Homemade Stain Remover {VIDEO}
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I have tried many methods of removing stains from clothing over the years. This homemade stain remover aka “miracle cleaner” really does the job, it is inexpensive and easy to make.
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My Favorite Homemade Stain Remover
Tackling stains just got a whole lot easier! With just 3 simple household ingredients you probably already have, you can make your own DIY stain remover that will remove just about any stain! I’m not kidding!!
The other day when I was mixing up a fresh bottle of my favorite homemade stain remover, I realized I have never shared it here on the blog.
Probably in part because it’s been all over Pinterest for years and I assumed everyone already knows about it. Yet I’m surprised every time I tell someone about this homemade stain remover and they had never heard about it. Which made me think, I would be doing an injustice to my readers who have NOT heard about it if I didn’t share this life-changing formula we call….. The Miracle Cleaner.
Back in 2008 Glamour magazine shared an article
The Only Stain Remover You’ll Ever Need
The story tells a tale of a favorite dress and a glass of red wine. After thinking the dress was completely ruined, a friend let her in on a little stain removal secret that she has sworn by ever since…………….
The Recipe for Homemade Miracle Cleaner Stain Remover
(printable version at the end of this post)
For Laundry Stains:
1 part blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide
Mix and pour or spray directly on the stain, launder as usual and watch it disappear like MAGIC.
What does 1 part to 2 parts mean?
You can mix however much of this homemade stainer remover you need. Whether you want to mix just enough to treat one small stain or a bottle full, you will measure out twice as much hydrogen peroxide than the dishwashing liquid.
So, if you use 1 teaspoon of Dawn, you will need 2 teaspoons of peroxide. Or 1/2 cup of Dawn and 1 cup of peroxide.
Have odor to remove too?
Add a little baking soda for extra deodorizing and scrubbing power. Good for armpit stains, pet stains, vomit and grease stains.
What Can You Use This DIY Spot Remover On?
I keep a bottle of this Homemade Stain Remover in my laundry room to spray on stains, and it has yet to fail me.
Besides usual food and other mysterious stains that appear on my family’s clothes, I have used the DIY Stain Remover to successfully removed set in grease on a favorite t-shirt, yellow armpit stains, chocolate, blood, and tire grease when a white hat was driven over after being lost in the street.
If I’m worried about a really tough stain, like the hat or yellow armpit stains, I will use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain remover into the fabric (you can also sprinkle with a little baking soda to make a paste for a little extra deodorizing and scrubbing power) and let it sit about an hour before washing.
If it’s a large stain, as was the case with the dress, you can mix the formula and add it to a bucket of hot water and soak the entire garment for a few hours.
If the stain does not come out completely the first time, try it a second time, but it has worked the first time on everything I have tried.
As with any stain removers, always do a spot test, but if it’s a garment that’s already a loss because of the stain, what do you have to lose?
Does this Homemade Stain Remover Work on Carpet?
I have used the DIY Stain Remover on carpet with great success as well, and I know others have used it on upholstery, mattresses, grout, and many other items around the home!
For treating stains where it’s harder to rinse, like carpet, upholstery, or a mattress you will want fewer suds so it’s best to use a higher ratio of peroxide (3 or 4 parts peroxide to 1 part Dawn).
Won’t Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach My Clothes?
Household Hydrogen Peroxide is 3% can be a very effective cleaning agents without a bleaching effect. While higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at 6% or more are strong enough to cause bleaching.
The brown bottles at the drugstore are generally 3% Hydrogen Peroxide.
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I would love to hear if you have tried this DIY stain remover, and what results you had!
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HOMEMADE Stain Remover
I have tried many methods of removing stains from clothing over the years. This homemade miracle cleaner stain remover really does the job, and it is inexpensive and easy to make.
Materials
- blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- baking soda (optional)
Tools
For Multiple Uses
- Colored/Dark spray bottle
- funnel
For one time use or larger items:
- bowl
- old toothbrush or brush
Instructions
- Mix 1-part Dawn dishwashing liquid and 2-parts hydrogen peroxide in a *dark spray bottle or bowl. (Use a funnel if pouring into a bottle)
- Spray or pour Miracle Cleaner directly on the stain, launder as usual and watch it disappear like MAGIC.
