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Your baby may only be small, but they can create some big stains! Whether it’s poo, milk, food or grass, you’re bound to have come up against stains on your baby or toddler’s clothes. But which stain removers really work and are safe for your little one’s clothes? We’ve done the research for you and found the best stain removers for baby clothes available in the UK.
How can you remove stains from your baby’s clothes?
We asked Laurence Smith who manages cleaning and laundry blog In the WashOpens a new window for his expert advice on using stain removers on your little one’s clothes.
What is the best method for removing the most common stains like poo, vomit and food on baby clothes?
Laurence advised that for all stains: "The faster you act, the better. Run the item of clothing under cold water before applying a stain remover and then washing in the washing machine. Soaking stains can help with old, dried-on stains, but fresh stains should just be rinsed quickly."
What is the difference between stain removers designed for whites and those designed for colours?
Do you need to have a stain remover for whites and one for colours in your cleaning cupboard? Laurence said: "Stain removers that are specially designed for whites often contain bleaching agents. Therefore, they shouldn’t be used on coloured clothes, as they could cause colour fading. However, many stain removers are suitable for both whites and colours."
Laurence said that it comes down to personal preference. "It’s up to you whether you’d rather use separate stain removers for whites and colours, or use a single product that is suitable for both."
Can you remove stains in a cooler wash at 30 or 40 degrees?
If you’re sticking to cooler, shorter wash cycles to save money during the cost of living crisis in the UK, you can still remove stains effectively. Laurence advised: "The most common baby stains can be removed in a 30- or 40-degree wash, especially if the stain has been pre-treated with a stain remover. The exception is oily stains, which are best removed in hot water."
Are all stain removers safe for use on baby clothes?
Laurence advised there are some things to look out for when you’re buying a stain remover for your little one’s clothes. "It’s best to choose a gentle stain remover that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals when treating baby clothes. It’s a good idea to opt for a product specially designed for baby clothes, or one that is designed for sensitive skin."
Are there any 'don'ts' when it comes to stain removal?
Laurence let us know three things you should avoid doing when you’re removing stains from your baby’s clothes:
- "Don’t use hot water, unless you’re treating oily stains that won’t come out with cold water. Hot water can set stains, making them harder to remove."
- "Don’t treat all clothes and all stains the same. Some clothes are more delicate than others, and different types of stain need different treatments."
- "Don’t scrub stains vigorously as it can damage the fabric. Instead, blot gently and rinse the stain."
Best stain removers for baby clothes 2024
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FAQs
Simply wash as normal with liquid laundry detergent. Mild detergents should work fine - if a stronger cleaning agent is needed, use normal detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to remove any remaining soap. Once washed, hang clothing to dry in the sunshine.
What is the best stain remover for kids clothes UK? ›
Dr. Beckmann Deo & Sweat Stain Remover | Combats antisperspirant, yellow and white marks.| 250 ml
- napisan.
- baby stain remover for clothes.
- napisan powder.
- stain remover.
Simply wash as normal with liquid laundry detergent. Mild detergents should work fine - if a stronger cleaning agent is needed, use normal detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to remove any remaining soap. Once washed, hang clothing to dry in the sunshine.
What's a good stain remover for baby clothes? ›
MamaSuds Laundry Stain Remover
The hypoallergenic formula is free of fragrances, safe for sensitive skin. Parents love its versatility to pretreat stains on baby clothes before washing. The handy spray applicator makes it easy to target stains.
What is the best product to get old stains out of clothes? ›
Strong Contenders
- Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover.
- Grove Co. Stain Remover Spray.
- Carbona Laundry Stain Scrubber.
- HEX Performance Stain & Stink Remover.
- Ingredients Matter Stain Stick.
When it comes to removing faeces stains, you'll want to use a washing detergent that contains enzymes that break down proteins. Ariel comes equipped with powerful laundry technology with enzymes and surfactants that helps lift protein-based stains, like poo stains.
Is it OK to use OxiClean on baby clothes? ›
Luckily, OxiClean™ Baby Stain Remover can take on every one—from diaper leakage and spit-up to dried-on formula, baby food, juice and jelly stains. And its formula is gentle enough to use on your baby's clothes.
How do you get old stains out of clothes UK? ›
Simply pour a small amount of detergent directly onto the stain and leave it for five minutes, before rinsing it clean under a cold tap. You can then wash the item as usual. As an alternative, you can also try making a paste out of regular dry detergent and water, dabbing this onto the stain, and leaving it overnight.
What is the best way to wash baby clothes UK? ›
You don't need to wash your baby's clothes at really high temperatures. A 30 degree or 40 degree cycle is just fine, and with the right detergent will get your little one's clothes clean. Psst – Fairy Non Bio delivers a brilliant clean even in a cold wash!
What is the number one stain remover? ›
The Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam, our best overall pick, impressed us with its easy-to-use formula and ability to remove a variety of stains.
Oxy Clean is a powerful, chemical stain remover that can be used to remove very stubborn stains from fabric. Use to remove any residual stains after trying our other cleaning products.
How to get yellow stains out of baby clothes in the UK? ›
Pre-treating with Stain Removers: Before washing, pre-treat the stained area with a gentle stain remover or a paste made from baking soda and water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before laundering as usual. Lemon Juice and Sunlight: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help lift yellow stains.
Can I get old stains out of baby clothes? ›
Vinegar can clean, disinfect, and deodorize all around the house, and it's one heck of a stain remover. For most stains on baby clothes, soak the stain with undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Wash the stained clothes in cold water with a half cup of vinegar instead of detergent.
Is borax better than OxiClean? ›
It depends on the color and fabric of the garment you are treating. OxyClean can take the color out of the fabric. I would use Borax if it is a dyed cotton or any natural fiber. If it is just a grease stain or oil spot, I have found that Dawn works wonders.
How do you get hard stains out of kids clothes? ›
Fortunately, you can often still get out those tough stains.
- Pretreat with your preferred stain remover.
- Allow the garment to soak in a two parts vinegar to one part water mixture, or mix a couple of tablespoons of detergent into a bucket of water.
- Scrub at the stain with a scrub brush.
- Wash normally.
You can use non-acetone nail polish remover to help soften the paint. Gently dab the stain with the remover, rinse the garment and then rewash it as needed. Be sure to test these methods on an inconspicuous area first to ensure they won't damage the fabric.
What to do with kids clothes that are stained? ›
Simply rub the stains with some dish soap and hydrogen peroxide before throwing your children's clothes in the washer. For the really tough stains that don't seem to fade away with each wash, soak the stained clothes in 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and cold water for an hour before throwing them in the washer.
How do you get year old stains out of clothes? ›
How to Get Old Stains Out of Clothes
- Mix. Fill scoop with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover powder to line 4 per 1 gallon of water. Wait until the powder fully dissolves in the solution.
- Soak. Soak clothes for 1-6 hours, depending on the severity of the stain. ...
- Wash. Wash as normal with your regular detergent.
