Caroline Jackson, creative director at Monsoon, has shared a budget-friendly way to bring white clothes back to life. The trick uses common kitchen staples that cost about £2, offering an alternative to commercial stain removers and sprays.
Ms Jackson described home ingredients as "one of the most effective ways" to lift stains from bright white garments. The formula she recommends combines baking soda, lemon juice, white vinegar, dish soap and cold water.
She said: "Baking soda, mixed with lemon juice, white vinegar, dish soap and cold water is what is going to successfully refresh your clothes without trying different brands and sprays that will end up costing a fortune."
How to use the £2 kitchen staple trick
The treatment is simple and takes little time. First, rinse the stain with cold water, then apply the combined mixture to the affected area. A toothbrush can be used to gently brush the stain away.
Ms Jackson explained: "Rinse the stain with cold water, then simply add the combined mixture on the stain, grab a toothbrush and brush the stain away."
She added a caution for anyone trying the method: "This should help lift marks on the suitable fabric but I always recommend testing first, because lemon juice and vinegar can affect some fibres and finishes. It's important to note that leaving lemon too long on fabrics can cause discolouration, so ensure you keep a close eye when treating any stains using this method."
Common mistakes when treating white clothing
Ms Jackson also highlighted four mistakes that people often make when dealing with stains on white clothes. Using too much product, such as stain remover, can leave residue behind. Applying heat too soon can set the stain, so cold water is recommended wherever possible.
Rubbing too aggressively and ignoring the fabric type are two further errors to avoid. Different fabrics respond to treatments in different ways, so it is best to follow the garment labels.
"We believe caring for your favourite pieces is just as important as choosing them, small wardrobe accidents are inevitable, but understanding how to treat stains properly can help extend the life of garments and keep them looking their best," Ms Jackson said.
