Getting stains out of clothes is my super power
Don’t you hate when spaghetti sauce hits your white turtleneck and your first thought is:
“Well… that’s done for.”
It doesn’t have to be, though.
(Although this is exactly why I tend to wear vests and scarves—I’ve learned a few things over the years.)
Getting stains out of clothes is one of my little superpowers, and I’m actually pretty good at it.
The other day I dribbled some cranberry horseradish jam on myself—of all things—and I thought for sure that was the end of it. I had already started picturing myself digging out an embroidery hoop and stitching a little flower over the spot.
Because one thing I do know?
👉 I’m not throwing it away. Not a chance.
🧼 Laundry Isn’t a Chore—It’s a Skill
If you’re living a frugal life, you don’t treat clothing as disposable.
You treat it like:
- something you maintain
- something you repair
- something worth saving
And honestly? A lot of stains look worse than they are.
Here’s how I handle them.
🧼 1. Move Fast (Like It Matters—Because It Does)
The sooner you deal with a stain, the better your odds.
- Blot, don’t rub (rubbing just pushes it deeper)
- Cold water first in most cases
- Don’t let it sit and “think about it”
👉 Fresh stains are easier than old regrets.
🧪 2. My Go-To: Dawn, Peroxide & Baking Soda
If I had to pick one method, this is it.
- A little Dawn
- A splash of hydrogen peroxide
- A sprinkle of baking soda
Make a paste, put it on the stain, let it sit, give it a light scrub, and walk away.
This has saved:
- spaghetti sauce
- blood
- sweat stains
- chocolate
- and more “what is that?” moments than I care to admit
🍷 3. The Red Stuff (Wine, Berries, Sauces)
Anything red always feels dramatic—but it’s fixable.
- Rinse with cold water
- Add vinegar or lemon juice
- Sprinkle salt
- Let it sit, then wash
👉 It might smell like a salad, but it won’t look like a disaster.
🛢️ 4. Grease Is a Different Beast
Grease needs heat and soap.
- Dish soap directly on the stain
- Let it sit
- Wash hot
And listen carefully:
👉 Do NOT dry it until you know it’s gone
Once it hits the dryer, that stain is setting up permanent residence.
💄 5. Ink, Makeup & Life’s Little Surprises
For things like:
- pen marks
- mascara
- mystery smudges
Use:
- rubbing alcohol
- hand sanitizer
- or even hairspray
Blot it out, rinse, then wash.
🌱 6. Grass Stains (Because Kids Exist)
Grass stains are stubborn, but not impossible.
- Baking soda + water paste
- or rubbing alcohol
Let it sit, wash like normal.
And maybe—just maybe—remind them they don’t need to roll in the yard like they’re part of the landscaping.
🧺 7. When It’s Stubborn—Soak It
Sometimes you just need time to do the work.
- Warm water
- OxiClean or vinegar
- Let it sit overnight
Not 20 minutes. Not “a quick soak.”
👉 Overnight.
🎨 8. If It Won’t Come Out—Work With It
Sometimes… it just isn’t coming out.
And that doesn’t mean the shirt is done.
For kids especially:
- grab a cheap iron-on transfer
- cover the spot
- turn it into something fun
👉 Way cheaper than replacing the whole shirt
I’ve absolutely considered breaking out an embroidery hoop more than once—but a simple transfer gets the job done fast.
👑 Final Word from My Laundry Counter
Here’s the thing.
Clothing isn’t disposable—not if you’re paying attention to your money.
We take care of:
- our homes
- our food
- our things
And this is part of that.
A little effort, a little know-how, and a willingness to try before tossing?
👉 That saves real money over time.
So no, that stain probably isn’t the end of your shirt.
It just means:
you haven’t tried hard enough yet.
The Real Frugalist
P.S.
If someone invents a way to keep kids from spilling things in the first place, let me know.
Until then… I’ll keep my peroxide handy
