The strawberry juice that splashes on your new white shirt, the piece of peach that falls on the linen tablecloth, the blackberry juice that stains your fingers, and then everything you touch…
Fruit stains are a classic and can become a real headache. In the search for quick solutions, a recurring problem appears home remedy: hydrogen peroxide or, if we get technical, the hydrogen peroxide. But does it work for everything? How should we use it?
The secret of the Ordatrix
According to the advice shared by Begoña Pérez, better known as @la_ordenatriz for her Instagram profile and mother of 7 children, there is a simple, accessible and very effective solution: a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. But before jumping in desperately, the important thing is to follow the instructions precisely:
- Cover the stain with baking soda.
- Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on top (this is the usual dilution percentage in domestic hydrogen peroxide). Careful: The effectiveness of this method depends on the quality of the hydrogen peroxide used.. If it has been open for a long time, it loses power and probably will not work. So the first step is to make sure the boat is in good condition and within its useful life.
- Let the mixture act for half an hour maximum if it is a colored garment. You can set an alarm so you don’t miss it. If the garment is white, you can extend the time to one hour. Do not leave the garment exposed to the sun or intense light sources while the product works. This may seem like a minor detail, but direct light can disrupt the hydrogen peroxide reaction and cause unwanted effects.
- Then put the garment in the washing machine and Do the usual washing. If you wish, you can first scrub the stain very gently with a toothbrush.
Following these guidelines can mean the difference between rescue a favorite t-shirt or have to turn it into a kitchen towel.
A useful resource for everyday life
iStock Photo.Mukhina1
This trick It is particularly useful for families with young children who are starting to consume fruit. Peach or strawberry stains may seem “radioactive,” as the Orderwoman herself says with humor, but there is no reason to resign yourself to losing those clothes.
Furthermore, the strawberry stains that are not recent They can be eliminated with another curious method: very hot water and patience. Immersing the stained garment and watching how the stain fades little by little is almost a magical experience. Although it takes a little longer, it does not require additional products.
A trick that adapts to different types of fruit and tissues
The best thing about this method is that Works on most fruits that tend to leave tough stains: from blueberries, cherries or blackberries, to melon, kiwi or mango.
Although each fruit has a different level of pigmentation, hydrogen peroxide, in combination with baking soda, acts as a mild bleach, because the oxygen released is capable of breaking down organic molecules responsible for stains without damaging the fibers if the application time is respected.
Of course, it is convenient always do a small test on a non-visible area of the garment, like a hem, for example. To do the test:
- Wet a cotton swab with hydrogen peroxide and gently rub it on an inside seam or hem.
- Wait 10 minutes and rinse.
- Check for fading or damage to the fabric or color: If there is any change, do not use it on that garment.
However, hydrogen peroxide is not a panacea.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be effective in removing or significantly reducing many fruit stains, but with nuances:
- It is not infallible: Works best on fruits with pigments susceptible to oxidation (strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries) if applied immediately. However, it is less effective with citrus or banana stains. Dry and old stains can be resisted. Therefore, act as soon as possible and remove the fruit remains with a spoon, without rubbing.
- The type of fabric is crucial: It works with white or very light-colored and resistant fabrics (cotton, linen). However, it should not be used on delicate fabrics or with intense colors. Its oxidizing power may discolor or irreparably damage the fabric itself or its dyes. If the garment is delicate and you appreciate it, try another method.
Other options to remove fruit stains from clothes
- The milk It is surprisingly effective and safer than hydrogen peroxide for some red fruit stains on colored fabrics. Soak the stain in cold milk for several hours or overnight before washing.
- He isopropyl alcohol can work with fresh stainss in synthetic fibers. Apply with a cotton swab to the stain (from the wrong side). Do a test on an inside hem.
- Don’t give up Immediate wash with cold water and soap: Often, for very fresh stains, this is sufficient.
If you were interested in this article and would like to receive more about a healthy lifestyle, join the Bodymente WhatsApp channel.
Download the free eBook «Indoor Plants», a practical guide to discover the care that the most common indoor plants need.