Natural Stain Remover Rescue! How To Remove 7 Of The Toughest Stains Naturally

By Marilee Nelson |

Natural Stain Remover Rescue! How To Remove 7 Of The Toughest Stains Naturally

The idea that you cannot remove stains without harsh chemical stain removers is a pervasive myth!

Consider this: post-chemical era, your grandparents, great grandparents, and great great great grandparents likely made all of most of their own clothes, had to wash them by hand in all weather conditions (eep!), and thus had to become proficient at natural stain removal.

These days, we’re fortunate to have the wisdom of yesteryear’s stain removal techniques (though many of us have forgotten them) plus modern natural stain removers when we need them.

In this article, we’re sharing the most effective natural stain remover tips from yesteryear, plus modern methods to remove seven of the toughest stains, naturally, including:

  1. Wine
  2. Oil stains
  3. Nail polish
  4. Marker
  5. Sweat stains
  6. Pet stains
  7. And chocolate

Be sure to bookmark this article for future reference, and let’s get to removing these pesky stains, naturally.

The Tools: Best Natural Stain Removers To The Rescue!

The best natural stain removers come from your pantry (think baking soda, club soda, and vinegar) and modern human-safe stain remover products, like Branch Basics.

Here’s a list of the stain removal tools we’ll use to tackle these seven tough stains:

Good news: even tough stains do NOT require all these products, most just need 1 or 2 plus the right techniques.

There’s also more than one way to remove a stain naturally.

We’ll share a couple of techniques for each stain plus link to more detailed articles for additional methods.

Related reading: Essential Cleaning Tools for a Happy & Healthy Home

How To Remove 7 Of The Toughest Stains Naturally

You’ve got your tools, so let’s get started removing these tough stains for good. 

In this section, we’ll share one or two natural methods for wine, oil stains, nail polish, marker, sweat stains, pet stains, and chocolate, plus links to more DIY and Branch Basics methods.

A couple notes before getting started:

  • Always test your fabric before treating stains. 
  • Avoid hot water on silk, wool, synthetics, and delicate items. High temperatures can shrink, weaken, or tear these materials. Instead, always use cold to slightly warm water and a mild detergent like our Branch Basics Laundry Dilution for delicate fabrics. 

1. Natural Stain Removers For Wine

Wine stains cause universal panic as they tend to affect our favorite clothes and rugs and are notoriously tough to remove.

However, thanks to centuries of wine-drinking, there are several tried-and-true natural methods to remove red wine stains from carpets and clothing.

Option 1: Remove Wine Stains From Carpet Using Branch Basics

Branch Basics is gentle enough to be used on most types of carpets and rugs, but always test an inconspicuous area first.

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. Dab excess wine (don’t rub) and spray stain directly with All-Purpose.
  2. Lightly scrub until the stain lifts, blotting with a microfiber cloth and re-applying as needed.
  3. If necessary, use Oxygen Boost (test an inconspicuous area of the carpet first) and continue to lightly scrub with a damp cloth until the stain lifts.
  4. Vacuum any excess.

*Do not let Oxygen Boost sit and dry on colored carpets, as it may lighten the material.
For more information, see our step-by-step YouTube video.

Option 2: Remove Wine Stains From Clothes With Branch Basics All Purpose And Cold Water

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. Dab off excess wine with a cloth.
  2. Spray All-Purpose directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Lightly scrub and agitate the area until the stain lifts.
  4. Repeat if necessary.
  5. Do a thorough wash of the article of clothing in cool water.

Option 3: How To Use Salt + Boiling Water On Clothes

Note: This old-fashioned method works best for fresh wine stains and sturdy materials like denim. For other fabrics, click the link below for the Branch Basics tutorial.

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. Dab off excess wine with a cloth.
  2. Pile on a good amount of table salt and let sit thirty minutes to an hour.
  3. Shake off salt and pour boiling water over the stain until it disappears.
  4. Launder as usual.

See How to Clean Wine Stains With Branch Basics for tips and methods. .

2. Natural Stain Removers For Oil Stains

Oil stains can be a bear, especially if they go unnoticed and/or wind up getting run through the washer and dryer.

The good news is, that even set-in oil stains can be lifted with the right tools. Here’s how.

For the best outcome, first determine what temperature is recommended for washing the soiled garment or fabric.

Oil stains respond more to warm or hot water, but some fabrics are too fragile, and cold water must be used. For example, hot water damages fabrics like wool and silk.

Thankfully, Branch Basics Concentrate and cold water come to the rescue for many delicate fabrics. Move to warmer or hot water only if you are confident about the material.

