When your kids’ clothes end up covered in stains from all the adventures, these quick tips will help you keep them looking fresh and clean.
- Rinse the stained area with cold water immediately to prevent the stain from setting.
- Apply liquid laundry detergents or a blend of dish soap and white vinegar directly to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- For particularly stubborn stains, soak the clothes in a bucket of cold water mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar or baking soda for 30 minutes.
- Wash the stained clothes in the warm water.
- After washing, check the stained area before drying the clothes.
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How to Get Stains Out of Kids’ Clothes
When your kids are busy playing in the mud or dreaming of becoming the next Picasso with their crayons and colors, you’re probably left wondering how to remove those stains from their clothes. Don’t worry! No stains will be a barrier to keeping your kids’ clothes looking fresh and clean.
With the right techniques and a little know-how, you can remove even the toughest stains and keep your kids’ clothes looking as good as new. In this blog, I’ll share some tips and tricks and a step-by-step guide for removing stains from kids’ clothes.
Essential Tools for Removing Stains from Kids’ Clothes
Before you start you will need some essential tools to deal with really tough stains. I suggest you gather everything beforehand that you will need to remove the stains from your kids’ clothes.
Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
- Liquid Laundry Detergents
- Homemade Solutions (Vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap can be used to create effective DIY stain removers)
- Soft-Bristle Brush or Old Toothbrush
- Buckets/Basins
- Gloves
- Hydrogen Peroxide ( Useful for treating protein stains like blood stains)
How to Remove 7 Tough Stains from Kids’ Clothes
With a bunch of playfulness, kids will always be kids! They are always into a little mischievousness while rolling in the grass, splashing through mud puddles, or getting tomato sauce all over. They seem to attract stains like magnets. And how can I forget the colorful paint spills during art time? However, I can assure you that it is possible to remove all those new and old stains by following some processes.
Before washing any clothes always read the care instruction label of the clothes. Different types of fabrics require specific care to ensure they remain clean and in good condition.
1. Grass Stains
It’s common to find grass stains in children’s clothes if they are active in outside activities. The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove. Start the cleaning process as soon as you notice the stain.
Wash the stained area under cold running water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear or most of the stain is gone.
Apply the liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. Gently rub the fabric together to work the cleaner into the stain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wash the clothing with warm water.
2. Mud Stains
To get rid of mud stains first, allow the mud to dry. Do not rush to wash the dirt off as it might stick on the surface.
When the mud gets hard gently remove it with a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray this solution directly to the stain, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the stained area with cold water to remove the vinegar solution.
Finally, wash the garment with cold water to avoid leaving behind any residue.
3. Food Stains (Tomato Sauce, Chocolate, etc.)
Children can be a little bit messy with food. It’s not unusual for them to spill sauce or rub their hands off on their shirt after enjoying their favorite chocolates. Fortunately, you can get rid of those food stains easily. Start with scraping off the food residue with a spoon or a blunt knife. Rub the stained area with liquid detergent carefully. Then wash as normal with water.
To handle the greasy stain like butter or oil sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the stained area. It will help draw out the grease.
4. Paint Stains
Children usually use water-based colors in the classroom. Many schools provide washable paint. However, washable paint also can leave some stains. Use hot water to remove the colors only if you are sure that the paint is washable. Otherwise, the stain can be set on the clothes. The first thing you have to do is scrape off the paint as much as you can with the help of a spoon. Rinse the stained area with cold water.
Fill a bucket with water, liquid detergent, or dish soap, and let the cloth soak in for a few hours. After soaking, rub the fabric with your hand and rinse it off. If you still can see the stain then repeat the process.
5. Ink Stains
If the ink is washable, then you can wash the stained area as usual. But permanent ink is harder to remove. To treat the permanent ink, use a paper towel, and dab it on the stained area to help absorb excess ink from the fabric. Do not scrub the fabric, this will only worsen the situation and spread the stain over the whole fabric.
Next, you’ll need to add rubbing alcohol or hair spray to the stained area. Blot the stain with a paper towel. Repeat this process until the stain is visibly removed. Once most of the stain is gone wash it with liquid soap.
6. Fruit Juice and Soda Stains
To remove the juice or soda stains start by rinsing the stained area with cool water. Pre-treat the stain with detergent or dish soap and allow it to sit for 15-25 minutes. Then, wash the cloth with warm water. If the stain is still visible then use chlorine bleach to wash the fabric.
7. Blood Stains
Kids can get injured while they are playing. So, it is normal to find some blood shade on the clothes. It’s also important to wash out those blood stains from the clothes to keep the clothes fresh and germ-free. To get rid of the blood stains, first, try rinsing the stain under cold running water as soon as possible. Avoid using hot water because this will set the blood stain.
Hydrogen peroxide works best to remove blood stains. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and let it bubble for a few minutes. Blot the area with a clean cloth, then rinse with cold water. Wash the garment as usual.
By following these steps and tips, I can assure you, that you can keep your kids’ clothes looking fresh and stain-free. With a little effort and the right techniques, you can remove the stains and ensure the longevity of the garment.
Why Keeping Kids’ Clothes Stain-Free and Clean is Important
Hygiene and Health:
As a parent you always have to make sure that your kids have healthy hygiene, otherwise they can fall sick easily. To maintain healthy hygiene, keep your kids’ clothes clean. Dirty clothes can harbor bacteria which can lead to skin infections and other illnesses. Clean clothes reduce the risk of allergens and other skin problems.
Comfort:
Kids need to wear fresh clothes that can give them comfort. Stains and residue from food, dirt, and sweat can cause discomfort and skin irritation, especially for kids with sensitive skin. So, you have to regularly wash your children’s clothes to keep them fresh and clean.
Longevity of Clothing:
Clean clothes last longer than dirty clothes. Regular cleaning keeps the fabric in good condition and extends the life of the garment. And taking care of clothes means fewer replacements, saving money in the long run.
Teaching Responsibility:
You can involve your kids in the process while you are washing their clothes. It will teach them the importance of personal hygiene and being responsible as well. They can also learn how to care for their belongings. It is an essential life skill that will benefit them as they grow older.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What is the best DIY stain remover for kids’ clothes?
Answer: One of the most effective DIY stain removers is a mixture of one-part white vinegar, one-part dish soap, and two-part water solution. Rub it onto the stain, and leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes before washing the fabric. It works best for common stains like grass, food, and dirt.
Question: What is the best stain remover for baby clothes?
Answer: The best stain remover for baby clothes that I have found is a paste made from baking soda and water. You can directly apply this mixture to the stain and wash it off after 10-15 minutes. This solution does not contain any harsh chemicals so it is safe for the delicate skin of babies.
Question: What is the fastest way to remove stubborn stains from kids’ clothes?
Answer: The faster you can treat the stain there is more chance to get rid of the stain quickly. Rinse the stain with cold water and gently rub it with the liquid detergent. Allow it to sit for a few minutes then rinse it off. It is a quick and effective method.
Question: Can toothpaste remove stains from kids’ clothes?
Answer: Yes, toothpaste is an effective stain remover. Especially non-gel and white toothpaste can help remove stains from kids’ clothes. Just apply a small amount to the stain, and gently scrub with a brush. Rinse with cold water before machine washing. It can be a handy trick when you’re in a hurry!
Conclusion
Throughout this guide, I have explained various stain removal methods that you can use to remove stains. Those tips and tricks will ensure that your little one is dressed in clean clothes all the time. So, if you follow the steps mentioned above, you will be ready to deal with any stain that you may find in your kids’ clothes.