The Unlikely Duo that Conquered My Stubborn Stains
I love white shirts. They go with everything. They can be dressed up or down. I have a drawer full of white T-shirts and about 1/5 of the shirts hanging in my closet are white. Here’s the problem. I also love food and red wine, and I’m a bit of a klutz.
I’m usually pretty good at getting to stains right away, and I keep a small bottle of Shout in the laundry, although I try to use it as sparingly as possible. I’ve become a huge believer in the power of the sun to take care of keeping my whites white.
But last fall, I didn’t notice that there was a stain on one of my favorite white gauze blouses, and when I pulled it out this spring, there it was — big, yellow, front and center. I don’t know what made the stain. I tried the Shout and hung the shirt in the sun, but it didn’t work. I guess the stain had set for too long.
The Lemon Juice and Salt Remedy
This past weekend, I decided I was going to tackle that stain. This time, I used a natural combination of lemon juice, Kosher salt, and nine hours in the sun. I’m excited to say that my shirt is now wearable again.
The area where the stain was is still slightly off-color, but I really have to look at it to notice it. I can wear the shirt now, and I’m planning on doing the lemon juice treatment again next time the shirt needs to be washed. I’m hopeful that another treatment will take care of it completely.
To get rid of the stain on my blouse, here’s how I used lemon juice, salt and a day in the sun:
- I squeezed fresh lemon juice directly onto the stain, making sure to cover the entire discolored area.
- Then, I generously sprinkled Kosher salt over the lemon juice.
- I gently rubbed the lemon juice and salt into the fabric, working it in with my fingertips.
- Finally, I hung the shirt in direct sunlight for about 9 hours, checking on it periodically.
The Science Behind the Stain-Busting Duo
You might be wondering, how does this natural combination of lemon juice and salt work to remove stains? Well, according to one chemistry PhD, the lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a mild bleaching agent. The salt, on the other hand, helps to physically lift and scrub away the stain.
When the lemon juice and salt are combined, the citric acid in the lemon juice helps to dissolve the salt, releasing chloride ions. These ions then work together with the abrasive action of the salt granules to break down and remove the stain. And the sun’s UV rays further enhance the bleaching and stain-removing properties of this dynamic duo.
Lemon Juice and Salt for All Your Stain Removal Needs
This natural stain-fighting remedy isn’t just effective on my favorite white blouse. According to the Environmental Working Group, lemon juice and salt can be used to tackle a variety of stubborn stains, including:
- Grease and oil stains
- Rust stains
- Fruit and juice stains
- Blood stains
- Grass stains
And the best part? This eco-friendly solution is completely free of harsh chemicals, making it a safe and gentle option for all your laundry needs.
Keeping My Clothes Clean and Fresh with Adam’s Cleaning
While lemon juice and salt are my go-to for tackling tough stains at home, there are some jobs that are just too difficult for me to handle on my own. That’s why I rely on the experts at Adam’s Cleaning, the premier cleaning service in Nottingham, UK.
Their team of professional cleaners uses the latest eco-friendly products and techniques to keep my clothes looking their best, no matter how stubborn the stain. And with their convenient pickup and delivery service, I don’t even have to leave my house to get my laundry done.
So, the next time life (or a glass of red wine) leaves a stain on one of my favorite white shirts, I know exactly what to do – reach for the lemon juice and salt. But for the really tough jobs, I’ll be calling the experts at Adam’s Cleaning.
