I am a perfectionist about many areas of my life.
Laundry is not one of those areas…
I know a lot of gals are super fastidious with their laundry habits– always separating lights and darks, always folding right out of the dryer, always ironing their sheets, and never, EVER leaving a load too long in the washer. *cough*
I don’t have a lot of “fancy” clothes, so I generally just wash everything together, and I usually use my homemade detergent. (Or sometimes I do like to use Biokleen Laundry Detergent— I’ve had good results with it.) During the warmer months, I prefer to hang items outside to dry- either on my clothesline or drying rack.
For the longest time I never pre-treated stains– which resulted in a lot of, er, “spotted” clothes.
Thankfully, I started using this homemade spot treatment, and it has worked wonders (especially with a messy preschooler…). You can whip up a batch yourself with natural ingredients and you’ll never have to buy spot-removers at the store again.
Homemade Laundry Stain & Spot Remover
Supplies:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap (buy castile soap on Amazon (affiliate link))
- 1/4 cup liquid vegetable glycerin (buy vegetable glycerin on Amazon (affiliate link))
- 5-10 drops of lemon essential oil (These are my favorite essential oils)
- Glass spray bottle OR plastic squeeze-type bottle
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together.
If using the essential oil, store the mixture in a glass container since lemon oil can disintegrate plastics. If you omit the essential oil, it can then be stored in a repurposed plastic bottle with a lid that allows you to squirt it out.
To use, shake well and apply liberally to spots and stains. Lightly rub the mixture into the fabric with your fingertips.
As with most spot removers, this one works best if you treat the spot immediately and allow it to soak before tossing it into the washing machine. Sometimes I’ll even allow the item to soak overnight before washing it.
I haven’t had as good results if the stain has already been washed first– but you can still give it a try.
I haven’t had any issues with this mixture discoloring clothing, but if you are concerned about that, I would definitely test it in an inconspicuous area.
Notes:
- I get my small glass spray bottles from AromaTools or my local health food store.
- If you don’t have liquid castile soap, you can use liquid dish soap instead. I’ve used the “blue stuff” in the past with good results. You’ll just want to stick to a higher-quality brand, since the cheaper ones are usually watered down.
Laundry isn’t the only area of my home where I use essential oils— I put them to work on a daily basis for all sorts of things: cleaning, life’s little emergencies, in the barnyard, and a whole lot more. You can get all the details for FREE in my eBook, The Essential Homestead.
Mindy says
March 1, 2013 at 6:52 amOh! I had no idea it was that easy. I already have all of those ingredients 🙂
Jill Winger says
March 1, 2013 at 7:44 amHope it works as well for you as it has for me! 🙂
Jackie Mann says
March 1, 2013 at 6:53 amI have all these ingredients and will be excited to give this a try! I have four kids, it gets very hard to keep up to stains right away. There are a few things you have to let go of, and I try to put “play/stained” clothes on the days we eat something that might stain or we go outside. And I accept the fact that one of my sons will forever be in stained t-shirts and sweatpants, lol!
Jill Winger says
March 1, 2013 at 7:44 amOh- I can totally relate! My daughter has a whole lot of “play/around-the-house” clothes that are stained like crazy. I don’t even worry about trying to keep them spot-free. 🙂 But, I’ve found this recipe works well for the “good” clothes that accidentally get stained.
Stephanie says
March 1, 2013 at 8:18 amI enjoy reading this blog for fun, but I find it disturbing when I see essential oils promoted. There is no such thing as “therapeutic grade” essential oils – it’s just a marketing hype term that, unfortunately, has been around for some time and people have bought into the term. Also, the prices for these products are ridiculous. There are many reputable suppliers that provide pure, undiluted essential oils, and I would suggest that everyone do the research to find other sources. The majority of formulators won’t touch MLM with a 10-foot pole. JMHO
Jill Winger says
March 1, 2013 at 8:27 amI have seen many, many other companies using the term “therapeutic-grade” to describe their oils. Because there is no regulating authority when it comes to essential oil quality, many companies have come up with a way to describe their products.
Yes, one of the trademarked terms is “Certified pure therapeutic grade”- but they’ll be the first to tell you that it is not an “industry standard,” but rather a way that they like to describe their oils. I don’t see a problem with that.
I’ve investigated many other essential oil companies, but I keep coming back. Yes, you can get oils for cheaper- but the quality usually isn’t there. I currently have a bottle of “cheap” lavender sitting in my cupboard– there is no comparison when it comes to the smell- it clearly has a chemical scent. And it immediately gives me a headache when I open the bottle– their’s doesn’t. Plus, it states on the bottle, “Not for Internal Use.”
As far as pricing, I’ve found that the wholesale prices are quite comparable to other quality-oil companies. And they have multiple promotions that allow me to save even more.