- FOR REALLY TOUGH STAINS: use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain remover into the fabric (you can also sprinkle with a little baking soda to make a paste for a little extra deodorizing and scrubbing power) and let it sit about an hour before washing.
- FOR A LARGE STAIN: you can mix the formula and add it to a bucket of hot water and soak the entire garment for a few hours.
FOR LAUNDRY STAINS
If the stain does not come out completely the first time, try it a second time.
As with any stain removers, always do a spot test, but if it’s a garment that’s already a loss because of the stain, what do you have to lose?
FOR CARPET, MATTRESS AND UPHOLSTERY STAINS
- For treating stains where it’s harder to rinse, like carpet, upholstery or a mattress you will want fewer suds so it’s best to use a higher ratio of peroxide (3 or 4 parts peroxide to 1 part Dawn).
Notes
WHAT DOES 1 PART TO 2 PARTS MEAN?
You can mix however much of this homemade stainer remover you need. Whether you want to mix just enough to treat one small stain or a bottle full, you will measure out twice as much hydrogen peroxide than the dishwashing liquid.
For Example: if you use 1 teaspoon of Dawn, you will need 2 teaspoons of peroxide. Or 1/2 cup of Dawn and 1 cup of peroxide.
*WHY STORE IN A DARK BOTTLE
If you want to keep a spray bottle of this homemade stain remover in your laundry room, it should be kept in a colored or dark bottle. If Hydrogen peroxide is stored in a clear bottle then light will pass through and decompose Hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Colored bottles do not allow the light to enter the bottle.
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Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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So, stupid question here….one part Dawn and two parts peroxide…..so does that mean for example One Cup of Dawn and Two Cups of Peroxide?
yep – or any amounts you want to use – 1/2 cup Dawn + 1 cup Peroxide for example
Do you have to use regular Dawn or is Ultra Dawn ok?
i have only used what I have pictured – but I bet you could use the ultra
I don’t really mean to be a smartie, but you have Dawn “Ultra” pictured
haha – you are so right Tom – I didn’t notice the tiny little “ultra” on the bottle 😉
I’ve used a similar formula for over 20 years. My formula has 1 part ammonia in it also. I apply the solution and throw the garment in the hamper – it can sit for days without harming anything. I’ve used this on ground in soccer and baseball dirt, ink stains, blood – literally everything!
This is good to hear about baseball and soccer, I was wondering abour grass/turf stains. What does the amonia do? Any trouble with colors? So it’s 1 part Dawn, 1 part amonia, 1 part peroxide?
Very bad idea! The ammonia snd peroxide (as used in hair dyeing chemicals) will react and the peroxide will be neutralized and there is the production of N2H4(hydrazine) which is toxic. Google “reactions of ammonia and hydtogen peroxide” for more details.
you don’t want to mix chemicals like peroxide and ammonia
Is this color safe?
yes, just like any stain remover — just do a spot test if you are worried. If the stain is bad to begin with I usually bother doing a spot test, if the clothing is not going to be worn with the stain
So excited to try this. I already use Dawn pretty successfully so I’m thinking this will be even better! One question, how have you found it working on khaki colored items?. Sometimes I have a problem with the khaki getting a little bleached out when I’ve tried spot treating.
Thanks
I would just try a spot test if you can — I can’t say for certain I’ve used it on Kahki items, but I have not had an issue on any color I’ve used it on.
Thanks!
I am going to try this thanks! I have been using my homemade laundry detergent and glycerin in a small spray bottle for a while and it works pretty well for carpet stains, but it doesn’t get EVERYTHING out! Have you used glycerin in any formulas yet?
no, I’m sorry, I have never used glycerin
I’m loving this! I already use a dawn, finish detergent, borax & bleach soak mixture that makes my whites, well white again. So, I’m definitely going to be trying this!
Can’t wait to try this!
I’ve used this for about a year now and I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO ANYTHING ELSE. 😀 The best stuff ever.
I have never had not to take out any stain nor has it ever ruined any fabric or color faded any clothes.
For a long time I have used Clorox II for everything. Soaked everything overnight but it didn’t get out all the stains. Can hardly wait to mix a batch of this.
