How to keep baby clothes stain free
How to wash baby clothes
Read the care label. This is important, you will want to do this before washing any garment for the first time, baby or otherwise. Make sure that there are no detergents or products you should not be using.
Do not stress too much about washing your baby's clothes separate from your own. As long as you use a fairly mild detergent, it is going to be fine to mix.
You will want to be sure to always presoak any stains that appear in cold water, and do so immediately. Believe it or not, if you get spots when they are fresh, water is often all you need to remove them, and this is good for keeping your baby clothes free from harsh chemicals found in stain removers.
If a stain has set some, be sure to soak it for a while, as this gives it time to loosen.
Choose your stain remover of choice for baby clothes, and use a soft bristled nylon brush to work out any spots that do not remove with just water. Do this gently. If you scrub it you may damage the fabric.
Wash the clothes, but before drying, check the area again to ensure all traces of the stain are gone, as the heat from the dryer will set the stain.
Be sure that when you treat stains on baby's clothes that you always properly rinse the clothes after. A baby has sensitive skin, and the harsh chemicals from stain removal formulas can be irritating if not properly rinsed out.
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Stain removal for baby clothes
For fruits and vegetable stains: Make sure you flush the area with cool water, then soak the stain in a mixture of half rubbing alcohol, half water. This should loosen the stain. If not, use an enzyme based stain remover, then wash.
For protein stains: these would include stains like breast milk, formula, food stains, spit up, and blood. Make sure you soak in just water first, then add an enzyme detergent. If the stain does not lift with water and detergent, then try an enzyme based stain remover, then wash.
For leaky diaper stains (poop or urine): Most bowel movement stains should be treated just as you would a protein stain. However, urine stains should be pretreated with a tablespoon of ammonia diluted in 1 cup of water. Then after that use an enzyme based stain remove. Then wash as usual. This is not to be used on cloth diapers however, as it can cause irritation to the skin.
For oil or grease stains: If the stain is new (and fresh), be sure to cover the area with cornstarch or talcum powder, as this will absorb the oil. You can then scrape the powder off in about ten minutes or so. Then use an enzyme based stain remover and launder.
If you follow these simple techniques you can keep your baby clothes looking great and fresh, and they can be used over and over. If not, you will find that you have boxes of stained baby clothes you only used a few times, and do not want to use again.
