5 Common Stains and Eco-Friendly Ways to Remove Them

Unwanted stains can find their way onto our clothes and around our homes with ease and can be a real pain to get rid of. We’re here to help you tackle your stains, but first, we must learn how these unwelcome guests are formed. Most stains are made when certain substances are absorbed into a material's fibers, resulting in some form of discoloration. A lot of factors come into play when it comes to stain removal, such as the type of stain, the material the stain is on, and the length of time the stain is left untreated. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most common stains and discover eco-friendly methods to eliminate them, allowing you to keep your favorite items looking fresh and clean while minimizing your environmental impact. 

How to Remove Stains on Dishes

Have you ever experienced heartbreak like realizing your delicious tomato sauce-based meal has stained your favorite food container? Or seeing that your precious coffee mug has been stained by your daily cup of joe? It’s more common than you think, and it’s actually an easy fix! Create a paste of equal parts baking soda and water and let it sit on the stain for about 15-30 minutes. This gives it time to work on breaking down the stain. Once the time’s up, grab your Compostable Kitchen Sponge and scrub the area in a circular motion. Rinse your dishware thoroughly with warm water to ensure all remnants of the stain and the baking soda paste have cleared off. Using this method allows you to get rid of stains using things you likely already have in your kitchen, without having to purchase harsh chemical cleaners that can leave a bad mark on the environment.  

How to Remove Stains from Any Clothing or Fabric 

From food spills to sweat, to everyday mishaps, our clothing seems to be the most stain-prone thing to exist. For dark stains like coffee, tea, sauce, or wine - your best bet is to rinse the stain as soon as possible and pre-treat it with a natural stain remover. The Basic Goods Stain Bar is a miracle worker. Using a scrub brush, apply the wet bar onto the stain, and scrub away! Lighter stains should be out of sight after scrubbing and rinsing, but for heavier stains that need a bit more help, let the stain bar solution sit on the stain for longer, then throw the stained clothing in the washing machine with waste-free Net Zero Strips. This powerful combo that is gentle on the planet is sure to keep your clothing fresh and stain-free.  

How to Remove Stains Left on Wood from Moisture

Did you know that you can use a combination of equal parts vinegar and olive oil to create a natural wood stain remover and polish? It’s such a quick fix! Apply the mixture to the stained area using our Cellulose Dish Cloth and gently wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. The vinegar will help remove the stain while the olive oil acts as a furniture polish! This is a great way to keep your wood gleaming while keeping wasteful plastic bottles that hold store-bought cleaners in your home to a minimum. 

How to Remove Tough Carpet Stains 

Baking soda and vinegar are some of the most common ingredients you’ll find when it comes to searching for DIY stain removal methods. The reason the two are so popular is because of their tried and true effectiveness. On carpet stains, especially odorous ones, allow this combination to sit on the stained area for a few minutes. The duo will create a foaming reaction that helps lift the stain and neutralize odors.  Afterward, blot the stain with a clean cloth and water and your carpet should be good to go.  

How to Remove Deep Toilet Stains

The idea of removing stains without harsh chemicals might seem impossible, but it can be done with ingredients you likely already have! We are bringing back the popular baking soda and vinegar duo for this one. Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and let it sit to begin loosening the stains. Then, pour about one cup of vinegar into the bowl. The mixture of baking soda and vinegar will create a foaming reaction that helps break down the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the reaction to work. After the mixture has had some time to work, use a toilet brush to scrub the stains gently. Focus on the areas with the most noticeable stains and scrub in a circular motion. Rinse the solution off and flush to reveal your clean, stain-free toilet. Not down for a DIY? Tru Earth Toilet Bowl Cleaner Eco-Strips have the cleaning power of big-brand toilet cleaners, without the packaging waste. Just drop one strip in your toilet, let it dissolve, and scrub away.  

Stains on our Planet 

Tackling stains in an eco-friendly way not only helps maintain the cleanliness of our clothes and surroundings but also contributes to a healthier planet. When you choose natural and sustainable stain removal methods, you can help minimize your environmental footprint and reduce the harmful impact of harsh chemicals on our surroundings. Remember, the biggest stain we face is the negative one left on our planet by pollution and unsustainable habits. Let's make conscious choices to protect and preserve our environment while keeping our lives stain-free. Together, we can make a positive difference for our planet and future generations.