April 24, 2017
DIY Laundry Stain Bar
This is a super simple DIY cleaning idea for the laundry room – a DIY Laundry Stain Bar! This solution works best on simple clothing stains that are fresh and not set-in. I love this natural and non-toxic alternative to stain sticks and sprays, try it the next time you have a stain that needs some attention. My favorite way to use it is on kids’ clothes and dirty pants’ knees from playing in the dirt.
Grab your supplies – water, a bar of Castile or vegetable-based soap (you can find castile soap at Target, Wal-Mart, your natural food store, and Amazon), and scrub brush if necessary.
Use a knife or scissors to cut the top off the wrapper. This creates a little storage case for your bar and it will keep your hands from getting soap on them (not that that would be a bad thing).
You can store the bar in the wrapper when not in use and it will dry out completely in a couple minutes after using it. Push the bar up a bit out of the wrapper to use it.
Wet the top of the bar under running water or in a dish – I like to use a dish because it’s more controlled.
Rub into the stain and re-wet if necessary.
Scrub if necessary with a clean, soft bristled brush.
Launder as usual and admire your stain-removing abilities!
I love talking about natural laundry solutions – go here to see more of my tips!
Have you purchased my new book, Simply Clean? It will change the way you clean in the best possible way!
Faith Says
Love the beautiful images! And thanks for a super-straightforward stain removing solution!
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Faith!
Katie Says
Where is the cute wooden brush from??
Becky Says
Post authorAmazon, I think 🙂
Linda Says
Your laundry stain bar is not a new idea! My mother did this years and years ago and swore by it as the best method for removing stains! It was fun to read your post today… brought back memories. Thanks…
Genna Cottrell Says
Hi Becky!
What is the difference between the Castile soap bar and the liquid form when removing stains?
Love everything you put out!!
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Genna! You could easily use either one – I find that the bar works a little better – probably b/c it’s a little more concentrated.
Deborah Elliott Says
Hi Genna and Becky,
The liquid gets absorbed more readily into the fabric, then you rub the stain to loosen the dirt.
The bar has to be worked in by using water and a brush (I’m cheap and use an old toothbrush). I agree with Becky the bar seems to work better than the liquid detergents on many stains. 🙂
aimee walters Says
What a great idea! I love the retro look of Dr. Bronner’s soap. It would look pretty even if it was just sitting in a pretty basket in the laundry room.
Aimee
http://www.lifetimeorganizing.com
JoJo Says
Love this laundry bar tip! I love that it’s non-toxic. Where did you purchase the scrub brush?
Becky Says
Post authorAmazon 🙂
Kate Says
On the topic of laundry stains, my mother-in-law introduced me to Wisk detergent about four years ago when I had stubborn baby stains, and it has been a staple in my laundry arsenal. I just found out that it’s been discontinued, and they’re recommending Persil in place. Do you have any experience with Persil? Or is there something you’ve liked even better than Wisk for food and baby stains? I have a 4 year old and 1 1/2 year old, so red sauce, avocado and the likes being smeared into everything is part of my life for many more years to come. I’m going to try the castille bar in the meantime to see if it will do the trick.
Gia Says
I’m searching for a brush like this and the ones I keep finding are for the face/body…since you said use a soft bristle brush, do you think that would work?
Elena @ Latina Wife and Mom Life Says
Genius! I have 2 toddlers and this is a must! I am constantly searching “Ultimate stain removers”😄 This is my first visit here and I am so thrilled over this site already. I love it! I love cleaning but easily give up on it upon loosing every last ounce of energy I invest on cleaning only to look around me and see no difference because of my TWO toddlers!😭 Oh well, they will soon be old enough to wipe their own butts😉