Did you know that parents in the U.S spend over $12k on baby supplies in the first year or 12 months of their child’s life? So you imagine the amount of money that goes into baby clothes. A lot of them just get destroyed and become unusable because of stubborn stains.
No one wants their baby’s clothes to be stained, but unfortunately, it happens to the best of us. If you’re not sure what to do when a tough stain pops up, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you can do with your stained baby clothes. There are a couple of options that you have. Some of them are:
Try removing them with stain removers or dish soap and water
Try natural methods if the above doesn’t work
Donate to your local community or charity shop
Put it up for donation on Facebook groups
Cut the fabric and make quilts, pillowcases, or stuffed animals
Stain removal with commercially available products
The best way to remove tough stains from baby clothes is to use a commercial detergent or stain remover. These products are specifically designed to get rid of difficult stains, and they usually come with instructions on how to use them. If you’re not sure which product to choose, ask a sales associate at your local store for help.
There are many different types of stain removers available in stores today. They all work differently, so make sure you read the instructions carefully before trying any of them out.
The most common type of stain remover is an acid-based product. These products will remove stains by breaking down the chemical bonds holding the color molecules together. The downside of these products is that they may leave behind some chemicals which can cause damage to fabrics.
You should always test a small amount first. If you notice that the stain isn’t coming off after several minutes, then you should stop applying the solution immediately.
Also, never use hot water on a stained clothing item like cloth diapers, as it may set the stain even more firmly into place. Instead, soak the cloth in cool water for about 30 minutes and then pour liquid laundry detergent like Persil, Tide, or Dreft. Stains like breast milk baby formula stains, and poop stains can be easily removed using soaking the clothes in cold water and baby detergent. In some cases, formula stains may require repeat cleanings.
For clothes that have been stored away for a long and have developed yellow stains, drying them out in the sun can have a natural bleaching effect on them.
The toughest stains
Some of the most stubborn stains to get out of baby clothing are formula stains, spit-up stains, and diaper stains. But with the right products and a little elbow grease, you can get them out! Remember to dry the clothes immediately after the wash cycle completes.
Just follow the instructions above, and those tough stains will be gone in no time.
Stain removal with natural methods
You can also try using natural methods to remove stains. Here are some examples of things you can try:
Lemon juice is great at removing stains because it contains citric acid. Citric acid breaks down the chemical bonds that hold the color molecules together. Lemon juice also helps to brighten colors.
Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water. Apply the mixture directly onto the stain and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Use a spray bottle to apply the mixture directly onto the spot. Let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Another popular method is to use baking soda. Baking soda works by absorbing moisture and swelling up. This causes the stain to come off more easily. However, it does require multiple applications.
Donate stained old baby clothes to your local community or charity shop
Another good option is to donate clothes to your friends, family members, or the needy. Many communities offer free clothing collection bins where people can drop off their used items. Your local library might also be able to provide you with information about places like this.
Some charities also accept donations of gently worn clothing. Make sure you check with your local organization to see what they accept.
Put stained baby clothes up for donation on Facebook group pages
You may find lots of local groups on Facebook that have members who need new clothes. Post pictures and size details and leave your address for pick up. You’ll probably get a lot of interest!
Cut the fabric and make quilts, pillowcases, or stuffed animals
If you have a creative bent then you could cut up the stained fabric into smaller pieces and sew them back together as a patchwork quilt. Or, if you want something simpler, you could just make a pillowcase or stuffed animal. That’s a great way of recycling your old clothes.
Donate to textile recycling companies
There are plenty of organizations around the world that collect textiles from households and businesses and recycle them. Some even take in second-hand clothes too. Check with your local council or hospital to see if there are any options near you. Resale organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army also accept stained baby clothes. Or you may offer your clothes to a service like Freecycle so that others can make use of the clothes
Share your stories!
Do you have any tips or ideas regarding what to do with stained baby clothes? Share them with us in the comments below!
FAQs
Is it okay to donate stained baby clothes?
Yes, of course. Your apparently unusable stained baby clothes are not doomed to be sent into the trash. You always have the option to give them away to charitable organizations near you that accept donations
What happens when I donate stained baby clothes? Do they end up getting recycled?
Most likely, yes. The majority of textile recycling programs will accept stained baby clothes. They’re usually sorted out and sold separately from other types of textiles.
Can I reuse the stained baby clothes?
It depends on the type of stain. In general, most stains can be removed by soaking the item in warm water mixed with mild detergent. This will help loosen the dirt particles and remove the stains. However, some stains are more stubborn than others. In the end, it’s up to you whether you want to keep using the stained items or dispose of them
How often should I wash my stained baby clothes?
The best thing to do is to wash the stained clothes right after you’ve discovered them. If you wait until later, the stains may become difficult to remove. It’s better to clean them immediately. For normal stains, rinse it with cold water and put it in the washing machine. For tougher stains, we have discussed some methods of removal earlier.
