Tips for Removing Every Type of Stain + Cruelty-Free and Nontoxic Laundry Detergent
LMents of Style uses affiliate links. By clicking on certain hyperlinks and buying a product, you may help me make a small commission off your purchase. It's links like these that keep this site going. Thank you for your support!
I was trying to think of a post to share with yāall, because I donāt want to say Iām sick of Christmas content because I love the time of year, buuuut Iāve also been doing it for a month already. SO I decided to share a post that has literally been in draft form since AUGUST. Itās also still kind of festive, because with all of the parties and such, thereās bound to be some stains.
I starting writing this post because I had a rust stain on my favorite white jeans. Thereās a reason I never owned a pair until maybe 5 years ago. My mom never bought them, because you inevitably spill blackberry juice down them. No? Just me? I digress. Stains happen But stress (especially during one of the most stressful times of year) doesnāt have to). Here are some tips to getting some of the toughest stains out. Basically just repeat until youāre happy with the results! Regarding my white jeans fiasco, I waited a little long to treat the stain so it didnāt completely come out, but you can barely see it. Treat as quickly as possible. Good luck!
Blood - cold water soak then wash in soap and cold water
Butter - soap up and wash in hot water
Chocolate - soap up and wash in warm water
Gum - ice it until it comes out
Rust - soak in vinegar then wash in soap
Wine - salt the stain, let soak in white vinegar, then wash in soap and hot water
Okay so what āsoapā are you using for the above? If youāre looking to go cruelty-free and nontoxic, switching your laundry detergent is one of the easiest and quickest ways to do so. PLUS it touches your body all. the. time., whether it is on your bedsheets or your favorite hoody. You are constantly in contact with your detergent, in addition to breathing in the āscent". Your detergent could be causing skin irritations which is visible, but can cause endocrine disruption, which isnāt always visible. This means it can cause adverse reactions such as developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune issues. No thank you!
As someone who exclusively bought Tide until a couple years ago, letās just use it as an example. It has petrochemicals (synthetic detergent particles), phenols (BPA is the most well known phenol), benzene (aka a known carcinogen), phosphates (these get rid of your stains but can also cause things like kidney damage and osteoporosis.) Do you want me to keep going?! Also, remember that words like ānaturalā and ācleanā are not regulated, so anyone can use them. Tide also has a āfree and gentleā line that gives off a vibe that it is more natural. Itās not. Guess what? EWG (which I reference all the time for skincare and makeup) rates it as an F, on an A-F scale. ** insert upside down smiley face **You can read more on EWG about laundry detergents here. SO here are my top picks for cruelty-free and nontoxic options. These are all rated Aās by EWG.
Seventh Generation. Iāve been using this for about a year and a half. I use both their detergent and their fabric softener. They have been great!
Branch Basics + Oxygen Boost. I actually just ordered the starter kit after hearing good things for years! I first heard about it from Lauren Scruggs Kennedy and finally took the plunge. Their theory behind their brand is that the soap can be used on everything from washing your fruit to cleaning your sheets. The oxygen boost is something they recommend for laundry. You receive it in the starter kit! Get $10 off your order here!
365 Everyday Value 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent. This a great generic brand to buy, especially if you are a Whole Foodsie;)
Attitude Detergent. I havenāt used this one, but Iāve heard great things. They also have a ābabyā option which is just their fragrance free version. The rest of their scents come from essential oils.
Remember! Clean doesnāt have a scent ;) If you are longer for a stronger scent, try putting drops of your favorite essential oils on some wool dryer balls! I actually mentioned this on my December favorites. My favorite EO to dry with is lavender.
Have any stain fighting tips or a favorite natural detergent? Let me know so I can try them out! Wellā¦the detergent out. Iād rather not have to treat another stain if I can manage it!
Like what you read? Click here to subscribe to my weekly newsletter. I recap the week and share recent posts you might have missed!