Top 10 Toughest Clothes Stains and How to Remove Them Naturally

Tough stains don't stand a chance against our stain removal secrets!

Willow Harper

DIY Cleaning Expert

10th September 2024

Hey there, lovely souls! It’s Willow here, and today we’re talking about something every parent, partner, and busy bee has faced—those stubborn clothes stains that seem impossible to get rid of. You know the ones I’m talking about: grass, grease, coffee spills… the list goes on.

But don’t stress! I’ve got your back with simple, natural ways to tackle even the toughest stains without relying on harsh chemicals. Ready to dive in? Let’s do this!

1. Grass Stains

We’ve all been there—kids playing outside or a day spent gardening, and boom, grass stains! These can be tough, but I’ve got an easy fix.

  • How to remove it : Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda to form a paste. Gently rub it into the stain with a soft cloth and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, toss the clothing into the wash with your regular eco-friendly detergent.

2. Grease Stains

Cooking up a storm or a little too much oil on those hands? Grease stains can be tricky, but here’s a simple hack.

  • How to remove it : Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda directly onto the stain to absorb the grease.

    Let it sit for 15 minutes, then brush it off. Apply a little dish soap and rub it in before washing.

3. Red Wine Stains

We’ve all knocked over a glass of red wine at some point (no judgment here!). Don’t panic—this stain is totally fixable.

  • How to remove it : Dab the area with a mix of half white vinegar, half water. Follow it up with a sprinkle of salt or baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, just wash as usual!

4. Coffee Stains

Morning coffee spill? No biggie! Coffee stains might seem like the end of the world, but they don’t stand a chance with this simple method.

  • How to remove it : Soak the stained fabric in a mix of warm water and white vinegar (about a 1:1 ratio) for 15 minutes. Then, scrub gently with a little baking soda before throwing it into the wash.

5. Ink Stains

Ink stains are a nightmare, especially if you’ve got little ones scribbling away. But don’t worry—I’ve got a natural solution.

  • How to remove it : Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball (just a little bit). Gently blot, don’t rub! Once it’s loosened up, rinse with cold water and wash.

6. Tomato Sauce Stains

Pasta night can sometimes get messy, and tomato sauce stains are super stubborn. But with a little patience, you can get them out.

  • How to remove it : Mix a solution of white vinegar and water (1:2 ratio) and soak the stained area for 10 minutes. Then, apply a baking soda paste (water and baking soda) to scrub away the stain before washing.

7. Blood Stains

Accidents happen, especially with kids around. Whether it’s from a scraped knee or a nosebleed, blood stains don’t have to be permanent.

  • How to remove it : Rinse the stain with cold water (never hot!), then sprinkle baking soda on it. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently. For really tough spots, you can apply hydrogen peroxide as a natural bleach alternative before washing.

8. Sweat Stains

Those yellow underarm stains? Yep, I know all about them, and luckily, they’re easy to tackle naturally.

  • How to remove it : Create a paste with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply it to the stained area and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse with cool water and toss it into the wash.

9. Chocolate Stains

Chocolate stains on clothes (especially kids’ clothes) seem inevitable, but they don’t have to stick around for long.

  • How to remove it : Scrape off any excess chocolate, then soak the fabric in cold water for about 15 minutes. Rub the stain with a little dish soap or laundry detergent, and it should lift right out!

10. Mud Stains

Mud stains are no big deal when you’ve got the right tools. Here’s a quick and natural fix.

  • How to remove it : Let the mud dry completely before you start. Once it’s dry, brush off as much as possible. Then, mix up a paste of baking soda and water and scrub the area. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.

And there you have it, friends—my top 10 toughest stains and the natural ways to say goodbye to them! With these tips, you can keep your clothes (and your kids’ clothes) looking fresh and clean, all while sticking to eco-friendly methods. No harsh chemicals, no fuss—just simple, sustainable solutions.

Until next time, stay green, stay grounded, and happy cleaning! 🌿