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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I had no idea that I can make my own home made stain remover. I love reading home made recipes for cleaning because they are non toxic and eco friendly. Thanks a lot for sharing!
You can use on colors?
How do u use on carpet?
I use Dreft spot remover, and it is becoming difficult to find. Am very anxious to try.
Thank you
Just wanted to know how long once you mix up the Miracle Cleaner is it effective or expires. Thank you 🙂
Sounds great! Wondering if you can use different kinds of dish soap in place of the dawn? I usually use more natural dish soaps like 7th generation brand- do you think these would be as effective? Thanks!
i use blue Dawn and white vinegar to clean showers – tile, grout and tub. Fabulous cleaner! As to someone in an earlier post asking about another soap…I would say NO! Blue dawn is by far the best in removing oil based stains, markers etc. I use it full strength to remove stains on clothing. I used it once to remove black marker covering about 50% of the body of the neighbors 4 year old. She colored herself! Lol!! Came right off without scrubbing…just wet washcloth and dawn.
after mixing the stain remover, I noticed that after a couple of days, it had lost it’s blue color. Is this normal, or did I do something wrong?
Is the dish soap supposed to dissolve into the hydrogen peroxide? Or did I use the wrong kind… It was blue and it said dawn on it lol
How long is this good for once mixed? Thanks
It preserves the cleaning power if you mix it in the hydrogen peroxide bottle. The spray bottle head you have should screw right into the brown bottle, too!
this really works!!! my daughter used this on her white carpet. spilled dr. pepper.. it was there for months. they were very good at hiding the stain. well, it came out. she used a toothbrush and a towel to wipe the stain off as it colored the suds. my pit stained shirt even came clean and it was dried in the dryer many times. grease, kethcup, egg, has all came out. works on formula stains too. be sure and use a toothbrush and you will smile!
This is great for getting red wine stains out of carpeting!! I love it!
Totally love!
Just one catch, I live in sunny Italy, and you cannot find blue dawn there. Do you think any other dishwashing product would do? Has anyone experienced with other brands that I might find in Italy? How about Fairy?
Ciao Bella!
I know it’s important to use a dark bottle for this, not the clear one as pictured. hydrogen Peroxide looses it’s strength which is why it’s sold in the brown bottles. I have an old spot remover spray bottle that is a dark red. And I keep it under the counter. I think any spray bottle will work as long as light can’t hit the peroxide.
I just bought a larger size bottle yesterday. As far as expiring goes, mine expires in 2018. I am reading it needs to be replaced after 6 months if opened. Just use in a dark bottle, and keep away from light. I can’t seeing this doing harm on clothes if it “expires”. It will be less affective if using as a disinfectant though.
Does it have to be dawn? Can I use palm olive instead?
From what I read, yes to Dawn It’s very gentle. Palmolive is pretty harsh, contrary to what “Madge” said in the commercials. But go try out, but make a small batch. Please remember, Dawn is what they use to clean up birds, etc when affected w/ oil spills in the ocean…
I have Dawn that is green. Can I use that, or does it HAVE to be blue?
Just a note. I was out of blue dawn and only had orange dawn so I used it and it works just as well as the blur. I agree it is the best and cheapest stain remover there is. I have been using it about a year. Just don’t spray it on until you get ready to launder your item. If it stays on a long time the peroxide will whiten it. 5 minutes usually does the trick
I’m very glad that I stumbled upon your article, Cheryl! I’ve been looking for a cheap solution to my stained fabric. Do you know if it works very well on colored shirts? Many of my husband’s shirts are ruined because of the yellow arm pit stains; hopefully I’ll be able to clean them with your mixture!
Lily de Grey |
I am impressed! I was getting so upset with all the stain removers that I had purchased, that I was ready to give up! I had many tee shirts that had stains on them from BBQ sauce to grease etc……..could not get the stains out….until I tried Cheryl’s formula. Absolutely amazing!
I just stopped on your page while trying to find homemade set-in stain remover recipes and decided to try it. I didn’t have just regular Dawn Ultra, but I had the Dawn Ultra Platinum Advanced Power and followed the recipe otherwise. I used it on my most favorite shirt that has had set-in stains for years and I have to say this is amazing!! Almost all the stains were gone in minutes except for a couple tough stains that it’s still working on at this moment. But thank you again for such an amazing remedy for such a tough problem
Hi I was wanting to know if u can use this method on colored clothes or only whites? I have some clothes that got messed up recently that are colored and I’m trying to fix them but don’t want to use this if it’s going to ruin the shirts. Thank you
it’s not bleach, so it can be used on any color – you can always do a spot check first
I know the story of the dress and the stains very well! Last weekend I was on a party at the house of a friend and I stained my favorite blue dress with red wine. It looks awful 🙁 . I am desperate and I hope that your method will help. Thanks!
Sounds worth trying.
However, you lose some credibility when you say things like, “drove over.” Should be “driven over.” Can’t help being a grammar Nazi.
What is 1 part/2 parts? I need exact measurements so I can try this. I have some pit stains that are caused from the deodorant and some set in stains I would like to try this one because nothing else seems to be working.
you can use any amounts you want you just use twice as much (2 parts) peroxide as you do dish soap – so if you just want a small amount you could do 1 tablespoon Dawn + 2 Tablespoons peroxide. Or you could do 1/2 cup Dawn + 1 cup peroxide and so on
Will this work on sit in stains? I don’t like the light in our basement where our washer and dryer are and sometimes I think the stain is out and throw it in the dryer when it didn’t come out. I have a whole laundry basket of clothes that have designs or are bright colors that have stains that have gone through the dryer. I can’t use a lot of things on them because of them not being all white or the stain is now set in.