Now if you could give us a good formula for getting rid of cat odors………..
Thanks so much.
Cat odor? Rubbing alcohol. If it is on laundry, dump a bottle of rubbing alcohol in the wash with your regular laundry detergent. It works!
I’ve used ammonia with great success. We had a cat who would pee on towels left on the floor. I would wash them with a cup or two of ammonia. You couldn’t tell there was ever an odor.
Does any body have a miracle ink remover remedy? 🙂 thanks!
Use aerosol hair spray on ink stains, and then wash as usual.
I live in the Netherlands and we don’t have Dawn here, does it works with other blue dishwashing liquid?
couldn’t hurt to try another – keep me posted if you do!
I tried it with other blue dishwashing luquid and my stain (a pink stain from washing my sweather together with something that is pink) didn’t go awy. Maybe because my hydrogen peroxide is 3% or because I don’t have dawn.
i wonder if it’s because that was dye, not really a stain. sorry it didn’t work for you.
Hi! I wonder if the same will work in yellow-stained white sneakers? Many thanks in advance!
Can I use this on my carpet???
yep, I mention in the post that I use it on carpet —you may just want to do a spot test first
So when I saw this recipe, I was totally a skeptic. Hydrogen Peroxide is a bleach. In fact, it is the main ingredient in the hair lighting spray called “Sun In.” So, when I saw this recipe, I thought I would be bleaching my favorite clothes. I tried it on an old shirt, and poof the stains were gone. Then I tried another shirt — I faked a ketchup stain….luckily my hubby didn’t come down from his office and see me squirting ketchup on my clothes! — and it took it out completely without bleaching the shirt. I DON’T KNOW HOW IT WORKS…..BUT IT WORKS! Thanks for sharing! xoxo – Lori
Hi, this question goes with the mildew smell removal process you shared a link to. Do you pour the vinegar into the detergent cup or directly into the washing machine? (front load washer)
Thanks! I have thrown away so many kitchen rags!!
either way will work Jody – when I pour it in the detergent cup on my front loader it goes right into the drum.
This really works. I had a clean shirt that somehow got stained while sitting in a drawer (don’t ask me how). I put the cleaner on it and tossed it into the wash. I have to admit I as a little skeptical because the stain didn’t immediately disappear when I applied it but it worked! I forgot to check it before tossing in the dryer but when I checked it after I took it out of the dryer, it was like the stain never existed. Thanks so much for this.
I love this stuff, and haven’t found a stain that it won’t remove! Even set in stains as I am a thrift shopper!! I’ve read that you can’t mix this up ahead of time unless you store it in a dark bottle because the nitrogen has no effect if it is left in the light. Have you ever had an problem with it not being effective, because I sure haven’t!! Maybe for a stain remover it doesn’t matter if it’s exposed to light, but if you are using it for what hydrogen peroxide is intended for it needs to been in a brown bottle?!?! Any ideas? Also I use Sunlight soap instead of Dawn cause that’s what works best with our water and I haven’t noticed the difference between the dawn or the sunlight, and I’ve tried both!!
Does this work on microfiber upholstery?
I’ve used the paste method you referenced in your post, but this looks a little simpler so I’m anxious to try it for myself! How long would you recommend letting it set before laundering. I have some very dirty whites from messy children, so I wasn’t sure if it would help to let it sit overnight versus a couple of hours. Thanks for sharing!
i think an hour or so would be fine — I actually just used it on my teen daughter’s sheets the other day that were pretty dingy and had some dried blood – sprayed all the spots and washed on hot with a little bleach and they came out looking new!!
I’ve also had this work on stains that were already set in (washed and dried with stain) and I sprayed and let it sit 15 mins and it removed the stains (one was set in grease) — so if the stains don’t come out the first time, give it another try
I have always used a mix of Dawn and Shout to get out hard to remove stains. I just tried your formula and we’ll see how it goes. I use the clinical deodorant, which tells you to put it on at bedtime. Well it has left my nightgowns with deodorant residue.
