Getting rid of clothing stains naturally

Bleach seems like the most simple and effective method to get rid of stains in clothing. This is so far from being the truth. While bleach can be effective in removing stains, using too much too often can lead to damage in fabrics over time. There are also the negative health risks associated with using bleach including respiratory issues, headaches, skin reactions, vomiting, and linked to cancer. My biggest peeve with using bleach is the awful smell it gives off. So what alternatives do we have to using bleach to remove stains from our clothes. There are natural and non-toxic products that can be used. These are inexpensive and in most people's homes already. 

The following are a list of stains and all natural methods for removal which work just as good or maybe even more effective than bleach. 

1. Common food items

Dab the spot with lemon juice or rub with a slice of lemon. Launder as usual.
Saturate with vinegar allowing it to soak in. Then launder as usual.
Pre-treat with a paste made from 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup warm water. Leave for 30 minutes then launder.
After laundering, hang out in the sun for a few hours.

2. Cooking grease 

Soak the stain in undiluted white vinegar. Then, launder as usual.
Sprinkle cornstarch onto a soft cloth. Rub the grease spot gently until it disappears.
Wet with a little water and cover with a bit of baking soda. Then rub off with a damp cloth.

3. Grass 

Apply vinegar to the stain with a sponge, and lightly dab to lift. If the stain persists, make a paste of vinegar and baking soda, and brush it into the stain with an old toothbrush. Then, launder as usual.

4. Sweat 

Pour a bit of vinegar directly onto the stain, and rub it into the fabric before placing the item in the wash.
Pour vinegar over the stain and rub in salt. Hang out in sun to dry. Then launder as normal.
Dissolve 4 tablespoons salt in 1 litre hot water. Sponge the garment with the solution until the stain disappears.
Scrub with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water.
Pre-treat with a paste made from 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup warm water. Leave for about two hours before washing. 

5. Blood 

Rub laundry soap into the stain until a thick, creamy lather forms. Launder.
Pour some white vinegar in a container. Making sure the stained part is submerged let it soak for about 30 minutes. Rub the fabric together with your fingers to help loosen some of the blood stain. Rinse the fabric with cold water. Launder as usual and air dry.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to form a paste. Spread the paste on the dried blood stain and gently rub it with your fingers. Let it sit for about an hour. Rinse the fabric with cold water. Launder as usual and air dry.

6. Ink 

Apply plain toothpaste (not the gel type) and allow it to set for several minutes. Run under cool water while rubbing the stain gently. Repeat as needed.
Saturate the stain with rubbing alcohol and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Blot with a paper towel or damp cloth.

7. Perfume

Rinse the stain immediately in warm water and then wash as normal as soon as possible.
Soak the cloth in water and baking soda solution for 10-15 minutes. Baking soda is an easy ingredient to get rid of dark perfume stains on clothes. Wash with detergent after soaking the stained cloth in baking soda.
If the stain is older, try wetting the area and apply some glycerine. Rinse thoroughly.

8. Deodorants

Use lemon juice and rub the stain. Launder using hot temperature. (Note: Do not rub dark or black fabrics).
Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with one quarter cup water. Scrub the paste into the armpits with an old toothbrush. Leave for one hour. Wash and dry–not with high heat. Repeat if needed.
Soak the area or shirt in pure white vinegar for 15-30 minutes. Wash and dry. Repeat as needed.