I’ve had it work on set in stains several times – only one stain has it not worked on that got set in on me 😉 good luck!!
i use these products independently of each other and they are great. can’t imagine how awesome they will be together. i use peroxide in a spray bottle for spots on the carpet or on furniture…anything. blot and reapply if needed. especially for dog stains. if your beloved puppy throws up bile, not to worry, pick up what you can first of all, then spray with peroxide and blot. it will turn a soft teal color from bright yellow. then treat it again and blot. it will be gone. i have used this for years and i am never without it. i got it from a carpet cleaning company. it will not leave any heavy product behind to re-attract stains like spray carpet cleaners can do that you purchase from the market. i love peroxide and dawn!!!!
I got the Dawn Ultra but it’s the green apple. Will that work?
it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try it. keep me posted on how it works!
I only have pink AJAX will that work or does it have to be blue dish liquid?
I don’t think it would hurt to try!! keep me posted!
Does this work on only whites or colored clothes too?
lol Nevermind. I feel dumb. I just found my answer from someone elses question.
Making it tomorrow, can’t wait to try it. Thank you.? *
I use this stuff all the time. Have used it on old stains on a shirt and it came out also. Highly recommend this stain remover.
I am off to the store now to get peroxide and blue dawn dish detergent. My boyfriend has work uniform stains that are severely set in and I have tried everything to get them out with no success…cannot wait to try this to see if I can get these nasty rotten stains out. Grrrrr…..this is so frustrating!!!!
I’m thinking there’s got to be a chemical in the Dawn soap (which chemically reacts with the H2O2) for it being the reason to only use the blue. Next time I go to town I’m going to look and see what’s in it.
Best thing ever for carpet car mats. Spray, brush, toss in washer.
I just used this on my WHITE sisal rug. My dog got into something and unfortunately got sick on it in 9 different places. Of the 9 spots, 8 have vanished- no trace at all. The last spot was green (from plant leaves) and I think I used a bit too much. The green is gone, but the area where I applied the solution is noticeably whiter. It doesn’t bother me, but you may want to test a small area first or try not to use too much. 🙂
Thanks for the recommendation- I’ll use this from now on.
I have never heard of this miracle cleaner. I’m very interested in trying it. I have a
T-shirt that is one of my favorites. It has some unknown stains that I have been trying to get it out for at least 3-4 washes.
As for that mildew smell in cloths, well nothing beats fresh air and sunshine. I found 2 big bags of baby cloths, after I gave up looking and bought more. they no longer fit my little baby. and the only thing wrong was the stench of them sitting in the dirt floor basement. 3 washes later I just left them out on the line for 5 days. OMG they smelled so good. They were ready for Good Will and some one else that needed them.
Could I use any type of dawn, or does it have to be blue?
I’ve only used the blue. if you try something else, let us know how it works
I used the yellow dawn, it got the stain out but not as well as the blue one did. I had to launder the shirt with the stain in order for the stain to completely vanish (and I used orange dawn) while with blue dawn, all I did was apply the mix and the stain vanished. All in all both dawns work, but I prefer the blue one 🙂
Hi
Well I’ve hunted down hydrogen peroxide and baking soda but we do not have dawn in UK. Has anyone tried green ‘fairy’ washing up liquid? I’ll give it a go and let you know. Thank you
Amazing my husband found a hooded shirt, that was supposed to be white . It had horrible deep set in stains.Coffee etc. The shirt was a bright dazzling white. It works!!!
Alison, check with your local pharmacy, or where ever you get your medications filled at, as far as the hydrogen peroxide, I am quite sure they will have it.
You said one part and then 2 part. I’m sorry I’m not very smart but can you tell me how much one part and two part is?
if you use 1 cup Dawn then you use 2 cups peroxide. you mix up as little or as much as you want – just measure your Dawn, then double that measurement for the peroxide
I’m afraid this week foam/bubble to much for my front load HE washer. Does anyone have any recordings with that?
there is no foam or bubbles. and I have a front load HE washer and treat our clothes with this all the time – the soap is diluted with the peroxide, and you just treat the stain, so there’s not much soap at all
Do you mix it with water? Or just the dawn and peroxide?
The recipe for homemade Miracle Cleaner
1 part blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide
Mix and pour or spray directly on stain, launder as usual and watch it disappear like MAGIC.
My son is a waiter and he asked if could remove several stains from his “white’ work shirts. I put this Miracle Cleaner to the test -it worked beautifully. I will now have a bottle by my washer as well for those nasty stains.
do you think this will work on old set in stains on baby clothes?
Yes! Somehow a bright red lipstick got into a load of my babies’s clothes. I didn’t realize until I was taking them out of the dryer. It had melted all over everything. I tried EVERYTHING with zero success. I tried this (except I also added baking soda- equal part to the dawn. It helps scrub into the stain) and the lipstick came out of everything, including the white onesies.
Just used this on my carpet. I had a few spots where a chunk of black eyeliner landed and left a terrible smudge. Worked great!! I also used Walmart brand dawn!!
Be careful with that. I just had the store brand kind leave blue dye on some baby clothes. I treated one sleeper and the blue randomly also got on 2 other pieces of clothing in the same load. Hope I can get it back out! I have never had that problem with the real Dawn.
Can you use this on colored clothes? Wouldn’t the peroxide bleach it? Thanks
peroxide can whiten whites and break up stains, but it does not remove color like chlorine bleach.
I had an instance where I treated with the stain remover and let the items sit for a while. They were bleached. Since then I just treat right before washing and haven’t had any problems.