Making your own DIY laundry stain remover might seem like a pain. You can buy stuff for relatively inexpensive, but my problem is that I never realize I’m out until I need it. For a couple of years now I’ve been using my own version using two things I never, ever run out of: dish soap and peroxide. Yep, that’s it. And by now, you can trust me when I tell ya that this little miracle solution can handle whatever you throw at it.
Start with these two common ingredients: regular, cheap, peroxide and Dawn dish liquid (I haven’t used any other brand, so I can’t vouch for just any kind.)
Mix together equal parts in a small bowl, I do a tablespoon of each at a time. I don’t know if you could mix larger batches, I just whip it up as needed. My luck would be that I’d make a whole bottle full and then my crew would miraculously never get another stain again and it would be a waste. I hate waste! So, I just mix a dab up in a snap whenever I need it.
Saturate the area with the mixture, then let it set for 30 minutes or so before laundering.Wash as normal, then check to see if the stain all came out before putting it in the dryer (99.9% of the time it does – if not dose and wash again.) Then dry as normal and that’s it. Now you never have to worry, because you can always make your own DIY laundry stain remover!
Want more cleaning and organizing ideas? Be sure to check out my friends Angie + Carolina, too!
Marianne L says
Great tip, Gina. Thanks!
Ellen T. says
I’ve been using Dawn on stains for over 20 years after I read a tip in a Land’s End catalog. I use it on my husband’s shirt collars for that dreaded ring, on all grease stains and pretty much any thing that gets on clothes.
I use peroxide on blood stains. Then treat with Dawn. This is the first time I’ve ever read about combining them to treat stains. Will have to try it.
Melissa says
Can you use this solution on colored clothing or just on whites?
Gina Luker says
We’ve used it on colors, too – but I’d test a spot to see before you do a huge portion just in case.
Jessica says
Hi my name is Jessica and Im in the sixth grade doing research on :
“Which stain remover will work the best on 5 different sauce stains?”
That is my hypothesis and i need some help. I was wondering if you could help me with my science fair project hypothesis. If you dont know how to help me then can you lead me to someone who can help me with this kind of stuff???
Lorena says
I love this idea!! I’ve been using a stain stick product that can be rubbed on to a garment and left for up to a week before laundering. Have you tried leaving the ‘Dawnoxide’ on for a day or longer? Thanks!!
Gina Luker says
I have not Lorena, let me know if you try it and the results!
Cindi says
I have. In fact, I treat stains as I see them and throw the clothes in my regular laundry until wash day.