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Stain Toolkit – Detox Diva DIY

Guest Blogger

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Common sense and simple know-how are the main tools for removing stains, but given how advertising has generally brain washed us, it is hard to access this wisdom.

A few guiding principles for stain removal include attending to stains as soon as possible; thinking twice before putting stained clothing in the laundry since the heat of the water and dryer can set a stain; scrape, blog, vacuum, or otherwise remove as much of the stain as you can before treatments; never rub a stain; and identify the stain.

3 percent hydrogen peroxide – Antibacterial, whitening
Citrus solvents – All-purpose stain removal
Cornmeal - Absorb oily and thick, messy stains
Digestive enzymes- Pepsin digests protein-based stains such as milk, and amylase digests carbohydrate stains
Freezer- For freezing and removing gum, gloppy stains, candle wax, etc. (then scrape off)
Glycerin -Softens old, hardened stains; for labels
Hair Dryer – Melts wax (then blot)
Laundry Detergents – Liquid detergent is a good all-around stain remover (rub into stain); powdered detergents are better at oil-based stains
Natural acids, such as lemon juice and vinegar – Neutralizes alkaline stains and odors
Oil – Like removes like, sometimes, so try on labels
Oxy-boost type product – Whiteners
Rags – Great for blotting up liquid stains
Salt – Antibacterial, kills sweat bacteria, non-abrasive cleaner, absorbs liquid
Soap -Cuts grease
Sodium Percarbonate; sodium perborate – Whitener
Spray Bottles – Easy-to-use method of dispersing cleaning products
Toothbrush – Scrubbing hard-to reach areas
Washing soda – Heavy-duty soot and stain remover
Water – A natural solvent; note that warm or cool water is the safest for stain removal because hot water and heat can set stains.

Am I suggesting you don’t buy commercial stain removers? Yes, given the chemicals in such products are often toxic for health and/or the environment, and that the products on the market don’t work any more effectively than the arsenal above. Many synthetic stain removing products are flammable and contain neurotoxic petroleum solvents. Further, synthetic stain removers can harm natural fibers, such as silk and wool.

Join Annie, who will be an expert panelist tomorrow (1/27) for a Twitter Party! We will be talking Dirty Laundry and best cleaning practices.

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of
Healthy Child Healthy World.