Getting baby poop out of clothes doesn’t have to be a huge hassle! If you’re in a rush, try the hydrogen peroxide solution—it’s quick and effective.
You can easily get baby poop out of clothes in 5 minutes. You’ll need hydrogen peroxide, water, a clean cloth or sponge, and some patience (just a little!). In a small bowl, mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide.. This creates a gentle solution that fights the stain and won’t damage your baby’s clothes. Dip your baby’s cloth into the mixture and gently blot the poop stain. Do not rub too hard. Just dab it until the stain starts to lift.
Next, let it sit for a minute , then rinse the area with cold water. Cold water is your best friend here—it helps wash away any leftover solution and pesky poop residue. If you still see a hint of that stubborn stain, then just repeat the process until it’s completely gone.
Finally, check the stained area. If the stain is completely gone, you can let it air dry. If it’s still hanging on, don’t worry, just repeat the steps.
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Baby poop stains are the hardest to remove — we get it. They’re FREAKING terrible and they always seem to happen at the worst of times. If you’re a new parent and wondering how to get baby poop out of clothes, you’re not alone! Baby poop stains, especially those pesky yellow ones, can seem impossible to remove. Besides, they’re surprisingly tough and set quickly. They sometimes leave a mark even after washing. Thankfully, with a few tips, some patience, and a bit of know-how, those stubborn yellow stains can be a thing of the past.
In this blog I’ll share with you step-by-step methods and natural remedies to clean the toughest baby poop stains.
How to Get Baby Poop out of Clothes?
Tackling baby poop stains isn’t glamorous, but it’s manageable. My easy to follow steps in this guide will make it a bit easier. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’ve found what works (and what doesn’t!).
Step 1: Why Acting Quickly Matters
The terrible part is that baby poop stains set fast! If you’ve ever noticed a yellow stain after washing and drying clothes, then you have the idea how stubborn it can be.
Do you know that baby poop contains protein? And it makes it easy for the stain to settle deeply into the fabric fibers. This is why you’ll often notice lingering yellow stains though you wash it carefully. The quicker you tackle the stain, the better the chance you can remove it entirely.
Acting quickly doesn’t just help with stains; it also helps eliminate any lingering odor. Leaving baby poop on clothes for too long can lead to stubborn smells that are hard to get rid of, even with washing. When you’re dealing with baby clothes, time is of the essence, so try to address stains as soon as you can.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment – Removing Excess
In this step you have to pre-treat the clothes. It’s important to pre-treat the clothes before you start soaking or washing. What I do is remove the waste first. I just grab a paper towel, cloth , or baby wipes, and gently wipe away the solids. I carefully do his process. I do not rub the poop. If you rub it hard it can push the stain further into the fibers. I suggest you dab or scrape gently to remove the bulk of the residue.
Step 3: Rinsing with Cold Water
Next, I rinse the area under cold water. This prevents the stain from settling deeper into the fibers. Unlike hot water, which can set the stain into the fabric, cold water helps loosen and lift the stain without setting it.
Place the stained part of the clothing under running cold water. It allows the water to flush through the fabric. If the stain is large then soak the whole garment in a basin of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This loosens up any remaining residue.
Cold water rinsing ensures that the stain is prepared for the next stages of treatment without being permanently set into the material.
Step 4: Applying a Pre-Treatment Solution
Option A: Liquid Detergent
Liquid detergent is very handy cleaning supplies for babies’ clothes. Honestly, I found liquid detergent as a lifesaver for removing those stubborn stains. You can choose any of your favorite laundry detergents that you use. I simply dab a small amount of gentle laundry detergent right onto the spot. Then, I give it a little rub with fingers, you can use a soft brush if you like. I let the detergent sit for about 10 minutes to work its magic. After 10 minutes you’ll start to see the stain loosening up and getting ready to wash out easily.
Liquid detergent works great because it actually breaks down the proteins in the stain. Then it becomes easy to wash away in the machine.
Option B: Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a great cleaning ingredient that you can easily find lying in the kitchen. I make a magical thick paste of baking soda and water. I mix 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water in a bowl. Then, I smear that paste right onto the stain. Then, I let it sit for 15-20 minutes at work. After that, I rinse the clothing under cold water. You’ll see the stain starting to lift.
Baking soda is an awesome natural stain-buster. This mixture can remove the annoying poop stains and you don’t need any harsh chemicals for that.
Option C: Vinegar Solution
Making the vinegar solution is as simple as making the baking soda paste. I mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Then I pour it into a spray bottle. Then, I spray this right onto the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to work its magic. Then, gently blot with a cloth to lift the stain even more.
Vinegar is a natural powerhouse. You can use it as a stain-fighter and a deodorizer. It is just right for fighting the stains and odors.
Step 5: Using Specialized Stain Removers
If the pre-treatment doesn’t work then you have to bring a specialized stain remover in the game. I always use baby-safe options without harsh chemicals. There are lots of choices made just for protein-based stains like baby poop, so they tend to work really well!
Specialized stain removers can be a total lifesaver, especially when you’re unable to remove dried-in stains! Follow the directions on the bottle to get the best results, and double-check that it’s safe for your fabric. I apply the remover following the instructions. Then I rinse thoroughly, and make sure there’s no leftover residue.
Step 6: Washing the Clothes
It’s wash time! You have to choose your cycle wisely. You have to use either cold or warm water, since hot water can actually lock in the stain forever (yikes!).
Stick to a cold or warm wash, it’ll keep any leftover stains from setting. While hot water might be tempting, it can make stains nearly impossible to remove if there’s any left over.
Add a bit more detergent than usual to really tackle any residue. Then, run an extra rinse cycle to be sure all detergent and residue are gone, this is especially useful if you’re washing cloth diapers.
