How to remove poop stains from cloth diaper

Poop stains have been an issue of concern among those who use cloth diapers. Generally, most stains will vanish with repeated washing. Luckily, when faced with poop stains on cloth diapers, there are techniques that you can use to effectively remove them.

Read further to learn the methods on how to remove poop stains from cloth diaper.

Common stains in cloth diapers

• Poop. It is important to note that the consistency of poop varies at every phase of growth. The first newborn poop takes on a tar-like appearance. Babies who are exclusively breastfeeding have poop that is bright yellow. As for mature toddlers, the poop has a slight brown stain. 
• Food stains. When babies are started on solid foods, expect colorful stains on the diapers which depend on the foods that they have eaten.
• Mold. Soiled diapers that were unwashed for a long time can end up with mold. 
• Rust or mineral stains. Diapers that were washed in hard water will allow minerals such as iron to settle on the diaper, leaving behind a rusty brown stain.

Techniques on how to remove poop stains from cloth diaper naturally

Let us take a look at some of the techniques on how to remove poop stains from cloth diaper.

• Sun. The sun is the most effective and natural stain remover. The ultraviolet rays in the sun break down the molecules in the diaper and can eliminate the stains. The sunlight functions as a natural bleach and effective on whitening stains. 
  • Wash the cloth diapers normally. 
  • While the diapers are still damp, position them flat with the stained area directly under the sun. 
  • Leave the diapers under the sun for 2-3 hours. 
  • In case the stain lingers, repeat the same the next day.
• Lemon juice. For an added boost in removing poop stains on cloth diapers, lemon juice is a good option. Prepare a solution by mixing 50% lemon juice with 50% water. Spray the solution over the stains and allow to dry under the sun.
• Buncha Farmers. This is a 100% non-toxic stain remover stick that is made out of natural and biodegradable components. It is highly effective in dealing with almost any type of stain. Simply moisten the end of the stick, rub over the stained area and wash normally. 
• Vinegar. Another effective product that you can use is white vinegar which can be an alternative to lemon juice. Spritz some vinegar on the diaper. Allow it to soak for a few minutes and wash regularly.
• Hydrogen peroxide. Prepare a homemade stain remover by mixing 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray the solution on the stain and wash as usual. You can even utilize an old toothbrush to scrub the stained area first before washing it. 
• Borax. You can combine Borax and lemon juice to create a paste and rub it on the cloth diapers. An alternative is adding it directly into the washer and wash the diapers as usual.

Ways to prevent cloth diapers from staining

Remember that some simple measures can make a big difference in preventing poop stains from setting in on cloth diapers.

• Spray the diapers. Quickly remove the poop and spray thoroughly to prevent stains. Give the diapers a swift rinse before putting in the washer. 
• Utilize liners. There are reusable liners that you can place over the diaper. It works by catching the poop and prevents them from staining the cloth diaper. 
• Pre-wash in cold water. Give the diapers a quick pre-rinse in cold water with ¼ detergent to prevent the stain from setting in. 

How do you get poop stains out of clothes that have been washed?

Regardless of how careful you are when washing clothes, a garment might reach the drying cycle before discovering that a stain lingers. Stains that have been washed and allowed to dry in a dryer are harder to remove than a stain that is still moist. Before deciding to discard the garment or recycle it as a cleaning rag, some methods can get rid of the stain. 

For colored clothes and whites

• Prepare a solution by mixing 3 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent. Pour in a spray bottle and fill the remainder of the bottle with warm water. 
• Shake the contents of the bottle. Spritz on the set-in stain. 
• Rub the solution into the stain using a clean cloth and blot dry. 
• Wash the garment normally. Check if the stain is removed before drying it. In case the stain lingers, repeat the steps until the stain is fully removed. 

For white clothes only

• Set your washer in the delicate cycle and fill it with cool water.
• Add bleach into the dispenser or directly into the water. 
• Soak the garment in the washer after the bleach has thoroughly mixed with the water. 
• Check if the stain is gone before drying the garment. If the stain lingers, wash it in bleach again but remember that too much bleach can turn the fabric yellow. 

Do poop stains come out in the wash?

When dealing with poop stains, you are not only faced with an undesirable residue, but also the bad odor. Generally, poop stains can be eliminated in a wash. It is best to use a washing detergent containing enzymes that can break up the proteins.

• Get rid of any excess poop from the garment before washing the stain under flowing water. The higher the pressure, the easier it is to wash off poop stains.
• Pour a liquid detergent directly onto the stained area, making sure that the area is completely covered. 
• Work the detergent into the stain using an old toothbrush so that it will penetrate deep into the fabric fibers. 
• Wash the garment in the washer using the usual cycle on the hottest wash temperature. 
• After washing, check if the stain is removed. If traces of the stain lingers, do not place it in a dryer since it will allow the stain to set. Repeat the washing process until the stain is completely removed before drying it. 

How to remove poop stains from baby clothes

When it comes to poop stains on baby clothes, there are ways on how to remove them effectively. Always make sure to soak in cold water since hot temperatures can bake the stain into the fabric further. 

1. Read the fabric care label first to check the washing instructions. For fragile fabrics, it is recommended to perform a patch test first. 
2. Rinse the fabric in cold water. The general rule is to soak it longer if the fabric has been stained for some time. The ideal way to do this is under running water since the pressure from the tap can drive out the stain particles. 
3. After soaking the garment, dab a small amount of detergent on the stained area. Use a mild detergent with a formulation that is suitable for baby skin. 
4. Machine wash the garment after the pre-treatment. Use the hottest temperature if possible to get rid of the bacteria. Make sure that you will not allow the garment to dry after washing if traces of the stain linger. Repeat steps 2-4 until it is completely removed. 
5. After washing, place the garment outside to dry naturally under the sun. In areas with cooler temperatures, allow the garment to dry inside near a window with direct sunlight. 

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Final thoughts

When dealing with poop stains on cloth diapers, there are several techniques that you can use. With the various techniques discussed on how to remove poop stains from cloth diaper, you can thoroughly wash your cloth diapers as well as keeping them stain-free.