have to mean resorting to harsh chemicals! Our homes are filled with the potential for spills and messes, but thankfully, there are simple, effective, and natural ways to keep your clothes looking fresh and new.
We've gathered some fantastic DIY stain remover recipes that use common household ingredients to banish everything from grease to grass stains, saving you money and keeping your fabrics in top shape..
Table of Contents
1. DIY Stain Remover with Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Dish Soap
This homemade stain remover is a powerhouse for tackling stubborn stains.
It cleverly combines the grease-cutting ability of dish soap with the gentle abrasive power of baking soda and the stain-lifting properties of hydrogen peroxide.
It's perfect for getting out those pesky grease, oil, and even older set-in stains, leaving your clothes looking refreshed and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Dish soap
Benefits:
- Effective on tough stains
- Gentle on fabrics
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: Always spot test on an inconspicuous area of colored fabrics first, as hydrogen peroxide can sometimes lighten colors.
Get the Recipe: DIY Stain Remover with Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Dish Soap
2. Natural Stain Remover with Castile Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
This natural stain remover is a fantastic option for everyday messes and even those dreaded grass stains.
It uses gentle castile soap to lift away dirt and grime, while hydrogen peroxide works to break down stains.
A touch of citrus or lemon essential oil adds a lovely, fresh scent, making laundry day a little more pleasant..
Key Ingredients:
- Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Citrus Fresh or Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Tackles grass and dirt stains
- Fresh, natural scent
- Chemical-free
Pro Tip: Avoid using the dryer until you're absolutely sure the stain is gone, as heat can set stains permanently.
Get the Recipe: Natural Stain Remover with Castile Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
3. Ultimate DIY Stain Remover with Dawn Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
This simple yet incredibly effective stain remover combines the grease-fighting power of Dawn dish soap with the stain-lifting properties of hydrogen peroxide.
It's your go-to for tackling everything from oily spots to armpit stains.
This two-ingredient wonder is so good, it's become a favorite for getting clothes looking like new again..
Key Ingredients:
- Dawn dishwashing liquid
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Benefits:
- Excellent for grease and oil
- Tackles stubborn stains
- Simple and fast
Pro Tip: Store this mixture in a dark-colored spray bottle in a cool, dark place, as light can degrade hydrogen peroxide.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate DIY Stain Remover with Dawn Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
4. Homemade Stain Remover Spray with Vinegar and Essential Oils
This versatile homemade stain remover spray is a treat for your fabrics and smells wonderfully fresh! It combines gentle ingredients like vinegar and castile soap, boosted by the power of essential oils like tea tree, lemon, and eucalyptus.
It works on clothes, furniture, and carpets, making it a must-have for any household..
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Vinegar
- Castile soap
- Vegetable glycerin
- Tea tree essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
Benefits:
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Pleasant natural scent
- Easy to customize
Pro Tip: For extra deodorizing power on stubborn odors or pet stains, add a little baking soda to the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Stain Remover Spray with Vinegar and Essential Oils
5. The Ultimate Stain Remover Paste: Dish Soap, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide
This powerful DIY stain remover comes in a convenient paste form, perfect for really digging into tough stains.
It's a simple mix of dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide that creates a potent cleaning solution.
This recipe is a family heirloom, proving its effectiveness for generations in lifting even the most challenging marks..
Key Ingredients:
- Dawn dishwashing liquid
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
Benefits:
- Tackles set-in stains
- Gentle yet effective
- Saves clothes from ruin
Pro Tip: For deep-set stains, allow the paste to sit for at least an hour, or even overnight, for maximum effectiveness.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Stain Remover Paste: Dish Soap, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide
6. All-Purpose Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap Stain Remover Spray
This easy-to-make spray is a powerhouse for tackling a variety of stains.
Combining hydrogen peroxide and natural dish soap, it cuts through grease and lifts away marks without harsh chemicals.
