Soil stains are annoying on light-colored clothing. In order to completely remove the residue, you should take a closer look at the stain. Red-brown and black discolorations are treated with different agents before washing.
Soil stains develop quickly, but in most cases they can be easily removed
This helps against soil stains:
- gall soap: as an all-rounder
- rust remover: against stubborn stains
- citric acid: as a natural alternative
- toothpaste: for white clothes
- vinegar: a mild variant
- bleach: if nothing else helps
gall soap
The natural product consists of curd soap and bovine bile, which contains salts and acids. It has been forgotten due to the wide range of stain removers available, although it is versatile. Gall soap is mainly used to pretreat black soil stains. Red-brown residues cannot be removed.
rust remover
If there are reddish stains on fabrics, these are clay residues. The coloring comes from iron oxides, which must be treated appropriately. Rust stain removers, available in the detergent aisle of many drugstores, are a good pre-treatment.
citric acid
The juice of this citrus fruit contains acid that has been shown to be effective against reddish earth spots. Rub the discolouration thoroughly with pure lemon juice and let it soak in. Then rinse the fabric with clear water and wash textiles as usual.
toothpaste
If you don't have a rust remover handy, you can use fluoridated toothpaste. This product should only be used on white textiles and fabrics. Put a drop of toothpaste on the stain and gently rub the mass in. Leave the paste on overnight and then rinse off the residue with water.
vinegar
In a bowl filled with water, add a few squirts of vinegar essence and place the fabric inside. Test beforehand whether the garments can withstand this treatment without any problems. Vinegar is slightly milder than citric acid and works against rust-like soil stains.
bleach
Stubborn soil stains on white textiles can be pre-treated with a bleaching detergent or baking soda. For colored clothing, carpets and shoes, you should use a mild bleach with the addition "Color". Dissolve the powder in water and rub into the stain. After leaving it to work for several hours, wash your clothes as usual. Shoes and carpets are cleaned with a damp cloth.