The Top 7+ Natural & Reliable Laundry Stain Removers

Who says you need harsh chemicals to remove stains effectively?

If that were true, past generations of mothers, fathers, grandmothers, etc., would not have been so skilled at removing stains using common (and natural) household items. 

We are here to bring that natural stain-fighting know-how back to life with these top seven plus natural and reliable laundry stain removers.

1. Branch Basics 5+ Ways

Branch Basics’ all-in-one cleaning system has a robust following among the health and toxin-conscious because it’s simple, affordable, and can be used for any cleaning job, including stain removal.

We typically recommend starting with Branch Basics All-Purpose dilution for fresh stains, Bathroom dilution for tougher stains, and undiluted Concentrate for oily stains, and Oxygen Boost—as a soaking agent, on top of All-Purpose, or diluted with water to make a stain-removal solution—for really tough, dried, or set-in stains.

Here’s how to use them on laundry stains (note: always test Branch Basics on an inconspicuous area first to ensure colorfastness)

For General Stain Removal, Use Branch Basics All-Purpose:

1. Blot up as much of the stain as possible using a dry or damp cloth, rinsing, and/or remove any debris.
2. Spray Branch Basics All-Purpose directly on the stain. 
3. Allow to sit for 1-5 minutes. 
4. Agitate with a brush until the stain disappears.
5. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

For Tougher Oil Based Stains, Use Branch Basics Bathroom:

1. Repeat the above procedure using Branch Basics Bathroom.
2. This is a more highly concentrated product, so just a spray or two will do.

For Set-In Stains, Try Concentrate Or Oxygen Boost

Branch Basics Concentrate is used to create all our custom dilutions, including All-Purpose and Bathroom. 

It can also be used “neat” to lift most set-in oil based stains..

How to use Branch Basics Concentrate for stains:

• Blot up as much of the stain as possible using a dry or damp cloth, rinsing, and/or remove debris.
• Sprinkle a few drops of Branch Basics Concentrate directly onto the stain.
• Allow to sit for 1-10 minutes. 
• Wet the stain
• Agitate with a brush until the stain disappears.
• Rise or remove and repeat if necessary until the stain disappears.

How to use Branch Basics Oxygen Boost for stains:

Oxygen Boost is a companion product to Branch Basics Concentrate. This simple, mineral-based two-ingredient formula is an incredible stain remover, bleach alternative, scouring agent, laundry booster, and soaking aid.

Many clients turn to Oxygen Boost first for all types of clothing stains because it’s easy to use. However, it can also be used on carpet and surface stains if diluted with a bit of water.

Here’s how to use it (again, always test an inconspicuous area to ensure colorfastness. Oxygen Boost can have a lightening effect on clothing but typically is fine to use as a soaking aid on all colored clothing, but test first):

Method 1:

1. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting and rinsing, and/or removing debris.
2. Fill a large bowl, sink, or basin with very warm water.
3. Add half to 1 scoop Oxygen Boost.
4. Add stained garment directly to the soaking solution.
5. Soak for 15 minutes to several hours to remove stains.
6. Launder as usual.

Method 2:

1. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting and rinsing, and/or removing debris..
2. Spray Branch Basics All-Purpose directly onto the stain.
3. Add a sprinkle of Oxygen Boost on top of the All-Purpose.
4. Wet the Oxygen Boost with more All Purpose
5. Agitate with a brush.
6. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
7. Rinse clean.
8. Repeat if necessary.

What About Laundry Detergents?

Branch Basics offers two options for natural and powerful human-safe laundry detergents that clean clothes effortlessly and remove stains.

Both are free from common laundry detergent toxins such as optical brighteners, bleach, sulfates, fragrance, phthalates, formaldehyde donors, phosphates, and more.

Option 1: Branch Basics Laundry Detergent

Our Laundry Detergent powder is a concentrated, water-free formula that’s convenient and simple to use. 

Requiring just one scoop per load with no additional products needed for a clean and freshness that lasts. 

It also performs well in cold water, saving energy and preserving fabric integrity.

