Laundry Stain Removal Tips for Frugal Moms

Lately I have have been very diligent about checking our clothes for stains. Frugal Moms keep a clothing inventory so they buy less, and maintain clothing for themselves and their children to add longevity. Part of maintaining clothing is stain treatment. In the past, I have not been very good at treating clothes, but my goal is to have out clothes last longer and look nicer.

Our grandmothers’ took very good care of clothing I think because they had fewer clothes, and the availability wasn’t there. They may have had other reasons, but waste on anything was limited. Even with second hand clothing I check for stains and treat them. Some times they come out. If not, then the outfit becomes part of our “play”clothes. Our good clothes then get saved for dinners out and other events.

Spot Removal Technique

First, when a stain first happens dab it with a cold rag. Don’t rub the stain. That will rub the stain into the fabric more. If in a restaurant ask if they have any club soda. If not, plain cold water will help lift the satin. Do not use hot water because depending o the fabric that can cause a stain to set quickly. Another good idea is to carry stain removal pens or shout wipes. These also help the stain to not set in fabric.

I prefer the shout wipes over the stain removal pen, because for me they are packaged and last longer. I have had the stain removal pens top come off and they dry out. Finally, don’t soak the area because nothing is more embarrassing than a huge wet stain on a nice dress or pair of pants.

Don’t dry the clothing in the dryer. I like to hang it up until it dries so that I can see if the stain came out. The dryer can cause the stain to set in the fabric permanently.

Golden Rule for Stain Removal

There is no golden rule. Each stain is treated differently. Some, like blood may need one product, while others like grass stains require an overnight sitting on the stain. Later on, I will tell you my favorite three all purpose stain treating products. My stain treating basket is very light. If I have something that I just love then I might go out and buy something else, but I like to stick to what I know.

Some stains require hot water, and some cold water. Grass stains are hard to get out so let those sit overnight. Grease stains are hard to get out because of the oil. I am very careful on clothing with dark colors because what I use o grease stains fades the colors on the darker clothing.

Frugal Moms All Purpose Stain Removers

Before I list my top three stain removers I want to say use discretion. Not all stains are the same and what works for me may not work for you. I do buy my clothing second hand and it is not very expensive. In the case of something expensive I would take that item to the dry cleaners. Also, stain treatments cannot be used on suede products. I found that out the hard way.

Here they are, my top three go to stain treating, frugal products, that I feel are all purpose. Dawn dish soap is great for grass stains. I use an old toothbrush and spray a small amount on the grass stains. Let them sit overnight and mine have always come out clean when washed.

Next is baking soda. I make a paste with water and rub it into the stain and let it sit for awhile. Then on the next wash it gets thrown in. Last, but not least is Zote. It is a laundry soap that I buy and use to rub on stains. Again, I take the bar of soap, wet it with a little water and rub directly on the stain. I throw in that outfit, shirt or whatever it is in the next load. Sometimes I let the item sit overnight, but not always. My laundry soap has lasted for a couple of years. It is frugal, old fashioned and lasts for a while.

All of the requirements for most frugal moms circles back to spending less time and money on anything. For more tips on frugal living, suburban homestead life, frugal homeschooling or homemaking follow my newsletter. I am also on Instagram @momsarefrugal.