Question

What is the best natural laundry detergent for removing old yellowish stain marks on white underwear caused by sweat buildup over time, especially around back area (on top of elastic)?

Answer 1

To remove old yellowish stain marks on white underwear caused by sweat buildup, especially around the back area on top of elastic, you can try using a natural laundry detergent with stain-fighting properties. Here's a simple and effective recipe for a DIY natural laundry detergent that can help tackle these stains:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup grated castile soap (or soap flakes)
• 20-30 drops of tea tree essential oil (optional, for its antibacterial properties)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, and grated castile soap.
2. If you're using tea tree essential oil, add it to the mixture and stir well. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, which can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria from the fabric.
3. Store the detergent in an airtight container.

When washing your white underwear with this natural detergent, follow these steps:

1. Pre-treat the stains: Before washing, pre-treat the yellowish stain marks by applying a small amount of the detergent directly to the affected areas. Gently rub the fabric together to work the detergent into the stains.

2. Soak the underwear: Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a couple of tablespoons of the natural detergent. Let the underwear soak for 1-2 hours or overnight. This helps to loosen the stains and freshen the fabric.

3. Machine or hand wash: After soaking, either machine wash the underwear using a gentle cycle or hand wash them. Use the natural detergent in the washing machine or create a soapy solution for handwashing.

4. Avoid high temperatures: Wash the underwear in cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can set the stains and make them more difficult to remove.

5. Sun-drying: After washing, sun-dry the underwear if possible. Sunlight has natural bleaching properties that can help further fade the yellowish stains.

Remember to always check the care instructions on your underwear's label before using any detergent. Additionally, for tough stains, you can repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps or consider using a natural stain remover product specifically designed for removing tough stains from laundry.