It's a fantastic go-to for everyday laundry mishaps, leaving fabrics fresh and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Natural Dish Soap
- Baking Soda (optional)
- Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Effective on various stains
- Natural ingredients
- Cuts through grease
Pro Tip: For extra tough stains, try sprinkling baking soda on top of the sprayed area and gently scrubbing before letting it sit.
Get the Recipe: All-Purpose Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap Stain Remover Spray
7. Natural Stain Remover Stick with Essential Oils
This versatile stain remover stick is a game-changer for busy households.
Crafted with simple, non-toxic ingredients like castile soap and washing soda, it gently tackles tough stains without any harsh chemicals.
Keep one handy for quick fixes and enjoy a more natural approach to laundry..
Key Ingredients:
- Bar Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Water
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Natural and non-toxic
- Easy to use
- Tackles tough stains
Pro Tip: Citrus essential oils are great for added grease-cutting power, but the stick works wonderfully even without them.
Get the Recipe: Natural Stain Remover Stick with Essential Oils
8. Simple Equal Parts Stain Remover: Dawn, Peroxide & Baking Soda
This incredibly simple DIY stain remover is a must-have for busy parents.
By mixing equal parts of Blue Dawn dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda, you create a potent paste that tackles everything from chocolate and mud to mystery yellow spots.
It's a budget-friendly way to keep clothes looking like new..
Key Ingredients:
- Blue Dawn Dish Soap
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Works on a variety of stains
- Inexpensive to make
- Easy to prepare
Pro Tip: For set-in stains, try letting the mixture sit for up to an hour before washing for maximum effectiveness.
Get the Recipe: Simple Equal Parts Stain Remover: Dawn, Peroxide & Baking Soda
9. Natural Stain Removers for Furniture, Walls, and Upholstery
Discover gentle yet effective natural solutions for stains on furniture, walls, and upholstery.
These simple recipes utilize ingredients like lemon essential oil, sal suds, vinegar, and baking soda to lift away marks without causing damage.
Perfect for unexpected messes from kids and pets..
Key Ingredients:
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Sal Suds
- White Vinegar
- Hot Water
- Baking Soda
- Castile Soap
- Lavender Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Versatile for different surfaces
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Effective on tough stains
Pro Tip: For wooden furniture, a drop or two of pure lemon essential oil applied with a microfiber cloth can work wonders on marker stains.
Get the Recipe: Natural Stain Removers for Furniture, Walls, and Upholstery
10. 3-Ingredient Miracle Stain Remover
This simple yet effective stain remover uses just three common household ingredients to tackle almost any stain.
It's a true lifesaver for everyday spills like chocolate and pizza sauce, and can even work on older, set-in stains.
It's a must-try for anyone looking for a powerful yet natural way to keep clothes looking fresh..
Key Ingredients:
- Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Effective on a wide range of stains
- Easy to make
- Uses common ingredients
Pro Tip: For best results, let the mixture sit on the stain for at least an hour, or even overnight, before washing.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Miracle Stain Remover
11. Chemical-Free Stain Removal Essentials
Embrace a greener approach to laundry with this guide to chemical-free stain removal.
It highlights essential natural agents like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice, and emphasizes acting fast and blotting, not rubbing.
These gentle yet effective methods are kind to your clothes and the environment..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Cold Water
Benefits:
- Gentle on fabrics
- Eco-friendly
- Effective for common stains
Pro Tip: Always test any new natural stain remover on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it doesn't affect the color.
Get the Recipe: Chemical-Free Stain Removal Essentials
12. 4-Ingredient Natural Stain Remover Spray
Say goodbye to stubborn stains with this all-natural, non-toxic spray.
Made with just four simple ingredients, it harnesses the power of vegetable glycerin, castile soap, lemon essential oil, and hydrogen peroxide to cut through grime and grease.
It's a gentle yet tough solution for fresh and even older stains..