I can see it being great on Carpet because it is sturdy. But the Hydrogen Peroxide can damage clothing. The reason Hydrogen peroxide bubbles on your skin is because it is getting rid of the cells whether it be skin or bacteria. Therefore, What is the affect of wear and Tear on the Clothing?
I’m usually not using it over and over again on the same clothing – so far it’s not been an issue
This is awesome and so easy! My question…has anyone else had problems with too many suds in the washer from the Dawn? I am having to run load through the rinse cycle several times …. I have a front loader…does that make a difference?
Used this recipe on a load of teen son’s clothing. Situation – a pen went in with the wash and leaked all over his clothing – 6 khaki items included – and dried without noticing. The recipe worked great. Took a while to treat all the items, but all came out. Love it.
Thanks for telling me cause I’m COUNTRY all the way so you know I get dirty. I will try this. Thank you for any or all tips.
I have used this solution for a long time with great success on just about everything. A word of caution: hydrogen peroxide(mixed or straight) must be kept in a dark bottle. Exposure to light breaks it down and it becomes nothing but water(thus he ugly brown bottle it comes in). Also hydrogen peroxide will take some color out if left on for days(personal experience). I usually let it sit for about an hour or so and then wash.
Would this work with other colors of Dawn Ultra? I just bought a giant bottle of the green Apple Blossom scented Dawn the day before I saw this post. I think I’ll give it a try anyways, and post again if it works. 🙂
I have not used anything else, but I’d love to hear about it if you give it a try!
This makes total sense…..I’ve been using peroxide for YEARS to remove blood from my dogs’ bedding, etc……let’s just say, I’m the king of laundry in my house…..haha.
Works excellent for ball point pen ink too haha. Been there done that.
Hi, 🙂 The peroxide does work great for blood and pet stains! 🙂 I’ve even used it on our front porch (concrete) to remove blood stains our cat unfortunately left from a bunny he caught 🙁 I just pour it on straight, it foams up and kind of bleaches it and just hose it away. but I was wondering.. I have accidentally gotten peroxide on darker colored clothing items and it had a bleaching effect. Have you ever had this problem with dark items? If not, is it because the peroxide is a bit deluded by the Dawn ? I have a dark olive sweatshirt of my husbands with a small grease stain the size of pea right on the chest. I don’t want to make it worse with a big bleach spot on it. lol Has anyone had any issues with this formula bleaching dark clothing?
I’ve used it on colored items, can’t remember how dark exactly, but I didn’t have a problem. you could spot test it some where – but I think as long as you don’t let it sit; just treat and throw in the wash, you’ll be ok.
Make a paste of oxy clean powder & dawn dish washing – works miracles on coffee & chocolate!
I’m in England. I’ve never seen Dawn on sale over here. Where do I begin to find peroxide?
This is a really excellent stain formula! It has gotten out every stain for me – new or old stains! Baking soda adds to the cleaning power. I actually mix it up when needed because I think the peroxide might deteriorate when mixed.
But be VERY CAREFUL! You CANNOT leave it on fabrics indefinitely. Make sure you wash it or at least rinse it out. This formula ate through a nice sturdy cotton knit shirt when I did the stain treatment and did not wash for a few days. I have seen it weaken fabrics when it did not eat through it.
Also, this has never bleached out any of the colors when I have used it. But you cannot use it on delicate fibers of any color.
Try it! It is really the best stain cleaner!
Just posting my results real quick.
I tried the Apple Blossom Dawn Ultra (its green) and it removed the faked ketchup and mustard stains that I put on an old shirt, but the grease stains that I faked out of both butter and mayo did not come out.
I plan on getting the Blue Dawn as you suggest, Cheryl, before I give up! 😀
thanks for the update!!!
i live in India we don’t get dawn here can I use ne other liquid
I saw this asked in the feed but need not see a response. I’m having to rinse clothes several times. Stains are gone but I have lots of bubbles. Used the Dawn you have pictured. Is it just me? Did I use to much? Thanks for your help.
I’ve never had that happen, so I would think you must be using to much, I just give a stain a spray or two
At my husbands 50th high school reunion, I spilled a glass if red wine down the front of a new white blouse. Believing the blouse was ruined I checked Pintrest and found the Miracle Cleaner. I had nothing to lose so I tried it and was delighted with the results. The blouse came out sparkling white. This Miracle Cleaner now has a permanent place in my laundry room. Thanks for sharing.
