It can sometimes be tough to remove certain stains from fabrics. However, before you reach for the nearest commercial stain remover, you should know that certain cleaning products contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your overall health and well-being. The good news is that you can easily make your own homemade stain remover for much cheaper and without any potentially dangerous chemicals. Here is a simple guide for making two of your very own non-toxic cleaning solutions for removing stains. (h/t to MindBodyGreen.com)

The great thing about these simple DIY cleaning solutions is that the items you need to make them are common everyday ingredients that you probably already have at home. Some of these items include lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and lemon essential oil. Due to the high concentrations of acetic acid in lemon juice, fresh or bottled lemon juice provides a natural bleaching effect on fabrics. Lemon juice is great for removing yellow underarm stains or rust stains on white fabrics. You’d want to avoid using lemon juice on colored fabrics though, as this can cause permanent discoloration if not removed immediately.

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that can be used as a much gentler alternative to chlorine bleach. You’d want to get a three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide for your DIY stain removers. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent choice for removing stains caused by curry, red wine, nail polish and underarm yellowing.

Baking soda might be one of the most underrated cleaning ingredients out there. It can greatly enhance the performance of your laundry detergent, reduce unwanted clothing odors and soften fabrics, as well as reduce suds for quicker loads in front load washing machines. Plus, it’s completely safe to use on all fabrics, even clothes for children.

Lastly, lemon essential oil is a common ingredient in most cleaning products due to its natural antiviral and antibacterial properties, not to mention its clean and refreshing scent. (Related: 7 Easy alternatives to toxic household cleaning products.)

How to make a light stain remover spray

This gentle formula is best used for white textiles. Simply spray the stain remover onto the fabric and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Since lemon juice does not stay fresh for very long, it is best to make this cleaning solution in small batches.

Items needed:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide solution (3%)
• 2 drops of lemon essential oil
• Opaque or amber spray bottle

Procedure:

1. Combine all the ingredients in an opaque spray bottle.
2. Shake well until thoroughly mixed.
3. Store in a dark area to avoid light exposure.

How to make a heavy-duty stain remover paste

This heavy-duty stain remover is suited for colored textiles and harder-to-remove stains. It can also be used on carpets and upholstery. You’d have to rub the paste directly onto the stain using an old toothbrush and gently scrub it away using circular motions.

Items needed:

• 1 Tablespoon non-toxic dish soap
• 2 Tablespoons hydrogen peroxide solution (3%)
• 1 Tablespoon baking soda

Procedure:

1. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until you form a thick paste.
2. Store in a dark area to avoid light exposure.

With these DIY cleaners, you can keep your clothes and upholstery fresh, clean and stain-free without having to depend on commercial fabric cleaners. Learn how to make other DIY recipes and projects for all your prepping needs by going to Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

MindBodyGreen.com

TheSpruce.com