Let’s face it—poop stains are like a rite of passage for every parent. One minute, your baby is all smiles, and the next, you’re dealing with a stubborn diaper blowout. But before you toss that onesie in the “never going to be clean again” pile, I've got some helpful tips to effectively remove those pesky stains. Believe me, I’ve been through this more times than I can count, and the secret is simple: to remove baby poop stains, you need to act fast—don’t let that stain linger in the hamper!
6 steps to get baby poop out of clothes
Here’s an simple step-by-step guide to removing poop stains:
Step 1: Remove excess poop in the sink/trash
The first thing you’ll want to do is get rid of as much poop as possible. If it’s a solid poop, you can easily scrape off the excess with a disposable spoon or knife and dispose of it in the toilet or trash.
Step 2: Rinse with warm water
Next, rinse the stain under warm water. This will help loosen and soften the poop, making it easier to remove. Be sure to do this step as soon as possible!
Step 3: Cover the stain with blue Dawn dish detergent, soak then scrub
Next, to break down the stain, slather it with blue Dawn dish detergent and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Then, use an old toothbrush, dish brush, or stain removing brush to gently scrub the stain out of the clothing.
Step 4: Rinse, then apply a strong stain remover
After scrubbing the stain, apply a strong stain remover, like OxiClean or Shout, directly to the affected area and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Pro tip: in my experience, Miss Mouth’s Stain Remover is GREAT for berry stains (it's small enough to keep it in your diaper bag), but it's not the best baby poop stain remover.
Step 5: Use strong, but safe, laundry detergent
Finally, once the stain has been pre-treated, it's time to wash it with a strong and effective laundry detergent. Look for one that is specially formulated for tough stains.
Step 6: Do not dry clothes until the stain is gone
Before putting your clothes in the dryer, make sure the stain is completely gone. Drying can set stains and make them even harder to remove. If the stain persists after washing, repeat steps 2 through 5, and continue this process until the stain is gone.
Natural stain removers
If you want to try a natural stain-removing method before reaching for the heavy-duty cleaners, here are some options to consider:
- Lemon juice: the natural acidity in lemon juice can help break down stains, particularly on white fabrics. Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing as usual.
- Baking soda: this household staple is great for tackling tough stains. Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing.
- White vinegar: similar to lemon juice, white vinegar has acidic properties that can help remove stains. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, soak the stained area for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
- Salt: if you spill something oily or greasy on your clothes, sprinkle some salt on the stain to help absorb the excess oil and prevent them from setting into the fabric. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing as usual.
Plus, if you're looking for a non-toxic stain remover, here are some top options:
- Molly's Suds Natural Laundry Stain Remover Spray
- Grandma's Secret Spot Remover
- ATTITUDE Laundry Stain Remover
How to Proactively Prevent Poop Stains on Your Baby's Clothes
As a parent, dealing with poop stains on their clothes can be frustrating and time-consuming. I totally get it—especially since I love dressing my kids in neutral colors like beiges and creams, which makes those stains even more noticeable. Luckily, there are easy ways to proactively prevent those annoying stains from ruining your baby's adorable outfits.
Choose the right diapers
Choosing the right diapers for your baby makes all the difference in preventing poop stains on their clothes. The fit of the diaper should be snug enough to contain any blowouts or leaks. If you notice frequent leaks or blowouts, it may be time to switch up the brand or size of diapers you're using. That's why I'm obsessed with Coterie diapers–they're insanely absorbent, have a comfortable fit, and stay dry even after multiple rounds of pee.
Opt for stain-resistant fabrics
When shopping for baby clothes, look for options made from stain-resistant fabrics. Many brands offer clothes designed to repel spills and stains, which can be helpful when dealing with stains.
Prompt changes
As soon as you catch a whiff of your baby’s latest surprise, it’s best to change them quickly. The sooner you tackle the mess, the easier that baby poop stain removal will be.
Dress smart
Consider dressing your baby in clothes that are easy to remove. Bodysuits with snaps or simple t-shirts can be quickly removed when your baby makes a poop. This not only helps reduce the stress of getting them changed quickly but also minimizes the chances of spreading the stain to other parts of their outfit.
I hope this step-by-step guide made removing baby poop stains a little easier for you. Be sure to add absorbent diapers and stain remover sprays to your baby registry checklist. For more on motherhood and parenting tips and tricks, check out my blog, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram.
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