10 Laundry Tips for Sustainable Stain Removal
4 minute read
Life can be pretty messy, and laundry stains are inevitable. Whether it’s a splash of redwine on your favorite shirt or a smudge of grass on your kids’ play clothes, smears and spots can be a real headache. But don’t worry tackling tough stains doesn’t mean you have to compromise your commitment to the environment! With a few smart strategies, natural ingredients, and the right eco-conscious products, you can keep your clothes looking fresh and clean while being kind to the planet.
1. Act Fast—Blot, Don’t Rub!
The golden rule of stain removal is to act quickly. The sooner you address a stain, the easier it is to remove. For liquid spills, start by blotting the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers. For solid stains, gently scrape off any excess with a spoon or dull knife.
2. Use Cold Water for Protein-Based Stains
Protein-based stains like blood, sweat, and dairy products respond best to cold water. Rinse the stained area under cold running water to prevent the protein from setting into the fabric. Hot water can cause protein stains to coagulate, making them harder to remove.
3. Pre-Treat with ECOS Stain & Odor Remover
Before tossing your stained items into the wash, pre-treat them with ECOS Stain & Odor Remover. This plant-powered formula is tough on stains but gentle on fabrics and the environment. Spray the affected area generously and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before washing. For stubborn stains, you can gently rub the fabric together to work the solution into the fibers.
4. Choose the Right Detergent
Using an eco-conscious detergent is crucial for both effective stain removal and environmental protection. ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent is a fantastic choice. It’s made with plant-based ingredients, made without harsh chemicals, and safer for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s effective at tackling a wide range of stains, from food and drink spills to mud and grass.
5. Embrace the Power of Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are eco-friendly stain removal heroes. For tough stains like coffee or wine, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and apply to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. For greasy stains, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain to absorb the oil. After a few minutes, brush off the baking soda and launder as usual.
6. Leverage Lemon Juice for Natural Bleaching
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten stains on white fabrics. Apply lemon juice directly to the stain, and then place the garment in the sun to enhance the bleaching effect. This method works wonders on yellowing armpit stains and other discolorations on light-colored fabrics. Of course, use caution when dealing with dyed fabrics.
7. Tackle Ink Stains with Rubbing Alcohol
Ink stains can be particularly tricky, but rubbing alcohol can help break down the ink and lift it from the fabric. Place a paper towel under the stained area and dab the stain with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Continue blotting until the ink starts to transfer to the paper towel. Once the stain is mostly removed, launder the garment as usual.
8. Try ECOS OxoBrite Multi-Purpose Stain Remover
For a powerful, eco-conscious stain remover, look no further than ECOS OxoBrite Multi-Purpose Stain Remover. This mineral-based formula lifts stains, brightens colors, and whitens whites without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s safe for all washable fabrics and can be used as an overall laundry booster or for spot treatment.
9. Don’t Forget to Air Dry
After treating and washing your stained garments, avoid using the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone. The heat from the dryer can set any remaining stain, making it much harder to remove. Instead, air dry the item and check to see if the stain has been successfully eliminated. If any residue remains, repeat the stain removal process before drying again.
10. Maintain Regular Cleaning Habits
Prevention is the best cure. Regularly clean and maintain your clothing to prevent stains from becoming a bigger issue. Promptly treating spills and regularly laundering your garments can help keep stains at bay and extend the life of your clothes. Looking for a super specific solve? Check out the American Cleaning Institute’s guide, Clothing and Laundry Tips, for more stain strategies.
Eco-conscious stain removal is all about using the right techniques and products to tackle tough stains while keeping our planet in mind. By acting quickly, using natural ingredients, and choosing eco-conscious products like those from ECOS, you can keep your clothes looking fresh and clean without compromising your commitment to sustainability. Happy stain fighting!
Sources:
- Good Housekeeping. Stain Removal Guide.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/stain-removal/ - Healthline. How to Remove Blood Stains.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-remove-blood-stains - ECOS. Stain + Odor Remover.
https://www.ecos.com/household-cleaners/stain-odor-remover-lemon/ - New York State Office of General Services. Benefits of Green Cleaning Products and Programs.
https://ogs.ny.gov/benefits-green-cleaning-products-and-programs - WebMD. Guide to Natural Cleaning.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-guide-to-natural-cleaning - The Spruce. 7 Natural Laundry Stain Removers.
https://www.thespruce.com/natural-laundry-stain-removers-4061242 - The Spruce. How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes.
https://www.thespruce.com/remove-ballpoint-permanent-water-based-ink-1900967 - Better Homes & Gardens. The Ultimate Guide to Removing Every Type of Fabric Stain from Clothing.
https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/removing-stains-from-fabrics/ - Real Simple. How to Remove Every Type of Stain.
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/stain-removal/how-to-remove-every-type-of-stain-in-one-simple-chart - American Cleaning Institute. Clothing and Laundry Tips.
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide