Country Lore: Easy Stain Removal

By Heidi Holliday

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.

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