Household Chemicals that also Remove Stains
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In the ongoing battle against oil, grease and other stubborn stains, these everyday household products are your first line of defense.
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Household ammonia
A nitrogen and hydrogen compound for acid-based stains such as dried blood, urine and perspiration.
How to use it: Soak clothing in a mixture of cold water and ammonia before applying a non-bleach dishwashing detergent and washing.
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Laundry Detergent
Many laundry detergents contain enzymes that break down the molecules in ketchup stains.
How to use it: Make a paste of powdered laundry detergent and water and rub into the stain before washing.
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Bleach
Chlorine and oxygen bleach cause chemical bonds to break which removes soiled linen stains.
How to use it: Wash white fabrics in the washing machine on the hottest setting with ¾ cup of chlorine bleach. Use oxygen bleach on colored clothing.
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Borax
A mineral compound that converts some water molecules to hydrogen peroxide to break down grass stains.
How to use it: Soak clothing in one tablespoon of borax and one gallon of water for 30 minutes, then wash.
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Dishwashing Detergent
Detergents surround oil and grease molecules and lower the surface tension of water to remove stains.
How to use it: Pre-treat stained clothing with dishwashing detergent before putting in the washing machine.
