28 Must-Try DIY Stain Remover Ideas for Clothes

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Got a stubborn stain ruining your favorite shirt? You’re in the right place! This list of 28 DIY stain removers will help you tackle everything from red wine spills to grass stains, using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Let’s get those clothes looking fresh and clean again!

1. Club Soda for Fresh Stains

A glass of dark liquid being poured onto a white fabric, creating a stain.

If you spill something on your clothes, don’t panic! Club soda is your go-to for fresh stains. Just pour a little on the spot, gently blot with a cloth, and watch that stain lift away.

2. Salt and Vinegar Pre-Treatment

A hand pouring salt onto a stained fabric with vinegar in the background

If you’ve got a stubborn stain, salt and vinegar can be your go-to duo. Just sprinkle some salt on the stain and drizzle with vinegar, letting it sit for a bit. This simple trick can lift those pesky marks right out of your clothes!

3. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste

A small bowl of a white paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, accompanied by a light-colored cloth and a toothbrush.

This simple paste can work wonders on tough stains. Just mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to create a thick, effective cleaner. Spread it on the stain, let it sit for a bit, and then wash as usual for fresh, clean clothes!

4. Cornstarch for Oily Stains

A canister of cornstarch pouring onto a stained shirt.

Cornstarch is a handy solution for those pesky oily stains on your clothes. Just sprinkle some on the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the grease. After that, brush it off and wash your garment as usual to see great results!

5. Lemon Juice and Dish Soap Mix

A jar of lemon juice on a cloth with stains.

Lemon juice and dish soap make a fantastic stain remover combo. Just mix equal parts and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a bit, rinse, and watch those stains disappear!

6. Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

A bowl of baking soda on a soft, wrinkled fabric backdrop.

Baking soda and vinegar is a classic duo for tackling tough stains. Just mix them together for a fizzy reaction that helps lift dirt and grime from your clothes. This simple blend is not only effective but also eco-friendly!

7. Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide Combo

A hand using a brush to apply a cleaning solution on a stained surface.

This simple mix is a fantastic way to tackle tough stains. Just combine dish soap with hydrogen peroxide, and you’re ready to go! It’s easy, effective, and can save your favorite clothes from disaster.

8. White Vinegar and Water Spray

A spray bottle filled with a clear liquid sits on a pile of wrinkled fabrics.

If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, a simple white vinegar and water spray can be a lifesaver. Just mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it on the stain. Let it sit for a bit before blotting, and watch those marks disappear!

9. Rubbing Alcohol for Ink Stains

Close-up of a shirt with ink stains and a cotton ball on it.

Rubbing alcohol is a simple yet effective way to tackle ink stains on clothes. Just dab a little on the stain with a cotton ball, and watch it lift away. It’s a lifesaver for those unexpected pen mishaps!

10. Boric Acid for Carpet Stains

Boric acid powder spilled on a light carpet with a jar beside it.

Boric acid is a handy solution for tackling tough carpet stains. Just sprinkle it over the stain, let it sit, and then vacuum it up. You’ll be amazed at how well it works to lift those pesky marks!

11. Glycerin and Water Solution

Bowl with glycerin solution and orange fabric in the background.

A glycerin and water solution can be a handy tool for tackling tough stains on your clothes. Simply mix equal parts of glycerin and water, and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a bit before washing, and watch those stains disappear!

12. Tea Tree Oil and Water Mixture

A bottle of tea tree oil next to a spray bottle on a soft pink background.

Tea tree oil is a powerful stain remover that you can easily make at home. Just mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle, and you’re ready to tackle those tough stains. Spray it on, let it sit, and watch those stains disappear without hassle!

13. OxiClean Powder Treatment

A spoonful of OxiClean powder with scattered powder on a surface.

OxiClean powder is a handy stain remover that can tackle tough stains with ease. Just mix it with water to create a powerful solution that works wonders on clothes. Give your laundry routine a boost and say goodbye to those stubborn marks!

14. Castile Soap for Delicate Fabrics

Castile soap is a gentle option for cleaning delicate fabrics. It effectively removes stains without harming the fibers. Plus, it’s made from natural ingredients, making it a safe choice for your favorite clothes.

15. Baby Wipes for Minor Stains

A caregiver gently wipes a small orange food stain on a baby's white onesie with a baby wipe, with the baby looking curiously at the camera.

