DIY Pre-Wash Stain Removal Spray
Makes: 500ml Container: By Me 500ml Glass Spray Bottle
Difficulty: Easy Time: 2 minutes
Two natural minerals. One bottle. A pre-wash stain spray that's stable, simple, and safe to keep on hand.
This recipe combines Washing Soda and Bi-Carb Soda - two natural alkaline minerals that work together to lift everyday stains from fabric. Unlike oxygen-based stain removers, this formula is stable once mixed, which means it can be made up in advance and stored safely in a sealed spray bottle, ready whenever you need it.
What You'll Need
- 1 tbsp Washing Soda
- 1 tbsp Bi-Carb Soda
- Water (filtered or tap, to fill)
- 1 x By Me 500ml Glass Spray Bottle
Why These Ingredients?
Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) is a natural mineral compound that raises the pH of water, helping to break down grease, dirt, and protein-based residue on fabric.
Bi-Carb Soda (sodium bicarbonate) works alongside washing soda to lift stains and neutralise odours, with a gentler, more buffered alkalinity.
Together, these two minerals are stable once dissolved in water - they don't off-gas or break down the way oxygen-based cleaners do, which makes this formula safe to mix ahead of time and store in a sealed bottle.
Method
- Add 1 tbsp Washing Soda and 1 tbsp Bi-Carb Soda to your By Me glass spray bottle.
- Fill 3/4 full with warm water and swirl to dissolve.
- Fill to the top with water.
- Screw on the spray top and shake well to combine.
To Use
Spray for stains: Shake before use. Spray directly onto the stain and allow to rest for at least 1 hour before washing as normal.
Soaking: For a larger batch, scale up the same ratio into a basin or bucket of water. Soak items for a minimum of 6 hours, up to overnight, before washing.
A Note on Stain Types
This formula is well suited to everyday stains - sweat, dirt, grease, and general grime. For tougher, set-in, or oxidisable stains (think tea, coffee, wine, or blood), an oxygen-based treatment like Sodium Percarbonate will generally lift more. Just remember: never mix or store Sodium Percarbonate in a sealed container. Use Sodium Percarbonate as a soaker or make as a paste. Keep both on hand and use whichever suits the job.
