Green Tip of the Day – Getting those 4th of July Stains Out

Ok – you just finished that 4th of July picnic, and now you have got mustard stains on your shirt and mud on your shorts from sliding into second base during the family softball game. So, how are you going to get those stains out in the most eco-friendly way?

For a more natural approach to stain removal for clothing, keep your laundry room stocked with some simple, non-toxic household products.

Here are some answers from My Green Birmingham.

• Cornstarch or baking soda can be applied to grease stains, gasoline, and even foods such as salsa, to help quickly absorb stain and odors.
• Lemon juice or white vinegar work as natural bleaching agents and can be added to a wash cycle to help brighten whites.
• To remove dark colored stains such as ink or chocolate, soak the clothing in a bowl of glycerin for 30 minutes.
• Mild dishwashing liquid can also be used as an all-purpose stain remover, apply a small amount directly to a stain and gently rub, or mix with water and use for soaking stained items.