Baby wipes aren’t just for diaper changes; they can be a lifesaver for small stains on clothes too! Just gently dab the stained area with a wipe, and watch it lift away the mess without damaging the fabric. It’s a quick and easy fix that saves you time and stress!

16. Essential Oils for Stain Removal

A laundry setup featuring a white shirt with a stain lying on top of a washing machine, accompanied by lemon slices, essential oil bottles, and a glass of water with rosemary, suggesting natural stain removal methods.

Essential oils can work wonders when it comes to tackling tough stains. Oils like tea tree and lemon are great for lifting grime while leaving a fresh scent. Just mix a few drops with your regular detergent, and watch those stains disappear!

17. Baking Soda Paste for Heavy Stains

A thick paste of baking soda on a stained piece of fabric.

Baking soda is a fantastic option for tackling those stubborn stains on your clothes. Just mix baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste, then apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing, and watch that stain start to disappear!

18. Enzyme Cleaner for Protein Stains

A spray bottle labeled 'Enzyme Cleaner' next to protein stains on fabric.

Protein stains, like blood or sweat, can be tough to tackle. An enzyme cleaner can break down these stains effectively, making your laundry easier. Just spray it on, let it sit, and watch those stains disappear!

19. Coca-Cola for Grease Stains

A close-up of a person accidentally spilling cola from a bottle onto their blue-striped shirt, creating a noticeable dark stain on the fabric.

Got a grease stain that just won’t budge? Grab a can of Coca-Cola from the fridge! Pour it directly on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual for a surprisingly effective clean.

20. Bleach Solution for Whites

A bottle of bleach on a white shirt background, suggesting a DIY bleach solution for stain removal.

If your whites are looking a bit dull, a bleach solution can bring them back to life! Mix one part bleach with four parts water for an effective stain remover. Just remember to test it on a small area first to avoid any surprises!

21. Milk for Ink Stains

A close-up of a child's hand holding a glass milk bottle, with a dark blue ink stain visible on the sleeve of their light grey shirt.

Got an ink stain on your favorite shirt? Just grab some milk! Soak the stained area in milk for a bit, then wash it as usual to see that pesky stain disappear.

22. Petroleum Jelly for Tar Stains

A jar of petroleum jelly on a black and white fabric with tar stains.

Got a tar stain that just won’t budge? Grab some petroleum jelly! Simply apply it to the stain, let it sit for a bit, and then wipe it away to reveal clean fabric.

23. Olive Oil and Dish Soap for Makeup Stains

A bowl of olive oil next to a soft pink cloth

If your favorite shirt has fallen victim to makeup smudges, don’t worry! A mix of olive oil and dish soap can work wonders in lifting those stubborn stains. Just apply the mixture, let it sit for a bit, and wash as usual for a fresh look.

24. Vinegar and Baking Soda Foam

A pile of baking soda on a surface stained with orange liquid.

Mixing vinegar and baking soda creates a fizzy foam that works wonders on stains. Just sprinkle some baking soda on the stain, pour vinegar over it, and watch the magic happen! This simple trick is an easy way to tackle tough spots on your clothes without harsh chemicals.

25. Cornmeal for Grease Stains

A bowl of cornmeal surrounded by a stained cloth on a dark surface.

Cornmeal is a handy option for tackling grease stains on clothes. Just sprinkle some on the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the oil. Then, brush it off and wash as usual for cleaner clothes!

26. Coffee for Red Wine Stains

A knocked-over glass wine glass lies on a beige carpet next to a jug of red wine, spilling its contents into a large, vivid red stain on the carpet, with a few green houseplants in the background.

If you’ve spilled red wine on your favorite shirt, don’t panic! Coffee can actually help lift those stubborn stains. Just brew a cup, let it cool, and gently dab the stain with a cloth soaked in coffee to see it fade away.

27. Stain Stick for On-the-Go Treatments

A close-up of a white shirt with a large red stain on the chest.

A stain stick is a lifesaver for those unexpected messes. Simply swipe it over the stain, and you’re good to go! Keep one in your bag to tackle spills and keep your clothes looking fresh.

28. Laundry Detergent Concentrate Paste

A bowl of creamy laundry detergent concentrate paste with a wooden brush on a light background.

Making your own laundry detergent concentrate paste is super easy and fun! Just mix mild soap with some baking soda and water for a powerful stain-fighting solution. This paste is a great way to tackle tough stains without harsh chemicals.