Newborn Poop: Staining And Parenting Tips For Beginners

Newborns are messy, and parents often find themselves dealing with the dreaded poop stains on their baby's clothes. Whether it's due to a leaky diaper or a wriggly baby, these stains can be challenging to remove and often require quick action. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to tackle poop stains and prevent them from setting in, ensuring your baby's wardrobe lasts longer and remains stain-free. From using baby wipes to pretreatment solutions and natural remedies, we will explore various techniques to effectively remove poop stains and keep your little one's clothes looking fresh and clean.

Removing solid poop by hand

The first step in removing solid poop is to use a baby wipe to remove any excess poop from the garment. Baby wipes are better suited to this task than other disposable cleaning products like paper towels because they fit the contours of your hands better and allow you to remove excrement more thoroughly.

Next, rinse the garment in warm water to remove any remaining mess. It is important to avoid excessive rubbing and to let the water do the work.

After rinsing, treat the garment with a stain remover. Let it sit on the garment for around five minutes before tossing it into the washing machine. Check the garment after washing, and if the stain is still there, do not put it in the dryer as this can set the stain. Instead, soak the garment in colour-safe bleach for at least 30 minutes to get rid of any lingering traces of poop.

Once the stain has been removed, dry the garment as you normally would.

Rinsing with cold water

After rinsing, it's important to let the garment soak in a solution of cold water and either laundry detergent, dish soap, or a stain remover. This will help to break down the stain. If the stain is relatively new, let the clothes soak for 15-20 minutes. If the stain has been on the clothes for a while, it will need to soak for a longer period.

After soaking, you can scrub the stain with an old toothbrush and some dish soap. Dip the clothing in cold water to see if the stain is completely gone. If it's not, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process.

Once the stain is removed, you can wash and dry the garment as usual. If the stain is completely gone, you can set the water temperature on high to help kill any remaining bacteria.

Using enzymatic cleaners

Newborn poop stains can be a challenge for any parent. If you're looking for an effective and safe solution, enzymatic cleaners are definitely worth considering. Here's a guide on how to use them to tackle those stubborn stains:

Choosing the Right Enzymatic Cleaner:

Enzymatic cleaners contain helpful bacteria that produce enzymes, which break down organic waste, including protein-based stains like poop. Look for products specifically designed for pet stains, as they will be effective against newborn poop stains. Popular options include Nature's Miracle, Biokleen Bac-Out, and Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator. These products are usually available in spray or liquid form.

Pretreating the Stain:

Before washing the stained garment, it's important to pretreat it. Remove any excess poop with a baby wipe or a spoon. Then, apply the enzymatic cleaner directly to the stain, following the instructions on the label. Let the cleaner sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the enzymes to break down the stain.

Washing and Drying:

After pretreating, you can wash the garment in your washing machine using a heavy-duty setting and the hottest cycle. Enzymatic cleaners are safe for most fabrics, but always check the care label on the garment. Avoid drying the item until you're sure the stain is completely gone, as heat can set the stain. Instead, air-dry the garment or hang it in direct sunlight, which has natural stain-removing properties.

Dealing with Set-in Stains:

If you're dealing with a set-in stain that has dried, don't worry. Soak the garment in a mixture of the enzymatic cleaner and water for several hours or overnight. This will give the enzymes more time to work on breaking down the stain. Then, proceed to wash the garment as usual, examining it afterward to ensure the stain is gone before drying.

Additional Tips:

• Always follow the instructions on the enzymatic cleaner's label for safe and effective use.
• Enzymatic cleaners are generally safe for most surfaces, but they should not be used on leather.
• For particularly tough stains, you may need to repeat the treatment process or try a different type of enzymatic cleaner with a different blend of enzymes.
• While enzymatic cleaners are effective against stains and odours, they won't disinfect the area. If disinfection is a concern, consider using a disinfectant product after treating with the enzymatic cleaner.

Machine washing

Newborn poop stains can be a challenge for new parents to remove from clothing, but it's not impossible. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions for machine washing those stubborn stains out of your little one's clothes:

Step 1: Remove Excess Poop

Using baby wipes, remove as much of the excess poop as possible from the garment. Baby wipes are effective because they conform to the shape of your hands, allowing for a more thorough clean.

Step 2: Rinse and Pretreat

Rinse the garment in warm water, removing any remaining mess. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can push the stain further into the fabric fibres. Instead, let the water do the work. Then, pretreat the stain with a stain remover like Dreft Stain Remover or Spray 'N Wash. Let the pretreatment sit for a few minutes before rinsing again.

Step 3: Machine Wash

Wash the garment in your washing machine using the heaviest duty setting available, along with a detergent designed for baby clothes, like Dreft Detergent. If your machine has a "sanitize" setting, use it. You can also add other stained clothes to make a full load.

Step 4: Evaluate and Repeat if Necessary

After the wash cycle, examine the garment. If the stain is gone, you can dry it as you normally would. If the stain remains, repeat the washing process, adding hydrogen peroxide or a small amount of bleach to the cycle for extra stain-fighting power.

Additional Tips:

• Act fast! The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
• Always pretreat the stain.
• Don't throw the garment into the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Drying can set the stain, making it even more difficult to remove.
• Natural sunlight is a great, free stain remover. Hang the garment outside on a drying rack, with the stained area facing the sun.

Natural alternatives to bleach

Bleach is a common household disinfectant and stain remover, but it has some serious health and environmental downsides. Bleach is highly corrosive and can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, and even chemical burns. It is also dangerous for children and pets and can cause severe health problems if ingested.

Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar, in particular, is a versatile cleaning product. It is safe, inexpensive, and can be used on various surfaces. Vinegar can be used to disinfect, brighten laundry, clean windows and mirrors, and remove stains from carpets and upholstery. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, apply it to the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away. For laundry, add a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle or use it to pre-soak clothes.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild, versatile, and inexpensive cleaner. It can be used for cleaning, deodorizing, and as a natural insecticide. Baking soda is also a whitening agent and can be added to the laundry cycle or made into a paste to scrub away stains. To freshen carpets and upholstery, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric and vacuum it up after 30 minutes.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is a natural, plant-based soap made with ingredients like olive oil and coconut oil. It is gentle and can be used for cleaning floors, counters, and other surfaces. You can also make your own all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts water and castile soap in a spray bottle. For laundry, add a few drops to your washing machine along with your detergent.

Oxygen-Based Bleach

Oxygen-based bleach is a safer alternative to chlorine-based bleach. It is effective at removing stains and brightening clothes and uses sodium percarbonate as the active ingredient. Oxygen-based bleach comes in powder or liquid form and can be used in the laundry or as a pre-soak solution.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a safe, natural cleaning product that can be used instead of bleach. It is versatile and can be used to clean countertops, floors, windows, and more. Lemon juice can also be added to laundry to brighten clothes or remove stains. Mix equal parts water and lemon juice in a spray bottle and use it to clean surfaces.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common household product and a safe alternative to chlorine-based bleach. It can be used to clean surfaces, disinfect, and whiten laundry. Hydrogen peroxide can also remove stains from carpets and upholstery. Apply it directly to the surface, wipe it away, or mix it with water in a spray bottle for disinfecting.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean surfaces and laundry. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the surface you want to clean. You can also add tea tree oil to your laundry cycle or pre-soak clothes in a mixture of water and tea tree oil.

Natural DIY Recipes

You can combine the ingredients mentioned above to create your own cleaning recipes for specific purposes. For example, you can make an all-natural disinfectant by mixing vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Sunlight is also a natural disinfectant and can be used to bleach and disinfect clothes. Simply hang your clothes in direct sunlight for a few hours.

Frequently asked questions