Comments on: How to Remove Stains From Clothes (Without Harsh Chemicals!)

By: Jamie Larrison

Jamie Larrison — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 00:26:11 +0000

In reply to Michael Loveroot. Hot water causes the fecal particles to bind to the fabric while cold water helps wash it away. You could always wash in hot water after the stain has already been removed, but a good detergent should take care of any bacteria.

By: Michael Loveroot

Michael Loveroot — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 16:07:43 +0000

You recommend washing in cold for stains like poop. But isn’t there concern that the bacteria or other pathogens won’t be killed unless it is washed in a hot cycle?

By: Cristi

Cristi — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:35:36 +0000

Hoping you can help me with a tricky stain on my white canvas shoes; I used straight hydrogen peroxide to take some grime off of them and set them in the sun thinking they would bleach out but instead the peroxide turned the area I treated light yellow!?
Any thoughts on how I might be able to get them white again?

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 18:45:12 +0000

I use the Sal Suds stain remover, I follow your recipe exactly. But it discolors my husband’s clothes (America Eagle). Any suggestions? It works great on cotton cloth diapers and most other stuff.

By: NormaRae

NormaRae — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 22:31:47 +0000

In reply to Sara Gerard. remove red ink stains with cold milk also. :0)

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 15:29:33 +0000

In reply to Katie Wells. I can’t get Branch Basics in Canada ? Also I meant to write this under a new comment not under someone else’s ?????

By: Katie Wells

Katie Wells — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 15:03:54 +0000

In reply to Ashley. I use Branch Basics to help get rid of them...

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 12:54:12 +0000

In reply to Wellness Mama. I never get to stains right away. What’s the best way to clean stains that have already dried or even when they’ve been through the washer and dryer already before you notice them? Also could I use the sale suds as just a one stop stain remover for all stains? Laundry stains seems to be one of the few things I just can not seem to find a way to get rid of no matter how hard I try.

By: Rachel Winker

Rachel Winker — Mon, 20 May 2019 04:28:01 +0000

In reply to Chaslynn.

Lisa Bronner explains all about it in the article linked in comment 60.1 – the gist is that sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are two completely different things (before I read the article, I thought they were basically the same, too), and it’s the ‘laureth’ vs. ‘lauryl’ that makes all the difference: the laureth is a huge problem, while the lauryl is basically harmless (unless you’re extremely sensitive to drying agents, which some people are, so that’s still a legitimate concern, but Lisa addresses how to get around it in the article). Hope that helps.

By: Rachel Winker

Rachel Winker — Mon, 20 May 2019 03:57:28 +0000

In reply to Wendy. Also, if you attach safety pins (as many as you choose - I use my biggest ones) to the dryer balls, the static will be able to discharge from the balls every time the pins make contact with the dryer drum.

By: Chaslynn

Chaslynn — Tue, 07 May 2019 19:11:44 +0000

Hi!

I am curious about this because Sal’s Suds has SLS in it…

By: Philomena

Philomena — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 04:03:24 +0000

Does your removal of oil method apply to a blue linen dress I have watched with no results? Please help. Thank you.

By: Carol L

Carol L — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 21:15:05 +0000

Hello. I am trying to find a solution to a specific ‘stain’: I drive my vehicle for a living. In the summer, I sweat and drive dusty roads, which then cakes the seatbelt, and rubs the sweat and dirt into my polyester top. I then get a half X shaped stain after several washings. How do I get this stain out? Any ideas?
Thanks! BTW: cotton does the same, but right now I have the polyester tops….not the best for wearing, but there it is!

By: Lucy

Lucy — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 21:50:58 +0000

I see you recommend Sal’s Suds which has sodium lauryl sulfate in it. From my research, that is not a “clean” ingredient. Any thoughts?

By: Katie Wells

Katie Wells — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 22:06:02 +0000

In reply to Susan.

This article might help explain about it a bit: https://www.lisabronner.com/there-is-no-cancer-risk-from-sls-sodium-lauryl-sulfate/

By: Susan

Susan — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 22:00:50 +0000

I like all of these but I saw Sal Suds for the first time yesterday at a store, and I see that its first ingredient is SLS. I’m surprised that you recommend it, as I thought that it was not environmentally friendly. Also, I’m worried that it will be too much foam for a High Efficiency washing machine. I always avoid SLS in soaps because in addition to the above, they dry out and irritate my skin. What are your thoughts about this? Thanks!

By: Anne

Anne — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 21:12:24 +0000

For red wine, as soon as you spill, sprinkle salt on the stain. (Just use the shaker on the table.) Then, when you’re finished with your meal, pour boiling water over the stain.

By: Donia

Donia — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:38:00 +0000

Hey Wellness Mama, thanks for sharing so much valuable information!

My question is, I’ve read that over time use of borax isn’t great for your health and can be toxic. I’m not sure what ‘excessive’ might entail but could you advise how you feel about this?

Ta 🙂

By: Kaya

Kaya — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 20:12:51 +0000

What is the best stain remover solution if I spill something on my naturally dyed indigo garment? I want to get the stain out but I am afraid hydrogen peroxide will remove the colour.

By: Evelyn

Evelyn — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 07:04:56 +0000

In reply to Erin. How much of each? Work on stains from puddles?!