Option 2: Branch Basics Laundry Kit

Our original Laundry Solution uses our liquid Concentrate plus water model. In this model, you mix water with the Concentrate in a Laundry Solution bottle and add an optional scoop of Oxygen Booster for extra cleaning power. 

Branch Basics Laundry Solution can also be used to pretreat stains before washing, just as you would All-Purpose or Bathroom.

We do recommend this product for those with inflammatory conditions, extremely chemically sensitive and chemically injured.

Learn more about how to use Branch Basics for stain removal in: How To Get Stains Out Of Everything: Branch Basics Stainmaster Guide.

2. Dish Soap + Hydrogen Peroxide

Natural dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, used alone or in combination, can also remove stains.

Dish soap is excellent for removing oil and grease-based stains, along with many other types.

3% Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach alternative that lifts and removes most types of stains, including blood, food, coffee, tea, pet stains, and grass stains.

Always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness.

To use:

1. Blot up as much of the stain as possible using a dry or damp cloth, rinsing, and/or remove debris.
2. Sprinkle a few drops of natural dish soap directly onto the stain, followed by a squirt of hydrogen peroxide.
3. Agitate with a brush or rub fabric together until the stain disappears or begins to lift.
4. Rise or remove and repeat if necessary until the stain disappears.

Peroxide can also be applied directly to stains on light or white fabrics, and dish soap can be used alone on oil or grease stains on most types of fabrics, including colored fabrics.

Peroxide is not recommended for silk or wool.

Related reading: How To Get Oil Stain Out Of Clothes Naturally

3. Distilled White Vinegar

Plain distilled white vinegar is an incredible stain lifter.

The secret lies in its naturally occurring acetic acid, which breaks down and removes various stains, including coffee, tea, food, blood, pet stains, grass stains, oil, markers, chocolate, and more.

Always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness.

To use:

1. Blot up as much of the stain as possible using a dry or damp cloth and/or remove debris.
2. Apply undiluted vinegar or vinegar mixed 1:1 with water directly to the stain.
3. Agitate with a brush or rub fabric together until the stain disappears or begins to lift.
4. Rise or remove and repeat if necessary until the stain disappears.

Stain not lifting?

Try combining vinegar with baking soda or cornstarch (spray on the vinegar, then sprinkle on baking soda or cornstarch & agitate) for a natural bleaching effect.

Vinegar is generally safe to use on all types of carpets.

Related reading: How To Get Chocolate Out Of Clothes Naturally

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda’s natural absorbent, scouring, and bleaching properties make it an excellent natural stain remover.

Plus, it’s versatile; you can use it “neat” or combined with other natural stain removers, like vinegar, dish soap, or lemon juice, to tackle tough stains like chocolate, oil stains, or blood.

It also deodorizes and softens hard water, making it invaluable in the laundry room.

Always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness.

3 Ways To Use Baking Soda To Remove Stains:

The direct method: Great for oil, pet, blood, vomit, armpit stains, and food stains.

1. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting up and rinsing and/or removing debris.. 

2. Apply baking soda directly to the stain. Add a little water to make a paste.

3. Agitate lightly by rubbing the fabric together or using a scrub brush.

4. Let dwell for 20 minutes to 1 hour.

5. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

The soaking method: Great for stubborn stains on clothing as a pre-treatment.

1. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting up and rinsing and/or removing debris.. 
2. Combine half to 1 cup baking soda in a large bowl, sink, or basin of warm water.
3. Submerge the stain.
4. Let soak for 30 minutes to several hours.
5. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

The baking soda combo method: Great for all types of stains, especially tough oil or grease stains, grass stains, chocolate stains, tea stains, blood, etc.

1. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting up and rinsing and/or removing debris.. 
2. Combine baking soda with natural dish soap to make a thick paste.
3. Rub directly onto the stain gently using a microfiber, scrub brush, or by rubbing fabric together.
4. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone.

Baking soda is generally safe to use on all types of carpets.

