Even the toughest stains can be cleaned. Read on to learn how to use baking soda for pretreating stains and what kind of stains it works best on.
Oh if only stains didn’t exist.
But they do happen sometimes and it seems like they happen most on our favorite outfits.
When stains do happen, you don’t have to grab a harsh chemical to pretreat it before washing. Other household items work just as good. Baking soda happens to be one of those common household items that work for great for most stains.
Read on to learn more about pretreating stains with baking soda.
Related: Baking Soda Benefits for Health and Household
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Pretreating stains with baking soda requires making a paste using a two to one ratio of baking soda and warm water. Mix 1 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl; use more for a bigger stain.
The baking soda mixture helps to draw the stain out of the fabric. As the mixture dries, it removes the stain by drawing the stain out and trapping it in the baking soda.
If you’re worried about whether or not pretreating stains with baking soda will ruin the colors, do a small color test first. Put a small amount of the baking soda mixture on the inside of the clothing that can’t be seen, such as under the armpit of shirts. Use a light-colored cloth to dab the hidden area to see if any color comes off onto the cloth. If you see color on the cloth, don’t use this method to pretreat the stain. This color test will work for any pretreating product.
Wine and fruit stains need to be treated right away, but if you can’t get to it immediately then pour a little bit of baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a while. After it has had time to sit, pour hot water through the back of the stain and let it sit to dry. The baking soda will soak up any liquid as it dries.
Make the baking soda paste as mentioned above and rub it onto the sweat-stained area before washing. Really tough stains may need to sit for an hour or two. Before washing, brush the baking soda off into the trash or sink first. The baking soda also works to absorb any lingering odors.
Baking soda is great for removing odors and pretreating stains that smell really bad. Wet the stain first, then sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for a while. This allows the baking soda to do its job of removing both the stain and the smell. Once again, brush off the baking soda before washing.
Baking soda helps to remove the color from a bloodstain because it also whitens. Get the bloodstain damp, then rub the baking soda paste onto it, allowing it to sit for up to an hour. Wash as normal.
The smell of vomit can linger even after clothes have been washed. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and rub it in really well. This will help remove the odors and keep them from coming back even after washing. You don’t have to wash it right away, either, which is especially helpful when dealing with baby spit-up. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and leave it until you have time to do the laundry. The baking soda will absorb both the liquid and the odors.
As you can see, pretreating stains with baking soda works really well for many different types of stains. Harsh chemical products aren’t necessarily better when it comes to removing stains.
Have you tried a baking soda paste for pretreating stains before? What’s your favorite method for pretreating stains?
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Thanks! I always forget this and appreciate the reminder!
You're welcome! Happy to help! :)
I will have to give this a try! Seems I’m always trying to remove a stain from “something”!
Yes, do! I know the feeling. Something is always stained around here, too. :D
Michelle this share makes a lot of sense because the same remedy has been misquoted or mistaken as the remover of stains instead of a pretreating.?
Thank you! That's so true. Often people don't realize the difference. :)
...and that presents a struggle.
Great tips, Michelle! I use baking soda for so many things but my favorite is cleaning pots and pans!! Works wonders!!
Thank you for sharing that! I have a stoneware baker from Pampered Chef that you can only wash with a baking soda paste. It does work really well! Baking soda is amazing. :)
Love baking soda for its versatility and the idea I’m not using something harsh!
Me, too! It's amazing what regular household items can actually do. :)
I’ve never tried this... thanks for the reminder!
You're welcome! I hope you give it a try next time you have a stain. :)
Good to know! Thank you!
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful!
Baking soda is so versatile, isn't it? I love using it for cleaning, and it is great at busting them stains!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
It really is! It's amazing what baking soda can do. :)
I'm known for getting olive oil stains on nearly every piece of clothing I own - it's uncanny! I've never tried using baking soda to pretreat (not sure it will work), but I like using a little bit of Dawn. I rub it in and then let it sit for a little while before putting in the wash. Gone, like magic!
Thanks for sharing that! I think Dawn is a little better at removing greasy and oily stains. I'll keep that in mind because I do the same thing. I'm forever getting something on me while I'm cooking. :D
It works a treat!
Thanks for the useful information. My favorite use of baking soda is removing jar labels!
Thanks for sharing! I'll have to try that. Those things are so tough to get off.
Thanks for sharing this information ma’am. ❤
You're very welcome! :)
❤ Happy weekend to you. ?