Ideal Bite

Spot Removers

Stain Alive

10.08.2009

Submitted by alara on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 11:00pm.

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The Bite:

Ah, ha, ha, ha, have a stain you need to get out? No time to talk, just reach for an eco stain remover to spot-treat laundry. Nontoxic cleaners work as well as typical products, but without contaminating water supplies or dancing around dangerous chems.

The Benefits:

Whether you're a brother or mother, you'll steer clear of cancer-causing chems in conventional stain removers like polyethylene glycol or ammonium lauryl sulfate (a foaming agent).
Treating spots with an eco stain remover keeps toxins from washing down the drain, and into rivers and lakes. And by using them, it's alright, it's OK to hold off running the washer (at 40 gallons of water a go) until you have a full load.
Cellulase and other plant-based enzymes take out tough stains like chocolate and blood.

Wanna Try:

Biokleen Oxygen Bleach - clay and nonirritating grapefruit-seed extract fights stains on colors and whites; gentle enough for use on kids' clothes and even diapers ($7/32 ounces).
Ecover Stain Remover - stain stick applicator with plant- and mineral-based ingredients to remove tough stains like grass, mud, and blood ($5/6.8 ounces).
Naturally Clean Stain Eraser - biodegradable, spot-removing towelettes for when you're out and about; with plant-based enzymes that break down and dissolve stains like ketchup, soda, and blood ($3/5).

DIY Bites

Treat all types of stains with distilled white vinegar, either straight up or diluted with water.
For urine and vomit (hey, they're kids...it happens), alternate between vinegar and baking soda.
Cornstarch absorbs grease and protein stains like eggs and dairy; to use, cover stain with starch, let it sit for 20 minutes, then brush off with a soft cloth.
For fruit, tomato sauce, or, um, wine stains, stretch the fabric over the sink and pour boiling water over the spot - magic.
Check out our blog on all kinds of stain slayers.

Timeout

Mama Biter Laura Wilson of Hillsdale, MI, uses vinegar to help keep 8-month-old Madelyn's ocean-themed outfit from drowning in a sea of baby food.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Mama Biters halve the amount of hazardous chems we use at home, we'll keep the weight of 33 disco dancers in dangerous waste out of the environment.

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Stain Alive

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