How to Remove Stubborn Stains, Naturally

Removing stains does not need harmful chemicals. Most can be tackled with a bit of know-how and a few affordable simple and natural ingredients.

Oxygen bleach breaks down stains using sodium percarbonate (a blend of washing soda and hydrogen peroxide) instead of chlorine. It works on grass, blood, red wine, and more.

Dissolve a scoop in warm water, then soak the stained item for a few hours. Oxygen bleach lifts stains and brightens without weakening fabric. Rinse well after soaking and dry as usual.

Grass Stains

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then work it into the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse, then wash as normal. For stubborn grass, add a sprinkle of baking soda before scrubbing. This method breaks down chlorophyll, so green marks fade away.

Blood Stains

Act fast with blood stains. Always use cold water, as heat can set the stain. Soak the area, then dab with salt or baking soda paste (add just enough water to make it spreadable). Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. If the stain’s old, soak in natural oxygen bleach overnight. Repeat until the mark disappears.

Red Wine Stains

Blot up as much as possible right away. Pour sparkling water over the stain and blot again. Cover with a thick layer of salt (keep pets away) and leave it for an hour to draw the wine out.

Brush off the salt, then wash with natural soap. If any mark remains, vinegar mixed with equal parts water makes a final rinse that helps get rid of pinkish hues.

Oil Stains

For stains from kitchen oil (including salad dressing), sprinkle dry cornflour or bicarbonate of soda directly on the fresh oil spot. Leave for 30 minutes, then brush away and dab the area with diluted washing-up liquid (mix with water) before washing in warm water.

Make-up Stains

Rub a little coconut oil or olive oil into the make-up spot, let it sit for five minutes, then blot with a dry cloth. Next, treat the area with a gentle soap and rinse well. If needed, repeat until the fabric comes clean, avoiding scrubbing that can spread the mark.

Body Sweat and Deodorant Stains

Mix two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice (keep pets away) into a thick paste. Spread on the stain and leave for 30 minutes. Lemon’s acid breaks down yellow marks, while baking soda pulls out odours. Wash as normal and the area should come out fresher and brighter.

Delphis Eco Natural Stain Remover

Delphis Eco Stain Remover is from a reputable company that makes eco-friendly commercial cleaning products. Sold in easy-to-recycle packaging, these are also vegan and not tested on animals.

Keep away from children and pets (always let product dry, before letting them near).

This uses a bio formula to help remove food, wine, mud and blood at cold temperatures, and can also be used as a spot treatment to dissolve tough stains. It’s also biodegradable and safe for septic tanks.

It works by dissolving the stain, and weakens the connection between the stain and fabric. The cleaning agents attach to what’s left of the stain, and pull it into the surrounding water.

To use, remove residue then rinse with cold water. Gently massage the stain remover into the fabric with a dry or damp cloth, agitate with a brush for deep stains.

Rinse the fabric again with cold water, and repeat, if needed. For stubborn stains, reapply and allow to sit for 2 minutes, before laundering as normal (non-scented for pregnancy/nursing, affected medical conditions or baby/pet bedding. Launder synthetic fabrics in a microfibre filter.

Delphic Eco Stain Remover is suitable for most fabrics including linen, denim, cotton and bamboo. Take care with delicate fabrics (spot test first).