Stubborn stains don’t have to spell disaster for your favorite clothes or carpets. Instead of reaching for pricey commercial cleaners, the solution might already be in your home.
These 14 everyday household items—like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide—can tackle set-in stains with surprising ease. Save money, reduce waste, and rescue your belongings with these powerful DIY stain-fighting solutions.
1. White Vinegar
White vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to stain removal. Its acetic acid content makes it effective against various stains, from coffee and tea to grass and sweat. Vinegar’s natural acidity helps break down stain molecules, making them easier to lift from fabric fibers.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to use vinegar on set-in stains. Saturate the stained area and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before washing as usual. For tougher stains, you can apply undiluted vinegar directly to the spot. Vinegar is particularly effective on cotton and polyester fabrics.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another versatile stain fighter found in most kitchens. Its alkaline nature helps neutralize acidic stains, while its mild abrasiveness can lift dirt and grime without damaging fabrics. Baking soda is especially useful for absorbing oily stains and eliminating odors.
To tackle set-in stains with baking soda, mix a paste with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the stain, gently working it into the fabric with a soft brush.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing and washing. For extra stubborn stains, you can leave the paste on overnight.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that can effectively remove many types of stains, particularly those from organic sources like blood, sweat, and food. It breaks down the chemical bonds in stain molecules, effectively “bleaching” them away.
To use hydrogen peroxide on set-in stains, apply it directly to the stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Mix tougher stains with hydrogen peroxide and a small amount of dish soap to create a more powerful cleaning solution. Always test hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area first to lighten some fabrics.
4. Dish Soap
The grease-fighting power of dish soap makes it an excellent choice for tackling oily stains on clothing and upholstery. Its surfactants help break down and lift oil molecules from fabric fibers, making it easier to wash them away.
For set-in grease stains, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain and gently work it with your fingers or a soft brush.
Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before washing. Dish soap is particularly effective on cotton and synthetic fabrics.
5. Liquid Laundry Detergent
While it may seem obvious, liquid laundry detergent can be a powerful tool against set-in stains when used as a pre-treatment. Modern detergents contain enzymes that break down protein-based stains like blood, sweat, and food.
Apply laundry detergent on stubborn stains directly to the stained area and gently work it in with your fingers. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer for tougher stains) before washing. This method is especially effective for stains on clothing and other machine-washable items.
6. Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a gentler alternative to chlorine bleach that can be used on white and colored fabrics. It releases oxygen ions in water, breaking down stain molecules and lifting them from fabric fibers.
To use oxygen bleach on set-in stains, dissolve it in warm water according to the package instructions. Soak the stained item in this solution for several hours or overnight. This method is particularly effective for large or widespread bedding, tablecloths, or clothing stains.
7. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice’s natural acidity makes it an effective stain remover, especially for rust, mildew, and fruit stains. Its bleaching properties can also help brighten whites and light-colored fabrics.
To use lemon juice on set-in stains, squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. For extra stain-fighting power, sprinkle salt over the lemon juice before letting it sit.
Rinse thoroughly and wash as usual. Always test lemon juice on a hidden area first, as it can lighten some fabrics.
8. Salt
Salt is an excellent absorbent and useful for lifting fresh stains before they are set. Its abrasive nature can also help scrub away set-in stains when combined with other cleaning agents.
Mix salt with a small amount of water or vinegar to form a paste for set-in stains. Apply this paste to the stain and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing and washing.
Salt is especially effective on sweat stains and can help prevent yellowing on white fabrics.
9. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an effective solvent that can break down many types of stains, including ink, grass, and some types of makeup. Its quick-evaporating nature also makes it useful for spot-cleaning delicate fabrics.
Rub alcohol on set-in stains, apply it to a clean white cloth, and blot the stained area. For tougher stains, you can apply the alcohol directly to the fabric.
Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water. Always test rubbing alcohol on a hidden area first, as it can damage some fabrics.
10. Ammonia
Household ammonia is a powerful cleaner that can tackle tough, set-in stains like sweat, blood, and urine. Its alkaline nature helps break down protein-based stains effectively.
Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water to use ammonia on set-in stains. Apply this solution to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing.
Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated area, and never mix it with bleach or other cleaning products.
11. WD-40
While primarily known as a lubricant, WD-40 can be surprisingly effective at removing certain set-in stains, particularly oil-based ones like lipstick, tar, and grease.
To use WD-40 on stubborn stains, spray a small amount directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, work it in gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the area with warm water and wash as usual. This method works best on sturdy fabrics and should be tested on a hidden area first.
12. Borax
Borax, a natural mineral compound, is an excellent laundry booster and stain remover. It’s particularly effective on protein-based stains and can help brighten whites and colors.
Mix a paste with a small amount of water to use borax on set-in stains. Apply this paste to the stain and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before washing.
Add borax directly to your washing machine and regular detergent for tougher stains.
13. Meat Tenderizer
Believe it or not, meat tenderizers can effectively remove protein-based stains like blood, milk, and eggs. The enzymes in meat tenderizer break down proteins, making these stains easier to wash away.
Mix a paste with a small amount of water to use a meat tenderizer on set-in stains. Apply this paste to the stain, working it gently into the fabric.
Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing and washing as usual.
14. Toothpaste
White, non-gel toothpaste can surprisingly remove certain stains, particularly on white fabrics. Its mild abrasiveness can help lift stains without damaging most fabrics.
To use toothpaste on set-in stains, apply a small amount directly to the stain and gently work it with a soft brush or your fingers. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and washing as usual.
This method works best on small, localized stains.
Disclaimer: While these DIY solutions are effective for many types of stains, results may vary depending on the fabric and stain type. Always test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it does not cause discoloration or damage. The use of these methods is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any damage caused to your belongings. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.