Country Lore: Easy Stain Removal

You can use dishwashing soap and vinegar to remove stains on clothes.

April/May 2009
By Heidi Holliday 
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To remove persistent stains from white clothing, I mix one part dishwashing soap and one part white distilled vinegar in a small medicine cup. I dab this mixture on the stain and let it sit overnight. The stain usually fades completely by morning, but if it hasn’t, I rub more of the mixture on the spot and let it soak in again before washing in cold water.

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It’s a safe and effective alternative to chlorine bleach, and it works with many fabrics, although I would recommend testing the fabric before treating the whole garment. I have used it to remove stains of red fruit juice from a white sweater and to take out sweat stains in white cotton shirts.

Heidi Holliday
Lawrence, Kansas
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Comments

  • Yolanda 5/9/2009 7:01:30 PM

    Sorry, Chanan. I meant I wonder if that is what Heidi meant!

  • Yolanda 5/9/2009 6:44:37 PM

    In my experience, dishwashing liquid does not contain bleach unless it is specified. Most say not to mix with bleach since the fumes could be hazardous.

    I have heard of using automatic dishwasher soap to remove stains - I wonder if that is what Chanan meant.

  • Chanan 5/4/2009 12:13:29 AM

    Do you think she meant dishwashing liquid? If so, does that have bleach in it as well? I'm kind of new to green living, so I have no idea.

    Also, does anyone have a great tip for removing stains from colored fabrics?

  • Megan 4/30/2009 2:29:24 PM

    I was thinking the same thing. I believe most dishwashing detergents do have bleach in them, so it's probably a good thing this person only uses her solution on whites!

  • PWalton 4/30/2009 10:34:00 AM

    Doesn't dishwashing detergent contain bleach?

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