Housewives of the past used a variety of methods and household products to get rid of stains before the advent of modern stain removers and washing machines.
They couldn't rely on modern detergents, so they had to use other solutions.
Here are some common approaches they used.
Soap and Water
Basic soap, often in the form of bar soap or soap flakes, was a staple for stain removal.
Boiling Water
For some stains, such as fruit or coffee stains, boiling water was used.
The fabric with the stain would be stretched taut over a basin, and boiling water would be poured through the fabric, helping to remove or loosen the stain.
Lemon Juice
The natural acidity of lemon juice made it effective for removing stains like ink or rust.
Housewives would often combine lemon juice with salt or cream of tartar to create a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit before rinsing.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, was used to tackle stains and odors.
It could be sprinkled directly onto stains, rubbed gently, and then rinsed.
Vinegar
White vinegar was a versatile stain remover due to its acidic properties.
It could be used to remove stains like coffee, tea, or sweat.
Housewives would often dilute vinegar with water and then blot the stain with a cloth soaked in the mixture.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch would be sprinkled onto the stain, left to sit for a while to absorb the oil, and then brushed or shaken off.
Egg Yolk
Egg yolk would be beaten and applied to the stain, allowed to dry, and then gently washed.