Step 7: Checking for Residual Stain Before Drying
A big tip to remember, always check the clothes before you dry them! Once you dry the stain it can be permanent. So, it’s worth a quick look first.
Check the stained area closely. If there’s still any sign of the stain, don’t pop it in the dryer just yet! Go ahead and repeat the pre-treatment steps until it’s fully gone.
If the stain is still hanging around, it’s best to give it another round of treatment before letting it dry. Better safe than sorry!
Step 8: Drying Tips
The last step is Drying the Clothes. Drying clothes seems a natural process and easy, but it can make a difference. I prefer drying clothes under the sunlight. I read in a journal that sunshine works as a natural bleach. The sun’s UV rays act as a gentle bleach and deodorizer. UV rays help to fade away any leftover yellow stains. It also keeps the clothes smelling fresh.
If you want to use a dryer then you have to make sure the stain is completely gone first. Dryer can set the stain on the clothes permanently if you don’t remove them properly in the first place. Then it will be harder to remove it later. Plus, air drying is gentler on fabrics, that is what you want for delicate baby clothes.
Related: How to Get Stains Out of Kids Clothes-Easy Tips
Why Does Breastfed Baby Poop Stain?
If your baby is breastfed, you’ve probably noticed the stains look a little different—they’re usually more yellow and trickier to remove. Breastfed baby poop has fats, enzymes, and proteins that really like to cling to fabric, making stains extra stubborn.
Knowing this, try focusing on protein-busting stain removers or natural bleaches like good old sunlight or a splash of lemon juice. These can help loosen those tough stains and get your baby’s clothes looking fresh again!
How to Get Breastfed Baby Poop Out of Clothes?
Breastfed baby poop cleaning can be tough sometimes. You can use cold water rinse. It will loosen up the stain without making it set. Next, pick your favorite stain treatment. Liquid detergent, baking soda paste, or vinegar will work great.
Then, wash the clothes with a baby-safe detergent that can tackle those protein stains. Finally, leave it to air dry in the sunlight. The sun helps to eliminate any leftover yellow tint and will make clothes fresh and clean.
How to Get Baby Poop Stains Out of Mattress?
First, gently scrape off any extra residue—no need to rub it in. Then, grab a cloth dampened with cold water and blot the stain carefully.
Next, apply a gentle stain remover or a little vinegar solution, dabbing gently to lift the stain. To finish, place a dry towel over the wet area, press to soak up any extra moisture, and let it air dry.
How to Get Baby Poop Stains Out of Carpet?
First, lift off any solid bits with a paper towel—easy does it! Then, blot the stain with cold water with a damp cloth. You can make a quick dish soap solution. Just mix a few drops of dish soap with cold water. Then gently dab the solution on the spot. Finally, rinse with clean water and blot dry with a towel. All done!
How to Get Poop Stains out of Baby Clothes Naturally?
If you’re interested in natural solutions, these methods are perfect for you.
| Methods | How to do it? |
| Lemon Juice and Sunlight | Give that stain a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then lay the clothing out in the sunlight. Together, they work like a natural bleach, gently fading the stain! |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Solution | Mix hydrogen peroxide with water in equal parts and apply it carefully—this stuff can bleach, so don’t leave it on for too long! Just a few minutes, then rinse it out. |
| White Vinegar Soak | Make a soak with one part white vinegar to two parts water. Let the clothes sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and wash as usual. |
How to Prevent Future Stains?
| Methods | How to do it? |
| Stain-Resistant Bibs or Covers | Use stain-resistant bibs or covers to guard those adorable outfits from spills and splatters. They’re lifesavers! |
| Quick Clean-Up Supplies | Keep baby wipes or a stain remover pen handy. For on-the-go surprises, these quick helpers make handling messes so much easier. |
| Wash Immediately | Whenever you can, toss stained clothes in the wash right away. The sooner, the better for keeping those stains from setting! |
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Question: How do you get poop out of clothes fast?
First, you’ll have to scrape off any solid bits with a paper towel. Then, rinse the stained area under cold water to loosen it up. If you have some gentle liquid laundry detergent, apply a small amount directly to the stain and gently rub it. It needs to sit for 10 minutes, and then wash it as usual in the washing machine. If you can act quickly then you can completely get rid of poop stain and smell.
Question: How to get poop smell out of baby clothes?
The way to get rid of the poop smell is by first soaking the clothes in cold water and throwing some safe baby detergent. If the odor sticks, you might soak the clothes in a bowl with a solution that has equal parts of water and white vinegar. Soak clothes in this solution for 30 minutes. Then wash them again. As vinegar is a natural deodorizer it can get rid of any strong smells.
Question: Can the washing machine remove poop?
Washing machines can remove poop stains. Before throwing it into the machine, you just have to pre-treat the stain first. Then, rinse the clothes in cold water and apply a little detergent. Then, wash it using a cold or warm cycle. Avoid using hot water because it can set the stain. If you give it some love and attention, your washing machine can help save those baby clothes.
Question: How to wash baby clothes after a blowout?
The key is to act fast after a blowout. With help of a paper towel or baby wipes to gently remove any solids. Then, wash the stained area with running cold water. Then apply a stain treatment. A liquid detergent or a baking soda paste will do. It has to rest for about 7 minutes. And toss it in the washing machine on a cold or warm cycle.
Conclusion
Parenting is full of surprises, and baby poop stains are definitely one of them! But don’t worry—you’ve got the power to keep your little one’s clothes looking clean and fresh. Just remember, accidents happen and a few good tools and tricks can save the day. This way, the next time you face some messy circumstances in your life… You will be SO READY! Here is to happy parenting, and yes tackling the stains!