Key Ingredients:
- Vegetable Glycerin
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Benefits:
- Non-toxic
- Easy to make
- Tough on tough stains
Pro Tip: For best results, spray stains as soon as possible. For delicate fabrics, gently rub the remover in rather than scrubbing.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Natural Stain Remover Spray
13. 2-Ingredient DIY Laundry Stain Remover
This incredibly easy DIY stain remover requires just two common ingredients: vinegar and dish soap! It's a super cheap and effective alternative to store-bought sprays that really works.
It's perfect for tackling everything from grass stains to blood stains, leaving your clothes clean and fresh..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Blue Dawn Dish Soap
Benefits:
- Super cheap
- Really works!
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: This spray works best on wet or damp laundry. Spray the stain, gently rub it in, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient DIY Laundry Stain Remover
14. Expert Stain Removal Tips and Tricks
Get expert advice on tackling common stains like coffee, wine, grease, and blood.
This guide emphasizes acting quickly, blotting (not rubbing!), and using cold water.
It also offers insights into stain removal methods using simple ingredients like vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda for incredibly clean clothes..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- Vinegar
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Detergent
- Dish Soap
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Covers common stains
- Expert-backed advice
- Simple yet effective methods
Pro Tip: Never put a stained garment in the dryer, as the heat will set the stain permanently. Air dry until you're sure the stain is completely gone.
Get the Recipe: Expert Stain Removal Tips and Tricks
15. Incredible Homemade Eco-Friendly Stain Remover
This homemade stain remover is a game-changer for an eco-friendly laundry routine.
It effectively tackles tough stains like pizza sauce, even on new clothes, without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Using safe ingredients, it's gentle on colors and leaves clothes looking like new..
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
- Biodegradable Soap
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Works on tough stains
- Safe for colors
Pro Tip: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide to avoid bleaching clothing, and store the remover in an amber glass spray bottle in a cool, dark place to maintain its effectiveness.
Get the Recipe: Incredible Homemade Eco-Friendly Stain Remover
16. Easy Removal of Oily Stains from Clothes
Learn quick and easy techniques to banish grease and oil stains from your clothes.
This guide reveals how hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda are your best allies, even for dried-in stains.
It provides a simple, effective method to make those stubborn oily spots disappear and keep your favorite items looking pristine..
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Effective on oil and grease
- Simple steps
- Works on old and new stains
Pro Tip: If an oil stain isn't completely gone after the first wash, repeat the treatment process. Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is gone, as heat sets stains.
Get the Recipe: Easy Removal of Oily Stains from Clothes
17. Dawn Dish Soap, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Remover
This powerful three-ingredient concoction is a game-changer for stubborn stains, especially tough grease marks.
It’s simple to make and incredibly effective, saving your favorite t-shirts and other garments from permanent damage.
The dry cleaner-approved recipe works without fading or bleaching your fabrics, making it a must-have in your laundry routine..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Blue Dawn Dish Soap
Benefits:
- Removes tough grease stains
- Saves favorite garments
- Prevents fading and bleaching
Pro Tip: You can mix this stain remover directly into a dish scrubber for an all-in-one scrubbing tool that's easy to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Dawn Dish Soap, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Remover
18. Dishwasher Liquid for Ink and Grass Stains
Who knew your dishwasher liquid held the secret to tackling tough stains? This hack uses a simple cloth or cotton ball dipped in dishwasher liquid to gently rub away ink, grass, and even cooking oil spills.
It’s a quick and easy solution to try within 30-40 minutes of a stain setting in, preserving your clothes' natural texture..
Key Ingredients:
- Dishwasher Liquid
Benefits:
- Effective on ink and grass stains
- Preserves fabric texture
- Quick and easy application
Pro Tip: This method works best when applied shortly after the stain occurs.
Get the Recipe: Dishwasher Liquid for Ink and Grass Stains
19. Rubbing Alcohol for Ink and Permanent Marker Stains
Ink stains can be notoriously difficult, but rubbing alcohol is a powerful ally.
By placing a paper towel under the stained area and dabbing with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol, you can lift even permanent marker from fabric.
This method is surprisingly effective and a lifesaver for artistic mishaps or accidental pen leaks..