Discover more ways to use baking soda, in: Cleaning With Baking Soda: 12 Surprising Uses.

5. Lemon Juice + Salt

Lemon juice and salt used to be staples for stain removal because they work so well alone or synergistically.

Lemon juice is a natural bleach alternative, oil and grease fighter, and freshener, while salt has natural bleaching, scouring, and absorbent properties.

This combination is best suited for white or light-colored clothing.

Always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness.

Here’s how to use lemon juice + salt to remove stains:

1. Blot up as much of the stain as possible using a dry or damp cloth, rinsing and/or removing debris.
2. Apply undiluted lemon juice to the stain.
3. Add a nice pile of salt.
4. Agitate by rubbing the fabric together or with a cloth or brush.
5. Let dwell for 10-15 minutes.
6. Rinse clean with very warm water.
1. Note: This method is very effective when used on heat-resistant fabrics, like natural cotton and linen. Do not use it on synthetics. Do not hold the fabric while you’re pouring the boiling water (an obvious point, but excitement/anxiety over stain removal can cloud our judgment sometimes!).
7. Repeat if necessary.

Note that while lemon juice is generally safe on all types of light-colored carpets, salt should not be used on delicate rugs or wool carpets.

Related reading: 10 Natural Laundry Detergents That Actually Work.

6. Club Soda

Club soda was once a well-known staple for getting out various types of stains in clothing, carpets, and upholstery.

Want to know the secret ingredients? Sodium bicarbonate, aka: baking soda and carbonic acid are believed to be responsible for its stain-removal benefits.

However, club soda works best if you act fast.

How to use club soda to remove stains:

1. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting it up with a cloth.
2. Pour club soda directly onto the stain or apply it to a clean cloth, then press it into the stain.
3. Blot up, re-pour, and repeat until the stain is gone.

You can also combine club soda with other stain removers, such as those listed here, for a more powerful stain remover.

Club soda is generally safe to use on synthetic, wool, or most natural fiber carpets.

7: Sunshine

Few people have the time and patience to line-dry laundry these days (including us!). 

However, we are big advocates for using natural sunlight to bleach out stains in clothing and other items.

This can be a wonderful way to completely remove a stain that’s almost come out, or a set-in stain you accidentally washed and dried.

It’s also excellent for bleaching out cloth diapers, bibs, and baby clothes sans synthetic chemicals.

Tips for using sunshine to remove stains:

• Turn colored clothing inside out to prevent over-bleaching.
• Place light-colored items in full sun at the hottest time, usually from noon to 3PM.
• Check your clothing every hour or so to see how the stain-removal process is coming along.
• You can use the sun in wintertime, too, it just may take longer depending on your location (Alaska would be tricky!) and what time of day.

Sunning is also an excellent way to speed the outgassing/off-gassing of new items. 

Learn all about that in: Sunning: How to Take Advantage Of The Summer Sun by Outgassing (AKA Offgassing).

Toss The Toxins With Branch Basics

We hope this article has demonstrated that there is no need for harsh synthetic chemical stain removers.

By utilizing Branch Basics, common household products like baking soda, lemon juice, salt, vinegar, and club soda, and even the sun, we can tackle nearly any type of stain.

If you’re interested in trying Branch Basics all-in-one cleaning system for stain removal, laundry, house cleaning, and more, check out Branch Basics Starter Kits.

Available in refillable plastic or glass bottles, our kits have everything you need (Concentrate, refillable bottles, and Oxygen Booster) to remove any type of stain on carpets, clothing, and more, clean your entire home, wash your clothes, and more.

All Branch Basics products are made with only the most gentle, human-safe, plant- and mineral-based ingredients. They are also EWG-Verified, Made-Safe Certified, third-party tested as non-skin and eye irritants, and safe for the most sensitive individuals (including babies, pets, and the chemically-sensitive).

Learn more about how the system works in: How To Get Started With Your Branch Basics Kit.

For more educational resources on natural cleaning, stain removal, healthy living, and more check out the links above, our blog, podcast, and Toss The Toxins Online Course.