How to Make Your Own DIY Laundry Stain Remover Spray

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO

This homemade DIY laundry stain remover spray is the best alternative to the store-bought stain remover. This stain remover works well enough to remove those stubborn baby poop stains! Better yet, this homemade stain remover has real non-toxic ingredients and common ingredients found in your home!

The best secret I had in my laundry products stash was Dreft. If my baby pooped all over their outfit, Dreft took care of it, no problem! If I had to get a blood stain off my scrubs, it came right out!

Fast forward, and I learned how awful that stuff is for you! However, I wasn’t going to get rid of it without finding a replacement that actually works!

I started off buying natural laundry stain removers and it was, quite honestly, getting expensive. One day, I took a good look at the ingredients and knew I could make it myself for a lot less!

This homemade laundry stain remover recipe has simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store and is a miracle worker on all stains from simple grass stains to grease stains!

Why You Will Love This DIY Laundry Stain Remover Spray:

This DIY laundry stain remover will be the newest tool in your laundry room. It is the best stain remover I have ever used! It has gotten out really tough stains like a spit-up stain on my shirt, stubborn poop stains, and even oil and grease stains! 

Ingredients in commercial stain removers and why they are bad for you:

Ingredients in store-bought stain removers have harsh chemicals and fragrances added that are bad for our health. They are known carcinogens, known to cause or enhance issues such as asthma, and cause a multitude of skin issues. 

Propylene Glycol:

Propylene Glycol is a solvent that is meant to solubilize dirt and grime in our clothing and water. Think of it as the ingredient that “lifts the stain” off your clothes.

Propylene glycol is classified as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin in the EU and is on the list of New York’s list of toxins that exceeds the maximum contamination level. This ingredient is found in laundry detergent, soaps, makeup, etc.

Fragrance:

The term “fragrance” is used for over 3,000 undisclosed chemicals in a product. Artificial fragrance is a known hormone disruptor, reproductive toxin, and carcinogen. It is also linked to many lung diseases such as asthma and it is a known pollutant.

Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate:

Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate is a sequestering agent that binds hard water and minerals to aid the product in working better. This ingredient is banned in the EU as a known carcinogen and reproductive toxin.

Protease Enzymes

This is an enzyme that aids in the removal of various soils. This ingredient is known to be an air pollutant, and carcinogen, and can cause many lung diseases.

Sources:

SPRAY ‘N WASH® Laundry Stain Remover (rbnainfo.com)

Needless to say, this product is not generally safe for use but is somehow allowed to be used on our clothing for everyday use. These products are the cause of so many diseases, reproductive issues, and skin issues. It was alarming to me I was putting this on baby clothes, and it was potentially affecting my kid’s health. 

 Types of Stains Commonly Encountered 

• Baby Food Stains
• Poop Stains
• Pet Stains
• Grass Stains
• Red Wine Stains

Differentiating Between Water-Soluble and Oil-Based Stains

Understanding whether a stain is water-soluble or oil-based is crucial for selecting the appropriate stain-removal method.

Water-Soluble Stains:

These stains include food, formula, and spit-up stains, which are primarily water-based and can be dissolved and removed with water or water-based solutions.

Oil-Based Stains:

Poop stains and certain food stains (e.g., greasy foods) fall into this category. Oil-based stains can require some pre-treating before putting them in the wash!

Why It’s Crucial to Treat Stains Promptly

Preventing Permanent Staining:

The longer a stain sits, the more challenging it becomes to remove. Prompt treatment can help prevent stains from setting into the fabric permanently.

Avoiding Lingering Odors:

Certain stains, like spit-up, can leave behind unpleasant odors if not treated promptly. Treating the stain immediately can help eliminate any lingering smells.

Maintaining Clothing Quality:

Regular stain removal helps extend the lifespan of your baby’s clothing. Stains left untreated for prolonged periods can weaken the fabric and lead to discoloration.

Ingredients in this DIY Laundry stain remover Spray

The ingredients in this DIY laundry stain remover spray are all-natural ingredients that you won’t have to call poison control for or worry about your children ingesting them. You also won’t have to worry about reproductive issues or anything else like that.

This all-natural stain remover recipe will work on baby stains (hello blowouts), food stains, and even greasy stains. The best part of this stain remover is that, depending on the kind of stain, you can use this as a carpet stain remover!

You also will most likely have these items in your home already! They are inexpensive and can be used for many other homemade products like hand soap, baby wash and shampoo, and multi-purpose cleaners!

Ingredient List:

Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen Peroxide works as a bleaching agent in clothing. As long as it is used in a small amount, it will remove blood stains and not bleach your clothing. It is also used as a natural disinfectant.

Castile Soap or a natural liquid dish soap:

Liquid Castile Soap is a natural cleaning agent made mostly from olive or vegetable oil. This ingredient is used to clean the clothing product and help remove the stain.

Vegetable Glycerin:

Glycerin is used to help remove stubborn stains like oil stains or grease stains. It breaks down the particles to help them 

Lemon Essential Oil: 

Lemon essential oil dissolves dried-out residue and it helps eliminate any discoloration. It also has disinfectant properties to prevent bacteria growth.

