REMOVING STAINS CAN BE EASY TOO!

The advent of the washing machine represented, without a doubt, a revolution in the history of human beings - particularly in the history of women!  But it has some drawbacks. For example, there are many stains it can't get out.

To get rid of stains, the best thing is to deal with them as soon as possible, and later apply some kind of stain remover.  While various types exist in the market, the majority tends to contain solvents and other toxic ingredients. 

Here we offer a recipe for a homemade stain remover, one that is effective for coffee, grass, fruit juice, perfume, sweat, jam, cream, sun, rust, tea, urine, wine, beer, and ketchup stains.  But careful!  It SHOULD NOT be used for removing bloodstains. 

It must be kept in mind that stains caused by many chemical products are for all intents and purposes impossible to eliminate; a good reason to stop using them...  Let's also not forget that the best stain is the one doesn't happen. The first thing one can do to combat stains is to wear aprons, smocks, and old clothes.  

A homemade stain remover

Making a homemade stain remover is as simple as mixing equal parts cold water and vinegar and adding some drops of essential oils of aromatic herbs (lavender, rosemary, etc.) to provide a nice odour. We then put the mix in a sprayer, apply it to the stain, and leave the clothes to soak in cold water.  If the stain is persistent or old, all we have to do is rub.       

Bloodstains

The same general recipe works, only substituting vinegar with sodium carbonate (it can be found in good drug stores).  Bicarbonate also works, but it is not as effective. This recipe also works for tea and fruit.   

Other advice

•      Never use detergent for grass stains as it makes them permanent. The best thing is to apply water with vinegar as soon as possible. If after drying the stain is still there, leave the clothes to soak again, always in cold water. 

•      Never put stained clothing in the dryer. The stains will end up being permanent.

•      Avoid hot water, especially with sugar stains.

 

In addition, a recipe for consuming half the amount of detergent when washing.

Let's assume that the amount of detergent we normally use is about a cup's worth.  We can substitute this cup for:

•      Half a cup of detergent.

•      A quarter of a cup of sodium carbonate for a full load, less for few clothes (if we put too much, it leaves a white residue). Bicarbonate can also be used, especially if the clothes are not very dirty. Bicarbonate leaves clothes softer than carbonate.   

•      If the clothes are very dirty, borax can be added (it is available in good drug stores). It is especially suitable when washing in hard water, because it acts as an enhancer. In addition, it eliminates bad odours and makes colours brighter.    

We can always add essential oil of lavender or the aromatic herb of our choice.