Option 1: Branch Basics Concentrate And Cold Water For Delicate Fabrics 

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. If this is a fresh stain, blot up as much of the oil stain as possible with a cloth or paper towel.
  2. Gently rub Branch Basics Concentrate directly into the oil stain with your fingers and let it sit for 5 minutes. We recommend the direct application of Concentrate only to oil stains. (Basics Bathroom dilution may be sufficient for minor oil stains, but generally, the Concentrate works best).
  3. Run cold water through the stain.
  4. Repeat, if necessary. Several applications with Concentrate and cold water are generally sufficient to remove oil stains on many types of fabrics.  
  5. Hand wash with Branch Basics Laundry Dilution once the stain is removed.
  6. Hang Dry. 
    • Note: Do not place the garment in the dryer until the stain is removed. The dryer will set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.


Option 2: Branch Basics Concentrate Or Dish Soap And Baking Soda 

Baking soda’s naturally absorbent and abrasive nature paired with the grease-busting power of natural dish soap is an ideal combo to knock out oil stains fast.

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. If this is a fresh stain, blot up as much of the oil stain as possible with a cloth or paper towel.
  2. Rub Branch Basics Concentrate directly into the oil stain with your fingers or a toothbrush and let it sit for 5 minutes. We recommend the direct application of Concentrate only to oil stains. (Branch Basics Bathroom dilution may be sufficient for minor oil stains, but generally, the Concentrate works best).
  3. Run the stain under cold, warm, orhot water (remember hot water helps dissolve and remove the oil but may set the stain on certain fabrics). Move to warmer or hot water (only if you are confident about the material) to remove as much oil as possible.
  4. Repeat. Several applications with Concentrate and warm water are generally sufficient to remove oil stains on many types of fabrics.
  5. If necessary, make a paste by combining baking soda with Branch Basics Concentrate or natural dish soap. Rub the paste directly onto the oil stain for several minutes, using a cloth or toothbrush. 
  6. Let dwell for 30 minutes to several hours.
  7. Again, rinse with warm to hot water. Repeat if necessary.
  8. Launder with Branch Basics Laundry Detergent or Laundry Dilution once the stain is removed.
  9. Do not place the garment in the dryer until the stain is removed. The dryer will set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.

Learn more creative ways to use non-toxic baking soda in: 12 Uses for Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) Around The House.

Option 3: Natural Baby Powder

Baby powder is an incredible oil stain remover and can even work on set-in stains, provided it’s left to dwell long enough.

We recommend this with one caveat: make sure it’s a natural, talc-free, mineral-based baby powder

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. Dab as much of the oil stain up as possible with a cloth.
    1. If the garment has already been washed and dried, skip the dabbing and move on to step 2.
    2. To preserve fabric integrity, always move from less aggressive treatments to more and from cold to hot water. 
  2. Rub Branch Basics Concentrate directly into the oil stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. We recommend the direct application of Concentrate only to oil stains. 
  3. Run under warm to hot water to help disperse and remove the oil. Remember to always use cold water if the fabric is delicate.
  4. Pile on the natural baby powder, and rub as much in as you can with your fingers.
  5. Let dwell at least 24 hours, shake off, and rinse with cool water. Or if tolerated, very warm or hot water.
  6. If the stain is gone, launder as usual; if not, repeat as many times as necessary to remove the stain.

Note: You can leave baby powder to dwell longer than 24 hours, but start there and work up as needed.

Oil stains can be stubborn to remove, especially if they’ve been washed and dried—but don’t give up! 

Discover three more natural ways to remove oil stains from clothing in: How To Get Oil Stains Out Of Clothing Naturally.

3. How To Remove Nail Polish Stains Naturally (yep, it’s possible)

Nail polish may be the ultimate stain to contend with! 

So much so that people often give up before they start, which is a shame because it is possible to remove nail polish from clothing and carpets.

One helpful tip, that’s completely counter-intuitive, is to remove as much nail polish as you can gently (no scrubbing), then let the rest dry. This will make it easier to remove.

How To Use The Branch Basics Method

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. Apply enough Branch Basics Concentrate to saturate a cotton ball or swab.
  2. Gently work the Concentrate into the nail polish stain using a gentle sweeping motion (the cotton ball/swab should help you avoid over-scrubbing). You should see the nail polish starting to come off on the cotton ball.
  3. Replace the Concentrate-soaked cotton ball or swab with a fresh one as it picks up more color to avoid spreading the stain.
  4. Once all (or nearly all) of the polish has come off, rinse the stain in very warm water to remove the soap and any remaining polish.
  5. Repeat if necessary until all the stain is gone.
  6. Launder, as usual, using Branch Basics Laundry or Laundry Detergent.

