Clothes get dirty – Fact!
My natural washing powder recipe does the job to clean dirty clothes (and well!) – Fact!
Sometimes stubborn stains still appear that need a bit of extra effort to remove – Fact!
It can be tempting to go out and buy a powerful commercial stain remover/bleaching agent. If you can avoid it, please don’t! At least try this recipe first.
I have trialled several different stain removing methods, and while I have a few options for spot treatments, I think I have hit the jackpot with this recipe for a natural pre-wash stain solution – mainly due to its simplicity and effectiveness, all with minimal effort!
Check out these results!
So, If you have whites that are greying, greasy/oily spots or discolouring around collars and armpits, then give this a go. I have trialled this on whites, darks and colours.
Now, while I have never had issues with colour leaching, as usual, I have to remind you to patch test and proceed with caution as all clothing, materials and dyes are unique.
Stain Solution
Makes: enough for single use Prep time: < 5 min.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup | 130 g sodium carbonate (washing soda)
- 1/2 cup | 125 ml hydrogen peroxide (3% liquid) *see recipe notes
- 5 lt (approx.) warm/hot water
Method
To Use
Add stained clothing to solution and use a wooden spoon to push down and agitate clothing. Allow to rest, agitating periodically, for a minimum of 4 hours. Remove from solution and wash clothes as usual. Discard solution.
Recipe Notes
You can find liquid hydrogen peroxide in the beauty aisle of most supermarkets. It is a natural alternative to bleach.
You can substitute the hydrogen peroxide for 1/2 cup | 130 g sodium percarbonate (which is the powdered version).
It is a great idea to take a ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos so you can see how well this solution works!
Remember to patch test if you’re worried your fabric dye will run.
Don’t make this solution in advance. Mix it up just prior to use.
23 Comments
This is my favourite and most used recipe of yours that I’ve been using for YEARS! It does such a great job! It for me thru the messy baby and toddler years. Haha
This is my favourite and most used recipe of yours that I’ve been using for YEARS! It does such a great job! It for me thru the messy baby and toddler years. Haha
This was my first, and my favourite recipe on this blog. It is so effective. I love it!
Have you a spray stain remover that I can spray on before placing in the wash?
Not a spray as such. These methods may take a little longer but they’re worth it for grubby clothes. You could rub a little laundry soap on the stain or even dishwashing liquid (a low-toxin one, of course!).
Good morning Krissy
This is my 1st time trying to make my own washingpowder. I’m not sure: what is soap powder. I’m from South Africa. Is it regular washingpowder you buy in store?
Hi Rina, this info comes from this post (https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/index-of-natural-ingredients/ – there is helpful information for you for future!): Soap powder, used in cleaning recipes – I recommend sourcing the purest laundry soap you can find. I use pure coconut soap powder, or castile soap powder. If you are buying soap in a block, make sure it is milled to a very fine consistency.
I absolutely love the stain solution recipe. it works so well and the clothes are so much cleaner.
Hi what is washing soda is it just any washing powders
Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda, softens water and is effective at removing stains. It acts as a fungicide, helping to eliminate mould and mildew. Sodium carbonate is harvested from deep underground deposits of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The slurry is brought to the surface where it is filtered and refined, leaving us with pure sodium carbonate. (https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/index-of-natural-ingredients/)
This is the best stain remover ever. I tell everyone about this quick little life saver. Tough on stains but gentle on clothes.
Hi Kristy,
I’m wondering if i can use this in its powered form just as your would a store brought nappy whitener?
It’s not really a recipe that will ever be powdered form…? You can use sodium percarbonate as a nappy whitener replacement (to boost cleaning power), just make sure it is activated with warm/hot water.
I’ve used this recipe many times to remove stains and get whites white again. It’s so much cheaper, simpler and healthier than what is available in supermarkets. Why pay for fragrance, fillers and goodness knows what? Two simple ingredients – that’s all you need – and water.
Hi Kristy. Two questions.
If using sodium percarbonate can it be premixed with the washing soda in a jar for storage?
Also, can essential oils be added to the soaking mixture?
Thanks.
I’ve mixed the two before and haven’t had issues. Just keep it free from heat and moisture. Yes you can add oils to the soak – maybe tea tree or lemon?
Love that I’ve found a more natural soaking solution that actually works! Thank you!!
After trying many Supermarket options my husband’s white shirt was still yellow & destined for the bin; that was until I tried Krissy’s Stain Solution. It has now been transformed! Seeing is to be believed!
This is one of my favourite recipes!! It gets used for lots of things but my favourite is the “end of term school shirt soak” which miraculously makes grubby grey shirts bright yellow again. I’ve used it for ages but still get excited with the results (maybe I’m just a cleaning nerd)
This is THE BEST soak ever. I’ve used it to get mould out of stinky wet soccer jerseys, hubbies collars and underarms are stain and smell free and the kids white (seriously who chooses white for kids!) school shirts go from grey back to white at the end of every term. Literally recommend this to anyone that mentions the word stain. Thanks Krissy!
I love this stain solution! I have removed many difficult stains (old and new) with this simple solution. Thank you so much for the recipe Krissy!
Krissy I am definitely going to try this recipe, but id like to know if i can use a stronger peroxide and dilute it down to save money? Eg using a 35% peroxide and measure out 12 or 13mLs with a syringe??
Yes you can use a stronger peroxide and dilute it down to 3%. Although, I have compared prices and I’m not sure it’s cheaper..? Also keep in mind that HP will degrade fairly quickly (4hrs or so) once exposed to light.