DIY Network

Homemade Laundry Spotters Homemade Laundry Spotters From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-132

Figure A

Commercial laundry products are always good to have on hand, but you can also make your own effective cleaners from products you keep on your pantry shelves. Among them are some excellent laundry spotters that work for specific stains on washable fabrics (figure A).

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• General all-purpose laundry spotter Works on beverage, fruit and grass stains. Combine 1 part alcohol and 1 part water and store in a labeled bottle. Spray on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, work into the stain using your thumbs. Let it sit for another 30 minutes, then launder as usual (figure B). If the stain isn't out before laundering, re-spray before starting the wash cycle.

• Beverage, Fruit and Grass Remover Combine equal parts water and dishwashing liquid in an applicator bottle with a pop-up top. Apply to the stain and let it soak for about 30 minutes (figure C). Work solution into the stain using your thumbs, and check to see whether the stain is coming out before laundering.

• Nonoily Stain Remover Combine equal parts water, ammonia and liquid dishwashing soap in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray mixture on the stain, then let it sit for a few minutes. Work it in with your thumbs, flush with water and launder as usual. Do not use on washable wool, silk, spandex, acrylic or acetate.

• Oily Stains Remover Combine 1 tablespoon glycerin, 1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup warm water. Mix and pour into a bottle with a squirt top. Apply to oily stains, like salad dressing, and let soak (figure D). Rinse under running water to be sure the stain has been removed before laundering. If the stain remains, repeat the process.