If this method does not remove all the nail polish, or if you don’t have Branch Basics Concentrate on hand, see: How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Clothes Naturally for additional tips.

4. Natural Stain Removers For Markers

Washable marker stains generally come out with little fuss. However, removing non-washable marker stains takes a bit more strategy.

Here’s how to do it naturally with minimal fuss.

Customizable Natural Method For Removing Marker Stains Naturally

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. Blot up as much marker as possible with a damp cloth.
  2. Apply rubbing alcohol and let sit for a minute or two.
  3. Rinse in cold water and repeat until the stain comes out.

Note: Delicate fabrics, such as cashmere or wool may not respond favorably to alcohol and may need to be taken to a professional cleaner.

You can use this same method with other natural stain removers like lemon juice, vinegar, toothpaste, or baking soda.

Get the full tutorial in: How To Get Marker Out Of Clothes Naturally

5. Natural Stain Removers For Armpit & Sweat Stains

Sweat stains on clothing are unsightly (especially if you use aluminum-based deodorant or antiperspirant), but common, and are easy to remove using natural methods.

Option 1: Branch Basics Method

For white clothing:

  1. Spray the sweat stain with distilled water and Branch Basics All Purpose Spray.
  2. Treat directly with a few drops of Branch Basics Concentrate.
  3. Sprinkle Branch Basics Oxygen Boost on top and scrub to create suds.
  4. Let it sit overnight and wash as usual with Branch Basics Laundry Detergent or Laundry Concentrate Dilution.

If the stain remains, repeat the above.

For colored clothing:

  1. Spray Branch Basics All Purpose around the armpit area.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of Branch Basics Concentrate and ½ scoop of Oxygen Boost or  Branch Basics Laundry Detergent  to water to cover the garment in a bowl.
  3. Soak the garment overnight.
  4. Wash as normal. 

If the stain remains, repeat the above.

Option 2: Vinegar Method

  1. Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar in a bowl.
  2. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and lightly dab onto the sweat stain.
  3. Gently rub the stain in a circular motion working outwards.
  4. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse the stain with water.
  6. Wash as normal. 

If the stain is still there, repeat the above steps.

Get more DIY tips for sweat stain removal in: How To Remove Sweat And Armpit Stains [Complete Guide]

6. How To Remove Pet Stains, Naturally

Pet stains can present a real challenge, especially if they happen on carpets or rugs.

These methods will remove the stains and odor without causing harm to your furry friends.

Option 1: Branch Basics All-Purpose For Spot Treating

Branch Basics All-Purpose is truly “all-purpose” when it comes to cleaning surfaces, produce, dishes, and even pet stains on carpets.

And yes, it’s entirely pet-safe.

What You’ll Need:

  • A microfiber cloth or rag
  • Branch Basics All-Purpose
  • Oxygen Boost (if needed)

Procedure:
Always test Branch Basics in a hidden area first for colorfastness and compatibility. 

  1. Remove as much of the pet stain as you can by dabbing the area with cold water before applying the stain remover.
  2. Spray All-Purpose directly on the spot and allow it to sit for 1-5 minutes. 
  3. Agitate the area with a brush or rag until the stain disappears.
  4. If All-Purpose isn’t enough, add a light sprinkle of Oxygen Boost, scrub, and let dwell 5-10 minutes (make sure to check colored carpets first), remove with a damp cloth, and vacuum up excess.

Option 2: Water + Vinegar + Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are a powerful, pet-safe combination for eliminating pet stains and odors from your carpet and rugs.

What You’ll Need:

  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • A spray bottle
  • A cloth

Procedure:

Before beginning, test vinegar and baking soda for colorfastness and compatibility in an inconspicuous area.

  1. Absorb as much of the stain as possible/remove any solids using paper towels or a rag.
  2. Always try Branch Basics All Purpose spray first to treat the stain.  Spray, let sit for 1-5 minutes, and agitate the carpet.  If the stain is still present, move to the next step.
  3. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water and apply to wet the stain.
  4. Sprinkle baking soda on the vinegar and the stain. Agitate. This will create a fizzing reaction and will help to dislodge the stain.
  5. Let dwell for 10 minutes.
  6. Gently agitate with a toothbrush.
  7. Rinse by dabbing with some fresh water, press with a cloth to absorb, and repeat if necessary.

Note: If the stain’s gone but the odor remains, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the spot and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Vacuum up, and the odor will be gone.

