As if the sleepless nights weren't enough to wear a new parent out, somehow all those parent guides forgot to emphasize just how messy babies really are. Between baby food going everywhere but their mouth, spit-up, and diapers that can't hold everything in, babies can leave quite a few stains in their wake. With a few tried and true stain-relieving methods on your side, evidence of your offspring's messiness won't stay for long.
For Spit-up Stains
Step 1
Rinse the stained area on the garment under warm running water to remove as much spit-up as possible.
Step 2
Lay the garment flat with the stain facing up and sprinkle baking soda all over it.
Step 3
Pour enough club soda onto the area to dampen it, but not over saturate it.
Step 4
Scrub the area with a soft to medium bristle brush to remove more of the stain.
Step 5
Launder the garment per manufacturer's instructions with a mild detergent.
For Baby Poop Stains
Step 1
Pick up any solid matter with a paper towel and discard it.
Step 2
Rinse the affected area under cold running water to remove as much of the stain as will come out.
Step 3
Launder the stained item in the hottest water allowable per manufacturer's instructions with a scoop of laundry detergent and a cup of chlorine bleach. Use color safe bleach if the item isn't completely white.
Step 4
Wash the item a second time before putting it into the dryer without using any detergent or bleach. Just use water. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help eliminate any lingering odor.
Step 5
Inspect the item after it is done washing and repeat the process before putting it into the dryer if any of the stain remains, as the heat from the dryer can set stains in permanently.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid using products with harsh chemicals on anything that will come into contact with your baby.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Club soda
- Mild detergent
- Chlorine bleach
- White vinegar
