keiHow to Get Stains Out of Baby Clothes the Right Way

Removing stains from baby clothes might not seem like a monumental task, at least not until you’re back at the washer for round three because they just won’t fade. Learning how to get stains out of baby clothes begins with understanding the unique properties of different stain-causing materials. This understanding can help you remove them the right way.

Various situations involving babies can lead to stains, including spitting up, dribbling while eating, or experiencing a diaper emergency. At Remi & Capri, we’re as passionate about providing quality clothes for your boys and girls as we are about helping you keep your baby’s wardrobe looking great year-round. 

Review our list of safe and gentle methods for stain removal that remove stubborn spots while keeping clothes looking brand new. 

How to Get Common Stains Out of Baby Clothes

Soap and water aren’t always enough to remove a stain from a onesie or pair of pajamas. Not only do you lose valuable time rubbing at the spot, but you also risk making the stain worse or fading the garment’s color. 

Ready to learn how to get stains out of baby clothes? We’ve broken down the most common stains, their specific needs, and the ingredients you’ll need to remove them. 

How to Get Milk Stains Out of Baby Clothes

Breast milk is a common cause of stains on baby clothes, as it’s the primary nutrition source for the first months of a child’s life. If you’re asking, “Can you use OxiClean on baby clothes?”, you’ll be glad to know the answer is yes. 

This powerful cleaner breaks down the enzymes in breast milk, working on a deeper level to dissolve the stain. Follow these steps to remove a milk stain from your baby’s clothes without damaging the fabric’s color or texture.

1. Bring a pot of water to a full boil, then remove from the heat.

2. Let the pot sit for a few minutes. 

3. Stir in two small scoops of OxiClean.

4. Dip the clothes into the hot water and give the stain a good scrub.

5. Let the clothes soak for 15 minutes.

6. Dump the OxiClean-filled water into your washing machine.

7. Wash the clothes like normal with a smaller amount of standard laundry detergent.

How to Get Formula Stains Out of Baby Clothes

Many babies rely on formula, which can also leave behind unsightly stains when it spills or dribbles. You’ll soon see that some techniques work in multiple situations when learning how to get stains out of baby clothes. OxiClean is a useful tool for getting formula stains out of baby clothes; follow the steps outlined in the section above.

How to Get Baby Oil Out of Clothes

Figuring out how to get stains out of baby clothes is tough when dealing with oil-based products, particularly baby oil for dry skin. Oil is one of the trickiest ingredients to get out of clothes since it actively repels water (and tends to leave dark stains).

However, this stain doesn’t stand a chance against a dedicated detergent and baking soda treatment. 

1. Use a paper towel to blot away excess oil and reduce the stain’s severity.

2. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for 24 hours.

3. Remove the baking soda, then spritz the stain with water to rinse off the rest.

4. Scrub the stain with a mixture of water and laundry detergent, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

5. Wash the baby clothes as you usually would, then hang them to dry.

How to Remove Spit-Up Stains from Baby Clothes

Spit-up originates from partially digested food, which can cause an unpleasant odor of sour milk. It is a common stain on baby clothes, but it usually isn’t too difficult to remove.

1. Wipe off the excess spit-up with a wet paper towel.

2. Soak the baby clothes in a bowl with laundry detergent or dish soap.

3. Scrub the stain until the water suds up, then leave for 24 hours.

4. Rinse out the dirty water, then wash the baby clothes in your usual cycle.

How to Get Poop Stains Out of Baby Clothes

Sometimes, figuring out how to get stains out of baby clothes means returning to the fundamentals. A stain caused by a diaper explosion requires a bit more preparation to remove, but the process is similar to that of other stains.

1. Use a baby wipe to get rid of any excess before starting treatment.

2. Soak the garment in a bowl of hot water for an hour. 

3. Apply laundry detergent to the stain and give it a thorough scrub.

4. Let the garment soak again in hot water for another hour, then wash it in your usual cycle with another scoop of detergent.

How to Get Yellow Stains Out of Baby Clothes

Yellow stains come from a number of sources, including your baby’s favorite puree or a little accident during a diaper change. These stains are tricky because they fade easily, yet never seem to disappear entirely.

Removing yellow stains involves taking a few different steps.

1. Using equal parts of dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, create a thick paste.

2. Scrub the paste into the stain on both sides of the garment. 

3. Leave the paste mixture on the clothes for 15 to 20 minutes to give it time to work.

4. Rinse the mixture thoroughly with hot water, then run the clothes through a hot laundry cycle using your usual detergent.

Safe Cleaning Products for Baby Clothes

As you learn how to get stains out of baby clothes, you may feel overwhelmed by all the chemicals and products on the shelves. Are any of them safe for your baby’s delicate skin?

Below are a few of our favorite products to get you started: 

• OxiClean Baby Stain Remover: This powerful solution specifically breaks up spit-up, breast milk, and poop stains. It’s also free of chlorine and fragrances, so it’s gentle on baby skin.

• Dawn dish soap: This classic ingredient is famously gentle on skin, yet tough on stains. 

• Baking soda: It's no wonder why this pantry staple has such staying power—it’s a must-have for removing oil-based stains. 

Can You Bleach Baby Clothes?

Bleach isn’t recommended for removing stains from baby clothes as it can be harsh on delicate skin. Bleach also isn’t very versatile, as it only works on white apparel items and can leave pale spots on colored or patterned clothes. Even neutral-colored clothes can show damage from the harsh effects of bleach.

3 Tips to Prevent and Treat Stains Early

Learning how to get stains out of baby clothes is helpful, but you can also take a few steps to prevent them in the first place. Try these proactive tips next time you spot a mess and make your job a little easier.

Scrape Off Excess Quickly

Did your child spit up food or dribble on their clothing? Scrape off any excess right away to keep the stain as small as possible. In the Future, you will be grateful.

Treat the Stain Just as Quickly

While it’s tempting to put off treating the stain (especially when you have so many other things to do), it’s best to act right away. The longer you put off a pre-treatment soak or soap scrubbing session, the darker and more stubborn the stain becomes.

When in Doubt, Lean Toward Soaking

Removing stains sometimes requires patience. While fierce scrubbing or applying bleach may sound like a good idea, these methods can damage delicate materials or cause permanent fading. A long soak session is usually all you need to break up the stain and fade it away. 

Keep Your Little Ones Looking and Feeling Great With Remi & Capri

Browsing baby boy collections or baby girl collections shouldn’t come with the dread of wondering how you’ll keep them looking good. Our collection at Remi & Capri celebrates sustainability and longevity, all with the goal of making your parenting journey a little easier.

Now that you know how to get stains out of baby clothes, explore our baby products today to outfit your children's wardrobe with organic apparel that lasts for years.