The citric acid in lemon causes chemical reactions to break up particles from stains.

See my post here on the best essential oils brands to buy!

Distilled Water

Distilled Water is used to dilute the mixture and thin it out. You want to make sure to use distilled or ultra-filtered water otherwise your laundry stain remover will potentially mold.

Items You Will Need to Make this stain remover:

• Amber Glass Spray bottles (Do Not Use clear, it will make the essential oil rancid)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• A Mixing Bowl
• Funnel
• A Whisk

How to make the stain remover Spray:

This laundry stain remover spray makes one 32oz bottle of laundry stain remover spray!

• Add 1 cup castile soap, 1 cup glycerin, and 1 cup distilled water to a bowl
• Whisk to combine
• Add in 40-50 drops of lemon essential oil, mix gently
• Add in 4 tablespoons Hydrogen peroxide, mix gently
• Place the funnel in the top of your amber bottle and pour the mixture in. Place spray cap over the top

That’s it! Super Simple and quick to make!

FAQs:

Can I use any type of dishwashing liquid?

As long as you are using natural dish soap, you can use that in place of castile soap. However, the glycerin in this recipe is what helps remove stains such as grease stains, so if you use liquid dish soap, omit the glycerin.

Notice, I do not use Dawn Dish soap, because it is not a non-toxic dish soap, no matter what they tell you!

Will This Work on Cloth Diapers?

Yes! You will most likely need to do a pre-treatment of some sort or soak the cloth diaper for a few minutes before laundering, but it will remove those stains!

Will This Work on Set-in Stains?

Old Stains are hard to get out, especially if they have been there awhile. Sometimes, with proper treatment such as using a little baking soda and vinegar beforehand, along with soaking the stain, it can come out! However, it is crucial to try and treat the stain right away. 

What If The Stain Doesn’t come out?

Make sure you investigate your stained clothes before putting them into the dryer. Once dried, the stain will be even harder to get out.

If you take it out of the wash and the stain does not come out, it may need to be pre-treated with some vinegar and baking soda or some lemon juice and sunlight beforehand.

I have had day-old stains come out with this recipe! I have been making my own DIY stain remover for quite some time now and it has yet to fail me. 

Does this Work on all types of fabrics?

This works on all fabrics that we have in our household. However, you may want to be cautious around delicate fabrics.

Make sure to spot test the stain remover in an inconspicuous area before spraying it over a larger area in case it does damage your fabric. You can do this by spraying on a small area, usually in the back towards the bottom or at the neckline.

Let the garment sit for a few minutes and see if it is discolored in any way. Do Not let it sit longer than 15 minutes or the essential oil may discolor your clothing.

 

How to Use the DIY Laundry Stain Remover Spray:

There are steps you want to take to ensure tough stains come out. Follow these steps to ensure effective stain removal from all your clothing!

 Pre-treating The Stain

The quicker you address a stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Treat stains as soon as they occur or as soon as you notice them!

Apply the Stain Remover. Spray the affected area on clothing. Use a brush or a cloth of some sort to scrub the stain. 

Work from the Outside In.  When treating a stain, start by working from the outer edges toward the center. This helps prevent the stain from spreading.

Let the garment sit for 10-15 minutes before putting it in the washing machine. 

Proper Washing Techniques After Stain Removal

Check the garment’s care label for specific washing instructions. Follow the recommended water temperature, wash cycle, and drying methods to maintain the fabric’s integrity.

After treating the stain, rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water to remove any remaining residue or cleaning solution.

Wash the garment as you typically would, using an all-natural detergent such as this one or this one

​Once your load is done, check over the clothing before putting it in the dryer to ensure the stain is fully removed!

Additional Tips for Specific Stain Types (Food, Poop, Spit-up, etc.)

Food Stains:

Scrape off any excess food gently and pre-treat the stain with your DIY stain remover. For tough food stains, consider using a gentle scrub brush to work the solution into the fabric. 

Poop Stains:

Remove any solid waste first, apply some white vinegar and a small amount of baking soda. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing and applying the stain remover.

If the stain has been sitting awhile, you may want to let it sit in direct sunlight for a little while. The sun’s UV rays can break down the stain at a cellular level, causing the particles to degrade and come off the clothing.

Oily Stain:

Apply a small amount of cornstarch along with some natural dish soap before applying the stain remover. 

Blood Stains:

Depending on the color of your garment you will need to be careful when treating this stain. I pre-treat mine by adding a little bit of baking soda and some peroxide over the stain and then spray it with stain remover

Other Stain Removing Ideas:

Salt: Simple, yet effective, salt can help absorb fresh stains and prevent them from setting. Salt works well on food and spit-up stains!

Baby Shampoo Or Soap: Gentle and safe for your baby’s skin, Natural baby shampoo can also be used as a stain remover. It’s ideal for treating mild stains on delicate fabrics.

Cornstarch: Perfect for oil-based stains, cornstarch absorbs the oils and helps lift the stain from the fabric.

Conclusion:

Making your own DIY Baby Stain remover will save you money and reduce the toxin load in your home. It is safe, simple, and effective in treating stains. Making your own natural products does not have to be difficult or time-consuming, and this recipe is the perfect example! 

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO