How to Make a Pretreatment for a Stain

Grass stains are common if your kids play sports.

Stain pretreatments are cleaning solutions that help lift stains -- sometimes completely -- before you place the stained item in the washing machine. Commercial pretreatments contain enzymes that break down a stain so the laundry detergent and agitation in the washing machine will completely remove it. Save money by making your own pretreatment. Doing this allows you to control what substances and chemicals enter your home.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Rubbing alcohol
• Liquid laundry detergent
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Non-butane lighter fluid
• Shaving cream

Instructions

Grass and Ink Stains

1. Soak a sponge in rubbing alcohol and let it air dry for several hours.

2. Rinse the sponge with cool water and add 2 drops of liquid laundry detergent.

3. Rub the sponge into the stain until it appears lighter or is completely gone.

4. Launder the item as you normally would.

Sweat Stains

1. Mix 1 tbsp. of white vinegar with 1/2 cup of water.

2. Place the stain into the solution and allow it soak for 30 minutes.

3. Launder the fabric.

Oil Stains

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and allow it to remain for 5 minutes. This will soak up the oil residue.

2. Sweep the baking soda into a trash can.

3. Drop a few drops of non-butane lighter fluid onto the oil stain and allow it to remain for 5 minutes.

4. Submerge the fabric in a sink filled with cool water. Add 5 drops of liquid dish soap and mix until the water is sudsy.

5. Launder the item.

Food Stains

1. Spray shaving cream onto the stain.

2. Allow it to remain for 5 minutes.

3. Launder the item immediately.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Removing Perspiration and Sweat Stains
• Mrs. Clean: Tips to Remove Grass Stains Quickly, Efficiently and for Good
• Mrs. Clean: How to Remove Oily, Greasy Food Stains
• Mrs. Clean: Guide for Removing and Cleaning Stains