Get more tips on pet-safe cleaning in: 5 Pet-Safe Floor Cleaners + DIY Tips

7: How To Remove Chocolate Stains Naturally

Organic dark chocolate or hot cacao with pastured milk or dairy-free milk may be a healthier treat, but it also has an affinity for winding up on all types of clothing.

Treat chocolate stains with cold water, as warm to hot water may set the stain.

Here’s how to remove it naturally.

Option 1: Cold Bath Method + Branch Basics

This method works best on fresh chocolate stains, such as melted chocolate, hot chocolate, etc.

What You’ll Need:

  • Branch Basics Bathroom or All-Purpose
    • Use undiluted Concentrate or Bathroom spray for chocolate icing or melted chocolate, and All-Purpose for hot cocoa
  • A cloth or microfiber

Procedure:

  1. Blot up as much chocolate as possible.
  2. Quickly submerge the stain in icy cold water to harden the chocolate.
  3. Once hardened, chip off as much chocolate as you can.
  4. Apply undiluted Concentrate, All-Purpose or Bathroom on the stain.
  5. Place a clean cloth behind the stain to avoid translocating it to the other side of the garment.
  6. Agitate slightly with another cloth until the chocolate disappears. 

Chocolate stains can be tricky because they contain oil and tannins, creating a double-threat for fabrics.

If this first method isn’t enough, move onto this next option.

Option 2: Baking Soda + Natural Dish Soap + Oxygen Boost Soak

This method works great on all types of chocolate stains, including set-in stains.

What You’ll Need:

Procedure:

  1. Run the stain under cold water to remove as much oil as possible.
  2. Make a paste with baking soda, dish soap, castile soap, Branch Basics Concentrate or Branch Basics Bathroom.
  3. Rub the paste directly into the stain for several minutes.
  4. Let dwell for 12-24 hours for set-in stains.
  5. Rinse with cool water. If no success, move to the next step
  6. Dissolve one scoop of Branch Basics Oxygen Boost or Branch Basics Laundry Powder
     with coldwater in a bowl or basin.
  7. Soak the stain for several hours or overnight.
  8. Launder and dry as usual.

Get more methods and tips for removing chocolate in: How To Get Chocolate Out Of Clothes Naturally

H2: Have More Natural Stain Remover Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Congratulations! You are now armed with everything you need to remove seven of the world’s toughest stains, naturally and effectively (phew!).

But what about grass stains, ketchup stains, grease stains, blowouts, period/blood stains, coffee and tea stains, and more?

You know we’ve got you covered!

Discover all the natural stain remover tricks you could ever need in our Stainmaster Guide: How To Get Stains Out Of Everything Using Branch Basics [Complete Guide].

For carpets and rugs check out: Our 5 Go-To Natural Stain Removers For Carpets.

Getting excited about the power of natural cleaners? 

Download a free copy of our User Guide for even more low-tox, human-safe, eco-friendly cleaning and stain removal advice or browse the natural cleaning section of our blog.

Discover Branch Basics Natural Laundry Solutions

Laundry is a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a chore.

At Branch Basics, we’ve created two safe and effective laundry products that are, third-party tested as a non-skin or eye irritant, never tested on animals, and are made from natural plants and minerals.

First up, our newest Laundry Detergent powder (EWG-verified) requires only one scoop per load to clean, remove stains, whiten, brighten, deodorize, and freshen clothes with no additional products needed. It is an energy saver as it is formulated to work in cold water and it also performs exceptionally well in hard water.

Secondly, our Concentrate Laundry Solution (Made Safe Certified) uses our liquid Concentrate model, where you mix water with our signature Branch Basics Concentrate in a reusable plastic or glass Laundry bottle. This is our flagship product, formulated to be highly effective yet mild enough for the most sensitive people and delicate fabrics.

We also offer Oxygen Boost for extra cleaning, laundry boosting, deodorizing, and stain-removing power. 

These items, and more, are included in our Premium Starter Kits, which come with everything you need to replace every toxic cleaning product in your home with safer, more natural alternatives.

To learn more about how our laundry products work, check out Branch Basics Laundry Instructions. 

We also offer non-allergenic, fragrance- and dye-free, natural Wool Dryer Balls to replace toxic dryer sheets and fabric softeners.

Get more natural laundry tips in:

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Marilee Nelson

Marilee Nelson

Marilee Nelson is an Environmental Toxins expert who has spent nearly 30 years advocating for the chemically-sensitive and chronically-ill. She is a Board Certified Nutritionist, Certified Bau-Biologist and Bau-Biology Inspector and specializes in Food As Medicine. She has helped thousands of families and individuals identify, heal and recover from toxic exposures and is on a mission to revolutionize the way American families view their health.

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