Removing Stains The Green Way Without Toxic Chemicals

Stains seem to be part of our daily lives especially if you have kids. Let’s learn how to remove them effectively without a slew of toxic chemicals and solvents that commercial stain removals contain. Most of the ingredients is very vague because they don’t want you to know how hazardous they are to humans, wildlife and the environment — truthfully it’s just plain deceptive labeling to sell the product.  Do it the green, natural  and Eco-friendly way with homemade DIY stain remedies that are great alternatives to unhealthy chemicals stain removers. They are good for your health and the environment.

Do you have any idea what commercial stain removers have in them? Here is a list of the most common ingredients and what health problems they may cause, then you decide if you want to continue using them. I know I wouldn’t touch them with a 10 foot pole!

Common Ingredients in Stain – Removal Products And Common Ingredients Hazards:

• Dipropylene glycol methyl ether — severe irritant of the eyes, and throat and is a neurotoxic. Can affect reproductive and developmental effects as well as damaging the central nervous system and hazardous to the environment.
• Ethoxylated alcohol — Irritant to the eyes, skin, and lungs. Repeated contact may cause defatting of the skin. It may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen.
• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate — Severe irritant of the skin, eyes, and lungs. Prolonged contact many damage tissues, is corrosive and can burn the lungs. Had long-term adverse ecological effects.
• Glycol ether — This highly toxic compound is an irritant of the skin and lungs and severe irritant to the eyes. Can be very harmful if inhaled and a health hazard. Is a reproductive hazard and an environmental hazard.
• Nonoxyno-4 and -9 —  Severe irritant to the eyes and lungs and highly absorbed through the skin and can be  cause of genetic changes, birth defects and genetic changes. It is toxic to aquatic life.
• Petroleum solvents — These toxic chemicals are irritants to the eyes, skin and lungs. They may damage the central, peripheral nervous systems, and the respiratory system.  Can be very harmful if inhaled, can cause dizziness and loss of coördination and act as a narcotic. Repeating skin exposure may cause defatting of the skin, or removal of the skin’s natural oils. Are not only a health hazard but an environmental hazard that biodegrades very slowly or not at all.
• Sodium hydroxide —  This toxic chemical is severely caustic and corrosive, will burn the eyes, skin, and lungs. Can be very dangerous if inhaled and can cause chronic damage to tissues. High levels of exposure can cause damage to digestive system and lungs, leading to blindness or death.

But Do Not Fear, Non-Toxic and Green stain removal is here!

Eco-Friendly Tips for DIY Stain Removal:

• Treat stains as soon as possible. They longer they set, the harder they are to get out.
• Soften up old stains with vegetable glycerin. Rub the glycerin into the stain with your finger or an old toothbrush until the spot is softened and then spot treat it before washing.
• Wash in cold water. Hot water sets stains, as the dryer’s heat. If a stain don’t come clean the first time you treat it, hang dry the item and try treating it again.
• Presoak the item before washing it. Fill the washing machine with water and detergent add an oxygen bleach product to boost the stain-fighting power or if you prefer add — Safe Non-Toxic Pretreatment Stain Removal. (recipe below)  Add the clothes and let them soak for 20 minutes to 1 hour before the wash cycle.

All Purpose Oxygen Bleach Concentrate Stain Remover

• 3 tablespoons powdered oxygen bleach (4 tablespoons for heavy-duty job)
• 2 cups room-temperature water

Combine the oxygen bleach and water in a spray bottle, leaving the top off of the bottle, swish and swirl until the powder dissolved. Screw the top on the bottle and you are ready to use to remove all those nasty stains.

NOTE: Don’t shake the bottle to vigorously with the top screwed on, the oxygen will expand and crack or break the bottle. It sure is powerful!

Safe Non-toxic Pretreatment Stain Removal

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup salt
• 3 drops tea tree essential oil

Place clothes in the washer and add enough cool water to cover them. Combine all ingredients and add to washer. Let clothes soak for an hour or more, then wash as usual.

All Purpose Essential Oil Stain Spray

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil-based soap
• 1/4 cup glycerin
• 2 tablespoons borax
• 10 drops peppermint or tea tree essential oil
• 1- 3/4 cups water

Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well. Spray generously on the stain. Launder as usual with you DIY laundry detergent or eco-friendly detergent.

Easy On the Spot Stain Lifter

• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 2 drops peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil
• water

Combine all ingredients in a small cup, using just enough water to make a paste.  Spread the paste over the stain and allow it to dry completely before washing.

There are so many ways we change the future of this toxic world. Using non-toxic, chemical free, and eco-friendly products is one of them. It’s no longer a matter that we can ignore. We all need to get on board to living a green and healthy lifestyle to ensure a safe world for our children and to save our planet earth!

Other Sources: Easy Green Living Author: Renee Loux                           The Naturally Clean Home  Author: Karyn Siegel-Ma

About the author

Marla

Website

Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!