White vinegar is the unsung hero of the laundry room. It’s a natural acid that breaks down mineral-based stains, the very type toothpaste leaves behind. Combine one part vinegar with two parts cool water and soak the stained area for 30 minutes.
The smell will vanish once you wash the garment. In fact, vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so your shirt will come out smelling like a fresh salad—in the best way. This step is especially good for set-in stains on dark fabrics, where you don’t want to risk bleach.
Fun fact: vinegar has been used for stain removal since the Roman Empire. Pliny the Elder wrote about it in his natural history texts, though he probably used it on togas and wine spills. Some traditions never go out of style.
