Environmentally Friendly Stain Removal

Are you concerned about all of the chemical products in use today, and their effects on our health and the world we live in? Especially on things we are in close contact with, such as our clothes. People with allergies may be particularly concerned by this.

A lot of stains can be removed by gentle, natural and environmentally friendly products. In fact, many of them need nothing more than a soak in plain water.

Always be aware of possible non-fast colours or colour changes in stain removal. Some fabrics may react differently to various substances. Testing on an inside piece first is advisable if you are concerned.

Here are some earth-wise alternatives to harsh chemicals:

• Ballpoint pen- Use a cloth dipped in eucalyptus oil or methylated spirits to sponge the stain.

• Beetroot- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Berry stains- Rub the stain with lemon juice or vinegar, leave for an hour, then wash as usual.

• Blood, fresh- Soak in a bucket of cold water with a handful of salt mixed in.

• Blood, old- Rub first with vegetable glycerine (available at health food shops) then continue as above.

• Chocolate- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.
  
  
• Coffee- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Cosmetics- Make a solution of 1 part cloudy ammonia and 3 parts water. Dab on the stain.

• Egg- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.
  
  
• Fruit Juice- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Grass- Dampen the area with water, then sprinkle with sugar. Roll up and leave for an hour, then was as usual. Alternatively, rub with eucalyptus oil.

• Grease/Oil- Soak in a bucket of water with 1 tablespoon of washing soda and 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil.

• Mildew/Mould- Make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Put on stain. Allow to dry, then brush off and wash as usual.

• Milk- Rinse in soapy water, then soak in water and vinegar for 15 minutes.

• Rust- Make a paste of salt and lemon juice. Rub into stain, soak 20 minutes, then wash.

• Soft Drink- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.
  
  
• Tea- Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Vomit- Scoop up any solid parts. Soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water, 4 tablespoons of borax and a few drops of eucalyptus oil.

• Wine, red- Immediately apply soda water. Then soak in a solution of 1 litre of cold water and 4 tablespoons of borax.

• Wine, white- Apply soda water, then wash.