Essential oils are a very hot topic right now, and everyone has the right to choose their own brand. But after the amazing results I’ve had with the product, I’ll be sticking with them.
Preston Parsons says
August 8, 2013 at 11:25 amSomehow, I do not find it offensive that the obviously friendly, talented person that develops, maintains and monitors this nice website promotes a product line, or lines, if she chooses, for others to peruse and try if they so desire. If one doesn’t like the particular line… fine!… no harm is done! But to feign “near offense” with, in this case, the line and its inclusion on this site, is ridiculous! Don’t like it? Don’t bother with it! But to post a derogatory comment on a free reference/info site tends to make me think there’s always someone, somewhere, that would criticize life, itself! Just enjoy the site, like most others seem to, and wish the site owner/writer “good success”!
Ethel says
November 5, 2013 at 12:54 pm“Glycerin, in its pure form, is called “glycerol,” meaning it is a type of alcohol. It is a colorless thick liquid, which is ‘hygroscopic’,* meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.
As a type of alcohol it is a very good solvent, because many things dissolve into it easier than they do into either water or even rubbing alcohol.”
http://www.stain-removal-101.com/what-is-glycerin-used-for.html
*Glycerin is hygroscopic – Don’t rub your eyes with glycerin on your fingers!
Patty White says
January 8, 2014 at 12:13 pmWell spoken. Some people can be so critical and act like experts, when all they have is just an opinion. If you don’t agree with the research on this blog, then just don’t read it – but don’t criticize when you have no research to back it up.
Sarah says
March 14, 2017 at 5:29 amHave you tried the line, no I can guarantee you haven’t, so, natvsayer, be gone. Try your cheap oils. But, this fine person is trying to give her knowledge and time free, what are you doing. Being rude.
Tara says
March 1, 2013 at 9:23 amJill, I can hardly wait to try this. I’ve been using the Lehmen’s recipe for laundry soap with great success for a couple years now. But needed a good stain recipe.
I’m curious why the vegetable glycerin helps with stain removal?
Sarah says
April 17, 2013 at 5:25 pmI’m not sure, but glycerine is typically a thickener/suspender. My guess would be that it makes more of a gel consistency, so that the liquid stays on the clothing better. It may also keep the oil suspended in the liquid. Just a thought – I may be wrong.
Michelle says
March 1, 2013 at 2:30 pmThis sounds awesome! Wonder how it works on those impossible grass stains my kids get. Now if there only was a cure for my son running and sliding on his knees and wearing holes in his pants. : )
Jenna says
March 30, 2013 at 2:20 amHey! This sounds great! I just wondered if essential oils are ok to use in a home with dogs? I have two labs and really want to use essential oils for making my house smell naturally nice and other uses. Would be so grateful for your thoughts! Thanks
Jill Winger says
March 30, 2013 at 9:19 amHi Jenna-
Yes, I use EOs in my home non-stop and we have dogs. In fact, I’ve even used certain oils ON my dogs (although it’s wise to research first). 🙂
Fathom says
April 4, 2013 at 12:15 pmI actually have a book on aromatherapy for pets; including cats, dogs, rabbits and horses.
s says
March 27, 2018 at 9:05 amI’ve read that cats and I think dogs too are highly allergic to all citrus. Might want to substitute a different essential oil to be safe.
Natalie says
April 10, 2013 at 5:28 pmHave you found that this helps with oil stains at all? I keep getting them and can’t get rid of them! I wonder if I use more lemon essential oil if that would help. Great recipe!
Jill Winger says
April 11, 2013 at 10:04 amI believe I’ve had it work on fresh oil stains– but it still would be worth a try on older ones as well!
Mpbusyb says
April 19, 2013 at 6:56 amI’ve been using a little “trick” on my really tough stains including oil, fresh and set. I take my spot remover spray and wet the area with it. Then I sprinkle a little bit of Oxyclean crystals on the area, just enough that sticks. I roll up the clothing and toss it into the washer as usual. It works especially well on “organic” stains like blood, sweat, grass and NC red clay dirt as well as oil. I would be interested to hear what others know about Oxyclean for its “natural” properties. I have DIY home and beauty products all over my house, but I keep buying Oxy because it works so well. I also mix it half and half with baking soda for a toilet and tub scrub. A friend said to use a more natural brand (Oxybrite, I think), but it has the same product ingredients as the Oxyclean. So I just wonder.
Melisa
Sandra Sanders says
April 17, 2013 at 1:14 pmI don’t happen to have the lemon oil right now but have several others. Could I substitute and, if so, what else have you tried? I have sweet orange, tea tree, and lavender. I love this idea. I’m slowly getting us away from commercial laundry products.
Jill Winger says
April 17, 2013 at 10:10 pmHmmm… I’d stick with the citrus as far as stain-removing goes. Perhaps the orange?
