You’ve just changed your baby’s clothes only to find out a milk or mashed potato stain the very next moment. Baby clothes are like a stain magnet. Some are easy to wash, while others remain stubborn, try as you might.
Don’t give up, though! All marks can be handled with the right technique. In this guide, we’ll share how to remove stains from baby clothes, including safe and effective methods and prevention tips.
At SwaddleAn, we make beautiful and durable baby clothes, designed for maximum comfort. This guide will help you care for these special items, ensuring they look like new after each wash.
The Golden Rules of Baby Stain Removal (Act Fast!)
Rule #1: Treat it Immediately
No matter what type of stains, treat them immediately. The longer you hesitate, the more time for the fabric to soak up the mess. As the stain dries, it will harden and cling to every fiber, making it more challenging to remove completely.
Rule #2: Scrape, Don’t Rub
One big mistake many parents make is to rub the clothes when washing. In fact, scrubbing accidentally spreads the stain to other spots or pushes it further into the fabric fibers. At this point, getting rid of it is a real headache.
Instead, once you see a stain, quickly grab something with a blunt edge (a spoon works great!) and scrape off any excess solids.
Rule #3: Always Check Before Drying
Important: The heat from the dryer can bake the stain right into the fabric. So, always check if you’ve removed the stain from baby clothes completely before drying.
Still see a mark on the fabric? Repeat the process before washing the clothes once more. Then, dry baby clothes using the tumble dry low setting.
Your Ultimate Stain-Fighting Toolkit: What You’ll Need
Natural Stain Fighters
Some ingredients around the house can be excellent stain removers, including:
- Cold water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Sunlight (Nature’s bleach!)
Gentle Commercial Products
Some commercial products can remove stains effectively without harming your little one’s skin, such as:
- A high-quality enzyme stain remover spray
- A gentle, fragrance-free, baby-safe laundry detergent
Choosing the right detergent means you’re halfway to success. Our guide to the best baby detergents in 2025 will help you find a potent yet safe choice for your little one.
The Ultimate Baby Stain Removal Chart: Identify & Treat
Here’s how to remove stains from baby clothes properly:
| Type of Stains | Examples | How to Remove |
| Protein-based stains | Breast milk, formula milk, spit-ups, and baby poop (diaper blow-outs) | 1. Only use COLD WATER. Hot water will “cook” the protein and set the stain harder. 2. Scrape off excess solids. 3. Soak the clothes in cold water with a few drops of enzyme-based stain remover baby detergent for 30 minutes. 4. Gently rub the fabric. 5. Wash the clothes as normal. |
| Oil-based stains | Baby oil, diaper rash cream, vaseline, petroleum jelly cream, or other ointments | 1. Scrape off the excess residue. 2. Sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch on the mess and leave it for 15-20 minutes to soak up the oil. 3. Wipe off the powder. 4. Apply a drop of dish soap (designed to break greasy stains) to the mark and gently massage it. 5. Rinse thoroughly and wash the clothes with the warmest water the care label allows. |
| Fruit and veggie stains | Berries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and juice | 1. Rinse the clothes with cold water from the back of the fabric to push the stains out. 2. Mix a paste of baking soda and water or a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the mess and let it sit. 3. For tough stains on white fabric, drying the clothes in direct sunlight after washing will bring an amazing bleaching effect. |
| Normal stains | Dirt and mud | 1. Let the mud dry completely and brush it off as much as possible. 2. Pre-treat the dirty spot with a baby detergent. 3. Wash it as normal. |
Step-by-Step Guides for the Toughest Baby Stains
How to Get Poop Stains Out of Baby Clothes
Poop stains are no longer a nightmare if you have an enzyme-based cleaner on hand. The enzyme will break down the organic stain into smaller particles, which can be easily washed away by water.
Sometimes, these messes still leave faint yellowish marks on the clothes, even more noticeable on white fabric. Our tip is to dry them in direct sunlight. Just like the sun fades colors over time, the UV rays will break down the stains and “bleach” the residual mark naturally.
How to Remove Breast Milk or Formula Stains
Be it formula or breast milk, it always contains protein, which can bond with fabric fibers. These marks will set and turn yellow over time, especially when exposed to heat.
Even when you can’t spot the stain with your naked eyes, it can gradually show up. This is because it oxidizes or is “cooked” by heat. So, the key is to treat the mess as soon as possible.
How to Tackle Stubborn Baby Food Stains
Pureed or mashed foods in dark colors, like carrots and strawberries, never look forgiving on fabrics. Household heroes like vinegar and baking soda come to the rescue.
Vinegar, with its acidic nature, can neutralize alkaline foods, like sweet potatoes, and dissolve sugars in juice and fruits. Likewise, baking soda can treat acidic stains from berries, tomatoes, or soak up oily messes. Even better, these two cleaning agents can remove the stale or sour odors from those food stains.
Special Care for Delicate and Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Removing Stains from Organic Cotton
The beauty of organic cotton baby clothes lies in its softness and purity. So, using harsh chemicals can take away from its benefits. You should stick to natural, gentle methods like using vinegar and baking soda to preserve those organic fibers.
Caring for Stained Knitwear
Never rub the knitted fabric forcefully, or you’ll damage the delicate weave. We recommend using a gentle soaking and blotting method instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bleach on baby clothes?
Not recommended. Bleaches are too harsh on a baby’s sensitive skin and can damage delicate fabrics. Oxygen-based alternatives are safer for tough stains on white clothes. However, the best approach is to dry them in direct sunlight.
What if a stain has already been dried and set?
Don’t give up! Try applying a heavy enzyme stain remover to the mark and soaking it for a few hours or even overnight. Even though the result isn’t guaranteed, it’s still worth a try.
How can I prevent stains in the first place?
Use a bib at feeding time, put a smock on for messy games, and make it a habit to rinse any stains immediately when they appear.
Conclusion: Keep Your Baby’s Clothes Stain-Free
How to remove stains from baby clothes? Here are your weapons: Act quickly, use cold water for protein-based messes, check before drying, and make use of natural stain removers.
With these tips from SwaddleAn, you can confidently handle any stains and keep your baby’s wardrobe always clean. Be sure to follow the right method. Read our full guide to washing baby clothes to ensure every stain is treated carefully and correctly!
