Stains happen in every home. They come from food, drinks, or dirt. Many people use store products to clean them. But you can make your own at home. These use items from your kitchen or bathroom. They cost less and work well. This guide shows you how. It covers common stains and simple steps. You will learn recipes that remove tough marks from clothes, carpets, and more.
What You Need for Homemade Stain Removers
Gather these basic items first. Most homes have them. If not, they are cheap to buy.
- Baking soda: Absorbs grease and odors.
- White vinegar: Cuts through coffee and tea marks.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Lifts blood and wine stains. Use on light fabrics.
- Dish soap: Breaks down oil and food spots. Blue Dawn works best.
- Lemon juice: Handles rust and yellow spots.
- Rubbing alcohol: Removes ink and marker.
- Cornstarch: Soaks up fresh oil.
Keep these in a kit under your sink. Add a soft brush and clean cloths.
Basic Homemade Stain Remover Recipe
This mix handles most stains. It uses three items. Make it fresh each time.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap with 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide.
- Add 1 tablespoon baking soda. Stir until it forms a paste.
- Apply to the stain. Rub gently with a cloth.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water. Wash as normal.
Test on a small spot first. This keeps colors safe.
How to Remove Food and Drink Stains
Food spills are common. Drinks like coffee or wine set fast. Use these methods.
Coffee or Tea Stains
Blot the spot with a dry cloth. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dab on the stain. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water. For old marks, add baking soda to the mix.
Red Wine Stains
Pour salt on fresh wine. It absorbs the liquid. Then apply the basic recipe. For dried wine, use hydrogen peroxide. Dab and rinse.
Grease or Oil Stains
Sprinkle cornstarch on the spot. Wait 10 minutes. Brush it off. Then rub in dish soap. Wash in warm water.
How to Remove Makeup and Ink Stains
Makeup and pens leave dark marks. Act fast to lift them.
Lipstick or Foundation
Dab with rubbing alcohol. Use a cotton ball. Rub lightly. Then wash with soap.
Ink Stains
Apply rubbing alcohol. Let it soak for 2 minutes. Blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until gone.
For more cleaning tips, check our guide on how to clean kitchen grease.
How to Remove Blood and Grass Stains
These stains are tough. Cold water helps most.
Blood Stains
Rinse with cold water right away. Apply hydrogen peroxide. It bubbles and lifts the stain. Rinse again.
Grass Stains
Mix dish soap and white vinegar. Rub into the grass mark. Let sit for 10 minutes. Wash in cold water.
How to Remove Old or Set-In Stains
Old stains need more time. Soak them first.
- Mix glycerin with dish soap. Apply to the spot.
- Let it sit overnight.
- Wash in warm water.
For yellow armpit marks, use white vinegar. Soak for 30 minutes.
See our post on removing pet odors from furniture for related advice.
Tips for Safe Stain Removal
Follow these rules to avoid damage.
- Blot stains. Do not rub. This stops spreading.
- Use cold water for protein stains like blood or milk.
- Check fabric labels. Some need dry cleaning.
- Air dry clothes after treatment. Heat sets stains.
- For carpets, use the basic mix. Blot dry.
For eco-friendly options, read about natural cleaning products.
Ways to Prevent Stains
Stop stains before they start.
- Wear aprons when cooking.
- Treat fabrics with protectors.
- Clean spills right away.
- Wash new clothes to set dyes.
For lawn care that cuts down on grass stains, see common lawn diseases fixes.
These methods use what you have at home. They save money and time. Try them next time a stain appears. Your clothes will last longer.