Key Ingredients:
- Rubbing Alcohol
Benefits:
- Removes ink and permanent marker
- Prevents stain bleeding
- Accessible ingredient
Pro Tip: Always test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn't affect the fabric's color.
Get the Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol for Ink and Permanent Marker Stains
20. Vinegar and Water Soak for Grass and Set-In Stains
Don't toss those grass-stained pants just yet! Soaking them in a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water can work wonders.
Vinegar helps break down stubborn stains, leaving clothes looking fresher.
This simple soak is also a great trick for tackling other set-in stains, making your clothes vibrant again..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Water
Benefits:
- Breaks down grass stains
- Revives fabric vibrancy
- Effective for set-in stains
Pro Tip: After soaking, wash the garment as usual to completely remove the stain and any lingering vinegar scent.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Water Soak for Grass and Set-In Stains
21. Oxygen Bleach for Dingy Whites and Yellow Stains
For whites that have lost their sparkle, oxygen bleach is a gentle yet powerful solution.
Unlike harsh chlorine bleach, it lifts dirt and stains without damaging fibers, making it perfect for baby clothes, sheets, and towels.
It's especially effective on yellow pit stains and overall dullness, restoring that pristine white look..
Key Ingredients:
- Oxygen Whitener (Sodium Percarbonate)
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Restores brightness to whites
- Gentle on fabric fibers
- Removes yellow stains and dullness
Pro Tip: Soak whites in a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water for at least two hours, or overnight for stubborn yellowing.
Get the Recipe: Oxygen Bleach for Dingy Whites and Yellow Stains
22. Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Stains
Baking soda, a pantry staple, is surprisingly effective at lifting tough stains.
When mixed with warm water to form a paste, it can be smeared directly onto dye stains.
Let it work its magic overnight, then scrape off the dry powder.
This gentle yet effective method helps remove color bleed and keeps clothes looking fresh..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Warm Water
Benefits:
- Lifts dye stains effectively
- Gentle on fabrics
- Inexpensive and accessible
Pro Tip: Place a piece of cardboard under the stain to prevent the dye from transferring to other parts of the garment while the paste works.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Stains
23. Laundry Stripping for Set-In Stains After Drying
Don't give up on those deeply set-in stains, even if they've been through the dryer multiple times! This laundry stripping recipe uses hot water and a blend of Borax, Tide, and Washing Soda to create a powerful soak.
Agitating the laundry after an overnight soak helps loosen and lift those old, stubborn stains, revealing cleaner fabric..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Tide
- Washing Soda
- Hot Water
Benefits:
- Removes set-in stains
- Effective after drying
- Revives dingy laundry
Pro Tip: For the best results, let your stained laundry soak overnight before agitating and washing.
Get the Recipe: Laundry Stripping for Set-In Stains After Drying
24. White Vinegar and Cold Water Soak for Food and Blood Stains
For fresh food stains or even blood, a quick cold water soak can be a game-changer.
After rinsing, gently rubbing vinegar into the stain can boost its effectiveness.
This simple, natural method helps lift stains and leaves clothes looking fresh and clean, ready for their regular wash..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Cold Water
Benefits:
- Tackles food and blood stains
- Gentle on fabrics
- Natural stain removal
Pro Tip: After the initial cold water rinse and soak, you can rub a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice for an extra boost.
Get the Recipe: White Vinegar and Cold Water Soak for Food and Blood Stains
25. Hydrogen Peroxide and Water for Color Bleed
Accidentally washed colors with your whites? Hydrogen peroxide can help! Mixing equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide creates a mild bleaching solution that can lift those unwanted color transfers.
Soak the stained garment for about half an hour, then rinse thoroughly to reveal brighter, stain-free fabric..
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Water
Benefits:
- Removes color bleed stains
- Mild bleaching action
- Restores fabric brightness
Pro Tip: Always rinse the fabric thoroughly with running water after the hydrogen peroxide soak to remove any residue.
Get the Recipe: Hydrogen Peroxide and Water for Color Bleed