Sandra Sanders says
April 18, 2013 at 7:31 amI will try this tonight and let you know what happens!
Jill Winger says
April 18, 2013 at 3:31 pmPlease do! 🙂
Mpbusyb says
April 19, 2013 at 7:04 amSo Jill, the citrus oil helps in the stain removal? I wonder because you mention omitting it if storing in a plastic container. I know about lemon oil and plastic, but I wondered by the possible omission of the oil if it was more for scent. ?
Melisa
Also, just FYI, there is another brand of castile oil soaps on the market by Dr. Woods. I have been using him instead of Bronner’s (more for personal religious reasons) for a few years now and prefer his quality. All the Woods’ soaps are organic and use shea butter. The price is better from Amazon and Swanson. And their soap bars make wonderful gifts. (Hope it’s okay to post a little product promo but I just wanted to let people know there were others.)
Jill Winger says
April 19, 2013 at 7:24 amI do think the EO helps with the stain removal– however, I’ve tried it both with and without and have still had good results. I think for certain stains, the lemon might give it an extra boost, but it still might work without it.
Mpbusyb says
May 2, 2013 at 6:58 amHave you had any problems yet with your plastic spritzer top getting clogged or deteriorating because of the EOs? I wonder if I should order extras.
Melisa
Jill Winger says
May 2, 2013 at 7:13 amNope- not yet! Just used it the other day, in fact, and it worked great!
Tanya says
May 1, 2013 at 4:18 pmI hit enter too soon. lol
How does it work on baby poop stains? I haven’t had any luck with finding a safe spot remover that works on those.
Jill Winger says
May 1, 2013 at 9:29 pmIt does fairly well on baby poop– as long as I treat it right away– and depending on the stain itself. 🙂
Mpbusyb says
May 2, 2013 at 6:59 amIf the baby poop stains are on your cloth diapers, hang them out to dry in the sun. They’ll disappear. I think all my white cottons come out whiter when I sun-dry them.
Melisa
Sara - My Merry Messy Life says
May 21, 2013 at 9:05 pmI love your site! I was very excited to try this recipe, but it’s not working for me at all. None of the stains came out, even after letting them soak overnight. Any suggestions? I don’t have hard water. Also, what is the purpose of the glycerin? Because I know it is great for softening the skin, but wasn’t sure why it was included in this recipe.
Jill Winger says
May 21, 2013 at 10:27 pmHmmm… What sort of stains are you using it on? I’ve had pretty good luck with it thus far, although every once and a while it won’t work on a stain that has been allowed to sit for a long time (although I don’t know much of anything that will work on some of those!)
The glycerin was included in the original recipe that I tweaked. I assume it has some sort of surfactant qualities, since it is a by-product of the soap making process (and is often removed and re-sold from conventional bar soaps)
Sorry it’s not working, though!
(And I love your blog as well! I just make your DIY baby shampoo this past week as a baby shower gift.) 🙂
Sara - My Merry Messy Life says
July 1, 2013 at 8:42 pmHi Jill! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get back to you. I am SO terribly flattered that you like my blog. I really do love your’s and love to read your posts on Facebook. I’ve been trying to remove food and mud stains, mostly. I tweaked the recipe and it works much better for me now. I’m going to post about it but will for sure credit you and work in a nice intro to your blog.
Jill Winger says
July 1, 2013 at 9:17 pmOh yes- please do share your tweaks! I’d love to know how it’s working for you! 🙂
Leslie S says
May 29, 2013 at 8:30 pmHi. I am about to try this recipe. However, I have a question about using liquid castile soap. I have used this in shampoo and body soap before, but desperately looked for a new recipe, because it left a weird residue in my hair and on my skin. Will my clothes have a residue as well? Should I try just leaving it out of the recipe? Thanks!
Jill Winger says
May 30, 2013 at 1:34 pmI haven’t noticed any residue with the castile soap, but if you are worried, you can replace it with regular dishwashing liquid. (I use the blue Dawn sometimes)
Ethel says
November 5, 2013 at 12:33 pmMy daughter, who makes her own dishwasher soapm, says that adding some citric acid removes residue. (Citric acid – powder from Health Food Stores)
Robbie says
July 1, 2013 at 2:34 pmYou can make your own castile soap if you can’t afford the store bought and if you make your own lye soap (like I do) or if you already purchase lye soap.
Take your lye soap, place it in a freezer bag. Measure on a digital scale. Multiply your measure by 4 to find your answer. Your answer is how much water you add to the bag. Squeeze air out and seal it. Squish it every day for 5 days. Cut corner and put your castile soap in a squeeze bottle. It really is that easy. But you have to use real soap. Made from lye. Not the junk you buy at the grocery store.
Jill Winger says
July 1, 2013 at 9:21 pmWow– never thought of doing that before– thanks for the tips!
