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Set-in spots and mystery smudges do not need a separate bottle of overpriced stain spray. This quick laundry pre-treat gives you a ready-to-grab option for collars, cuffs, and everyday stains before they head into the wash (because somehow spaghetti sauce can travel).

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A comparable store-bought pre-treat spray runs about $2.98 for 22 ounces at Walmart, while this homemade version comes out to roughly $1.21 for a 16-ounce pint bottle using clear ammonia and liquid laundry detergent. Making your own also lets you control the detergent you use, including the scent and concentration, instead of being stuck with whatever is already in the bottle.

You only need 2 materials plus water to make one pint spray bottle: clear ammonia, liquid laundry detergent, and enough water to fill the bottle. Grab a pint spray bottle and measure the ingredients directly into it, then label it clearly so it does not get mistaken for anything else.

✨ Jump to:

🧰 Materials You'll Need
🔧 Tools & Equipment
🛠️ How to Make Laundry Pre-Treat Spray
🛠️ How to Use It
🎨 Customization Ideas
🛡️ Safety Information
📦 Storage
💸 Cost Breakdown
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Laundry Pre-Treat Spray
📌 Love this Laundry Pre-Treat Spray? Pin it!
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Laundry Pre-Treat Spray

Materials You’ll Need

1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup liquid laundry detergent
Water

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Tools & Equipment

Pint spray bottle

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How to Make Laundry Pre-Treat Spray

Pour 1/2 cup ammonia into a pint spray bottle.
Add 1/2 cup liquid laundry detergent.
Fill the remainder of the bottle with water.
Secure the spray top and shake well before using.

If you like making your own laundry basics, you might also want to bookmark Make Your Own Laundry Detergents, Stain Removers, Pre-Wash Sprays and More! or a simple Liquid Laundry Detergent recipe to match the detergent you already keep on hand.

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How to Use It

Spray stained or dingy areas lightly before washing.
Work especially on collars, cuffs, and other frequently soiled spots.
Shake the bottle well each time before spraying so the detergent stays evenly mixed.
Launder as usual after treating the fabric.

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Customization Ideas

Use your preferred liquid laundry detergent if you want the pre-treat to match the scent of your regular wash load.
Choose a fragrance-free liquid detergent if you want more control over added scent.
Make a fresh labeled bottle for the laundry room and a second one for travel or shared laundry spaces if you pre-treat often.

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Safety Information

Label the bottle clearly and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not mix this spray with bleach or use it on garments that still have bleach residue on them. The American Cleaning Institute advises against combining laundry detergents with ammonia or other household cleaning agents because some mixtures can release irritating gases, so stick to the exact formula here and do not add anything extra to the bottle. Read their laundry safety guidance here.

Test any homemade pre-treat on an inconspicuous area first if you are working with delicate, brightly dyed, or unfamiliar fabrics.

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Storage

Store the spray bottle tightly closed in the laundry area.
Keep it away from heat and never store it next to bleach.
Shake well before each use.

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Cost Breakdown

Estimated cost per pint bottle: about $1.21

1/2 cup clear ammonia: about $0.18 based on a 64-ounce bottle priced around $2.94
1/2 cup liquid laundry detergent: about $1.03 based on a 100-ounce bottle priced around $13.18
Water: negligible

That comes out to about 7.6 cents per ounce for a 16-ounce bottle. A comparable store-bought laundry pre-treat spray starts around 13.5 cents per ounce for a 22-ounce bottle.

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🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Laundry Pre-Treat Spray

Can I use any liquid laundry detergent in this pre-treat spray?

Yes, as long as it is a liquid laundry detergent. Using the same detergent you already wash with keeps things simple and lets you control the scent.

Do I need to use a pint spray bottle?

A pint spray bottle works because the formula is written to fill that size container. If you scale the recipe up or down, keep the same ratio of ammonia, liquid detergent, and enough water to fill the bottle.

Why do I need to shake it before using it?

The detergent and water can settle between uses, so a quick shake helps keep the spray evenly mixed before you treat a stain.

When should I apply the spray to a stain?

Use it before washing, right on the stained area. It is especially handy for collars, cuffs, and other spots that pick up regular grime.

Can I add bleach, vinegar, or extra cleaners to make it stronger?

No. Do not add bleach, vinegar, or other cleaners to this bottle. Extra ingredients can create compatibility problems, and bleach is especially off limits around ammonia.

Should I test this on fabric first?

Yes, that is the smart move on delicate fabrics, bold colors, or anything you are not willing to risk. Spray a hidden area first and check for any change before treating the visible stain.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, if you want more on hand. Keep the same proportions and store it in a clearly labeled spray bottle or container made for cleaning products.

Where should I store laundry pre-treat spray?

Store it tightly closed in the laundry area, away from heat and well away from bleach. A clear label matters here more than your future self will want to admit.

Is this cheaper than buying stain remover spray?

Usually, yes. Based on current Walmart pricing used here, this homemade version costs less per ounce than a comparable store-bought laundry pre-treat spray.

📌 Love this Laundry Pre-Treat Spray? Pin it!

Did you try this project? Tell me what detergent you used or which stains you keep this bottle around for.

🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Laundry Pre-Treat Spray