Emily Flores
Maybe your coffee spilled, grass-stained your pants after tripping in the yard, or a ballpoint pen leaked in your shirt pocket. Whatever the reason, clothing stains are inevitable. Fortunately, the baking soda in your kitchen can save you money and stress. Here are some of the worst stains baking soda can help remove.
Blood Stains
Whether it’s from skin cuts or nosebleeds, first mix cold water with a paste of two parts baking soda to one part water. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then gently blot and wash in cold water. Never use warm water, as heat causes the proteins in the blood to stick to the fabric, locking the stain in.
Paint Splatters
Getting paint on your clothes while getting creative or fixing things up is no big deal. If it’s water-based, make a baking soda paste with cold water, rub it into the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes. If the item is oil-based, mix baking soda with boiling water and soak it.
Red Wine Marks
Unlike other stains, blot (don’t rub!) the spilled wine. Next, mix up a paste with one part baking soda to three parts water and then spread it over the stain to draw the wine out of the fabric and neutralize its acidity. Finally, brush the mixture off and wash when dry.
Ink Splotches
A leaky pen in your pocket can leave your clothes looking like a botched painting. When it happens, don’t panic. Create a baking soda paste using water, then dab it on the stain using a cotton ball. Afterward, gently blot the ink out until it fades.
Sweat Marks
Here’s a stain you can’t escape as long as you’re a human. Those yellow armpit stains or ring-around-the-collar show your sweat glands are working just fine. To get rid of them, rub water and baking soda paste into the stained area. For a fresh cloth, let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing.
Caked-In Mud
Once mud hardens, the dirt settles deep into the fabric. If you toss it in the dryer, that stain might stick there for good. Instead, spread a baking soda and water paste over the stain and leave it overnight. The paste pulls out dirt and residual odors, allowing you to wash and complete the job.
Coffee Stains
It’s relatable (and forgivable) if you spill your coffee. What you shouldn’t do is let it dry. Coffee soaks in fast, leaving dark, tannin-filled stains. Blot fresh spills before sprinkling dry baking soda to soak up more. For older stains, make a paste with water and leave it for 15–30 minutes.
Stubborn Oil and Grease Stains
A single splash from the frying pan or a brush against a greasy bike chain can ruin your favorite clothing. First, remove any extra grease, then cover the spot with dry baking soda for 15 minutes. While baking soda absorbs the oil, add a splash of vinegar before washing.Lipstick Smudges
When lipstick smudges on fabric, plain water won’t cut it. For effective removal, experts recommend mixing baking soda with dish soap or a solvent into a paste. After 15 minutes, gently scrub the area, rinse it, and then wash the item to help get the stain out.
Grass Stains
First, mix three parts baking soda with one part water. Then, gently rub the mix into the grass stain using a soft brush. After 20 minutes, rinse with cool water and rewash. For extra-tough stains, repeat the process, adding a small amount of hydrogen peroxide as needed.