There are few things more unpleasant than a large, set-in baby poop stain on your adorable baby’s clothing. Removing set-in poop stains from baby clothes is more difficult than removing fresh poop stains.
The following steps should help you to remove set-in poop stains from your baby’s clothes:
Does Poop Stain Clothes
Poop can stain your clothes. This is because poop contains tannins and bile, which are both water-soluble, and if they settle on your clothing and dry out, they can leave an ugly brownish stain behind.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry, as we’re going to give you some tips on how to clean poop stains off your baby clothes.
How to Remove Set in Poop Stains from Baby Clothes
There are few things more challenging than getting poop stains out of baby clothes. While there is no way to completely prevent these stains from happening, there are a few different ways to remove them.
Use Vinegar to Get Rid of Set in Poop Stains Out of Baby Clothes
Vinegar is a common household item that can be used as a natural solvent and stain remover. It is excellent in removing dirt, grease, and other types of stains but it has a distinctive smell that many people find unpleasant.
Vinegar is used to remove set-in stains on your baby’s clothing, but should never be used on wool or silk fabrics. Do not use vinegar on acid dyes as it will set the dye permanently into the fabric instead of removing it.
- First, soak the stained article of clothing in cold water for about 15 minutes to remove as much of the solid matter as possible. Next, mix 1/2 cup vinegar with enough warm water to cover your garment.
- Submerge the stained portion into this solution for another 15 minutes, then wash as usual (but skip the dryer until you can take it out and examine it).
- If there’s any stain left behind after this cycle, repeat each step until you’re satisfied with the results.
- If you’re treating dry-clean-only fabrics, follow these steps using only cold water instead.
How to Remove Set in Poop Stains from Baby Clothes with baking Soda
- Mix 1 quart of hot water with 1 tbsp. of baking soda, and pour it over a fresh poop stain that hasn’t been through the wash yet.
- Allow the mixture to soak into the fabric for several hours or overnight, then rinse it in cold water and launder as usual.
- Repeat if necessary until all traces of the stain are gone.
- Wash all clothes that have had their stains removed immediately after they have been treated so that they don’t have time to set in again while they wait to go through the wash cycle.
Use Ammonia and Liquid Detergent to Remove Set-in Poop Stains
- The first thing you should do when removing set-in poop stains is to scrape the stain. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape off any excess residue.
- You can then soak the stained article in a solution of cold water and laundry detergent for at least an hour before washing. This will help loosen up the stain and make it easier to remove.
- Next, mix together some ammonia (1/2 cup) with your liquid laundry detergent (1 gallon). Make sure that you use cold water when mixing these two ingredients.
- After adding your ammonia and detergent to the bucket or sink, put any clothing that has a poop stain on it inside.
- Let them soak for at least 20 minutes before removing them from the soaking solution. If possible, let the clothing soak overnight to ensure all stains have been removed completely before washing as usual in the washing machine (with regular soap).
How to Get Poop Stains Out of Clothes That Have Been Washed
If you’ve washed a piece of clothing and it still has poop stains on it, don’t lose hope. While the stain may have set in by now, there are still ways to get it out. Most importantly: remember to act fast! Allowing the stains to sit may make them more difficult to remove.
Remove or rinse off as much poop as possible
Before using any cleaning solution, try to remove as much of the poop as possible. This can be done by gently rubbing the area with a damp washcloth or rinsing it under cold water.
Do not rub the fabric too vigorously, as this can cause the stain to spread and set further into the material.
Soak the stained item in warm water
Fill a bucket or basin with warm water and submerge the stained item until it is fully soaked through. Allow the item to soak for 30 minutes. Be careful not to leave it soaking for too long, as this can weaken fibers in your clothing and make them susceptible to tearing.
Use the stain remover of your choice.
Choose a commercial laundry detergent or other stain-remover that works best with your type of fabric. Apply this solution directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for 10 minutes
Wash and Sun Dry
Machine wash the clothing but do not put it in the dryer until you have checked for any remaining stains. The sun is a natural bleaching agent and can help remove lingering stains.
How to Remove Poop Stains from Baby Clothes Naturally
If your baby’s poop has left a stain on their clothes, you have a few options for getting it out. White vinegar is one of the best products to use on baby poop stains and is also generally safe for young children. To get the stain out, follow these steps:
- Dab the area with a paper towel, blotting up as much of the stain as you can.
- Apply white vinegar to the stained area. You can either spray it or dip a clean sponge in some vinegar and dab it on the stain. You’ll need to saturate the area, so don’t be afraid to use a lot of vinegar.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes, then launder as usual. You may need to repeat this method if the stain is particularly tough, but it should lift baby poop stains from clothing every time.
Does Baking Soda Remove Poop Stains
Baking soda is one of the most versatile ingredients in your home. From sprinkling it on your mattress for a fresh scent to using it as an inexpensive and natural abrasive cleaner, baking soda has myriad uses around the house. Baking soda even helps remove poop stains from clothing and fabrics.
Baking Soda as a Deodorizer
The first advantage of baking soda is that it neutralizes odor, which may be helpful if your child’s diaper leaks. Just sprinkle some baking soda directly on the stain, allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash the clothing as you normally would in cold water. The baking soda should neutralize any odor that remained on the fabric after washing.
Baking Soda as an Absorbent
Baking soda works by absorbing moisture rather than by masking odors. If you notice a stain while changing diapers, sprinkle some baking soda on the area to soak up any moisture that remains in the material. This will help prevent stains from setting into the fabric before you can clean them properly.
Stain Removal
If you already have visible stains, use a combination of baking soda and water to make a paste that you can spread over stains and allow to sit for several hours or overnight before washing clothing as usual.
Will Vinegar Remove Poop Stains
Yes. Vinegar can work wonders on poop stains. The acetic acid in vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
It will clean the surface of the stain, kill odor-causing bacteria and help prevent mold and mildew growth.
The best way to use vinegar as a stain remover is to saturate the area with straight white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub it with a brush or sponge, rinse with water and repeat if necessary.
If you’re worried about your clothing smelling like vinegar, just wait until the fabric dries completely before wearing it again the smell will be gone by then.