Robbie says
July 1, 2013 at 9:40 pmI forgot to say, if it’s too thick for what you want it for, you can further dilute it by just adding more water.
Kristen says
July 5, 2013 at 7:37 amHi Jill, I found you by way of some FB page that posted a link to “30+ things to do with eggshells”. Let me tell you how excited I was to find out that you were a EO user! I am a new IPC and have enjoyed spending my morning reading your posts. I am excited to make your spot remover recipe and look forward to your future EO recipes.
Jill Winger says
July 6, 2013 at 6:34 amI’m glad you found me too Kristen! Always nice to meet other member of the family! 🙂
Sakura says
August 23, 2013 at 8:21 pmDid you make that snazzy dish cloth? If so, do you have a tutorial on it?
Jill Winger says
August 23, 2013 at 9:18 pmNo- I didn’t! I have zero talent when it comes to doing fiber arts. 🙂
Georgina says
September 23, 2013 at 9:25 amHi Wondering if this stain remover formula needs a preservative? Whenever oil & water are blended there should be a preservative to avoid bacteria growth? What are your thoughts?
Ethel says
November 5, 2013 at 12:23 pmThis is probably a really good stain remover and I may try it in the future but in the meantime I use Dove (it’s not soap – wrong pH). It is great, even for removing those stubborn s). It is currently the first thing I try.
Great tips! Thanks
Ethel says
November 5, 2013 at 12:25 pmOoops! that should have read, “stubborn stains from pasta sauce (tomato).
Ethel says
November 5, 2013 at 1:07 pmFor removing oil stains (I learned this when I removed oil stains from a soft furnishing), treat first with a small amount of detergent in water (about 1 tspn in 5 oz water for a chair cover; alter the quantities depending on what you are treating) and apply with a soaked and squeezed cloth. When treating soft furnishings (e.g., seat surface) it is important to wet the whole area to prevent water stains. After this has completely dried, mix approximately 5-6 drops of eucalyptus oil in 5 oz. water, then apply the same way, beginning by spotting the stains then covering the whole surface. Allow to dry.
The stains I treated this way, had been there for a couple of years. The material was pristine after this treatment.
Ethel says
November 5, 2013 at 1:07 pmFor removing oil stains (I learned this when I removed oil stains from a soft furnishing), treat first with a small amount of detergent in water (about 1 tspn in 5 oz water for a chair cover; alter the quantities depending on what you are treating) and apply with a soaked and squeezed cloth. When treating soft furnishings (e.g., seat surface) it is important to wet the whole area to prevent water stains. After this has completely dried, mix approximately 5-6 drops of eucalyptus oil in 5 oz. water, then apply the same way, beginning by spotting the stains then covering the whole surface. Allow to dry.
The stains I treated this way, had been there for a couple of years. The material was pristine after this treatment.
I see no reason this would not work on clothes.
Jill Winger says
November 5, 2013 at 3:08 pmGreat tips Ethel!
Jennifer Dunn says
January 7, 2014 at 7:22 pmThis sounds fantastic! I love making my own laundry soap and so this is wonderful to compliment it! I also love hanging my laundry outside! The best part is that there is no static! 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
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Linda says
January 24, 2014 at 2:52 pmYou mentioned you make your own laundry detergent….is this recipe on your web site …and if yes, where would I find it? Thanks. I am new to your site and really enjoy it….thanks for all the work you put into it!
Chris Ann says
March 5, 2014 at 10:20 amNice to have a recipe for stain remover! Will have to give it a try at some point. I currently have good luck with Fels -nap bar soap. When I buy a lovely scarf (either wool, acrylic or silk) from a thrift store ( I once bought a vintage classic Burberry wool scarf for .50 cents) I wash in the bathroom sink with shampoo & I add a drop or too of tea tree oil for sanitizing. Rinse, thoroughly, hand dry. Some times depending on the fabric content I will put in the dryer on gentle either no heat or low heat.
I store my scarfs, folded & place in a plastic lidded container wider, longer and shorter than a the plastic shoe box size. You can opt to put a bar of lavender soap, lavender sprigs, an essential oil on a piece of fabric or cotton ball or you could put cedar shavings in the box to keep the scarfs fresh smelling.
Someone mentioned blood stains, Hydrogen Peroxide works great and is less expensive than the Oxi-product they mentioned.
Love your blog 🙂
Kat says
May 5, 2014 at 7:56 pmAre you using a top load or a front load washer? I’m concerned about using homemade stuff without knowing if it will over-suds in my front load. I’m getting to the point where I need to make a decision and roll with it. I’m out of stain treater, and I’m determined that I don’t want to buy any more.
Jill Winger says
May 6, 2014 at 8:52 pmI have a top load, but haven’t heard of any over-sudsing issues with this in front loaders. So hopefully it’ll be OK!
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