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1. Mix a small amount of dish soap with hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture directly to the stain using a brush or sponge.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the treated area.
Step 3: Wait and Wash
Finally, let the mixture sit for a while and let it work its magic.
1. Allow the pre-treated stain to sit for about 15 minutes.
2. After the waiting period, launder the clothing as usual in your washing machine.
Why This Works
This stain removal hack works effectively due to the combined actions of dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, each contributing to breaking down and lifting stains in a specific way:
1. Dish Soap
Function: Dish soap is a surfactant, meaning it helps break up and lift oils and grease. Many stains, especially food-based ones, have an oily component. The dish soap breaks down these oils, making the stain easier to remove.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Function: Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that helps break down the chemical structure of stains, especially those caused by organic compounds like blood, wine, or food. It has a bleaching effect, which helps to lift color-based stains from fabrics without being as harsh as chlorine bleach.
3. Baking Soda
Function: Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help scrub away the loosened stain particles. Additionally, it acts as a deodorizer, neutralizing odors that might be trapped in the fabric. Baking soda also slightly increases the pH of the mixture, enhancing the stain-fighting power of the other ingredients.
