Babies generate lots of laundry. You can keep your little one in fresh clean clothes by pretreating spit-up and food stains as soon as they happen. You also have options for removing old, set-in stains from your child's clothing. Start with the easiest stain removal methods and work your way up, adding more stain treatments and effort when necessary for really stubborn old stains. Detergents designed for babies are very mild. You may have to use stronger products if stain removal is your top priority.
Step 1
Soak stained baby clothes in cold water. The sooner you can do this after the garment is worn, the better. Use water that is cool to draw out the stain.
Step 2
Scrub the stain with a scrub brush and a small amount of detergent. Use the brush bristles to work the soap into the stain, scrubbing to lift the spot.
Step 3
Soak your stained baby clothes in enzyme solution--follow the enzyme package directions. Enzyme cleaners contain tiny microbes that work to break down stains set in fabrics, without scrubbing.
Step 4
Spray stain remover on the clothing--follow the directions on the bottle. Allow clothing to sit while the product works to remove the stain.
Step 5
Rinse away any stain treatments you use to prevent the chemicals from irritating your baby's skin.
Step 6
Dry your baby's clothes normally after the stain has been removed. Do not dry the clothing before the stain is gone or the heat from the dryer will further set the stain in place.
Step 7
Treat oily stains by sprinkling talcum powder over the stained area. Allow the powder to sit for 10 minutes, then scrape away the powder before washing the clothing item.
Step 8
Fight dark fruit juice stains by soaking your baby's clothes in a one-to-one solution of water and rubbing alcohol. If the juice stain remains, repeat the soaking in a one-to-one solution of white vinegar and water.
Tips and Warnings
- Pay attention to the instruction labels on your child's clothing. If the label says not to use chlorine bleach, avoid using bleach to prevent damage to the item.
- Always keep all detergents and stain treatments out of reach of children.