What percentage is your hydrogen peroxide? I comes in loads of different ones and I’m not sure which to get? Thank
I’ve been buying it for 30 years at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc, and I’ve only seen one. It’s sold by the rubbing alcohol and the like. I’m sure there might be other strengths for other purposes sold some where else. But the one that is sold as a first aid topical is the most readily available and all you need.
I have a baby blue tee shirt with and combo mustard and grease stain on the front – several different spots that I have not been able to get out. I washed and dried it before I realized the stains were there. Can’t wait to try this stain remover on it, because it is a new shirt.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
I do my best to avoid long periods of time on Pinterest,
so I haven’t seen this!
Thanks for sharing.
Chemistry concern- the bottle matters!!! I don’t know if you always mix this up fresh to use, but if you don’t; hydrogen peroxide turns into water after it has been exposed to light and/or oxygen, after some time of course, but it doesn’t take that long. This is why hydrogen peroxide comes in an opaque bottle! I would suggest using one of the original brown hydrogen peroxide bottles for keeping this solution; you can replace the cap with a sprayer nozzle. Otherwise, you’ll be using just plain water-diluted blue dawn, which may also do the trick though!
Can you sub the Down for another brand of dish soap? They don’t sell it in my country of residence;)
Will this homemade cleaner work on carpet? My husband spilled food on our berber carpet (light in color) and I’ve tried everything to get the stain out. Any suggestions?
Hi Cheryl, is the hydrogen peroxide a 3% solution? I have a 6% solution & don’t want it to bleach the colours out of my clothes. Thanks!
Just a comment for those living outside the US… ‘Dawn’ is known as ‘Fairy’ in other parts of the world (I’m in Australia) & I know that is also what it is called in the UK. Not sure about India, but it’s manufactured by Procter & Gamble, so maybe check out the back of the bottle to see who makes it; if it’s manufactured by P&G it’s probably the equivalent product.
Do you think this will work in a carpet shampooer?
A note to people who can’t buy Dawn locally: order it online! You really need to use the real, brand name, original Dawn. I haven’t tried it mixed with peroxide yet, but I’ve used it on oily stains like tomato sauce for years, on fabric AND dishes.
Re: using ammonia to remove cat urine. It may work, but any leftover ammonia smell will attract your cat to pee on it again. Peroxide seems to work the best, so this solution should work well.
Bonus tip: for blood stains, try enzymatic meat tenderizer. Add a little water to make a paste and rub it into the stain with a toothbrush or even your fingernails. Look for bromelain and papain. They break down the bonds in proteins (that’s how they tenderize meat!). And always use cold water!
I have made this stain remover as well for years-20 or so. It used to be that it HAD to be sunlight dish soap that was in the mixture but over the years I’ve learned that any good quality dish soap works. I’ve tried most of the regular known brands and they all work. My mixture has a bit different mixture 1 tsp dish soap, 4 tblsp hydrogen peroxide and 1 tblsp baking soda. Mix together and scrub into stain. I have never had a stain it couldn’t remove including yellow armpit stains. Havent had anything that it took the color out of. I heard long ago that hydrogen peroxide loses it effectiveness if exposed to light, thus the brown bottle, so wonder if it’s a good idea to make ahead!?!? Any ideas on that?
– Can it be a different colour (or clear) Dawn?
– Can it be a generic dish detergent? Why blue and why Dawn?
Can’t wait to try this!
Do you put it in all your loads of laundry or just a soak for stained clothes?
the blue Dawn is what is said to work best – I’m sure it wont hurt to try something else – the worst that could happen is, it wouldn’t work as well.
It’s a stain treatment – so you just treat the spot
Hi I just stumbled onto your site and wow I like. Here in South Africa we dont get Dawn only Sunlight dishwashing liquid (the best here), can I use this with 3% hydrogen peroxide? I have horrible marks on my carpet, will this work? Do I just spray it on the stain and leave it or do I scrub? Thanks so much Pam
Anyone use this on their sofa? We have microfiber sofas and the kids have taken markers to them.