Parents of young babies know all too well the telltale signs of a formula stain: a yellowish tinge on otherwise clean clothes. If you’re lucky, it’s just a small spot. But if you’re not, you’re looking at a big, greasy stain that seems impossible to get rid of.
Never fear! We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks for getting those pesky formula stains out of your baby’s clothes. With a little patience and some elbow
What will you need
To remove formula stains from clothes, you will need:
- Cold water
- Stain remover or laundry detergent
- Laundry detergent
- White vinegar (optional) -A brush or cloth
- A washing machine
You will also need access to a sink or basin to soak the stained item in cold water before washing. Additionally, a stain brush or an old toothbrush can be useful for scrubbing the stain before washing.
Steps to remove
Steps to remove formula stains from clothes are:
- Soak the stain in cold water as soon as possible, this will help to prevent the stain from setting in.
- Apply a small amount of stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the stain, and gently rub it in with a brush or cloth.
- Leave the garment to soak for at least 15-30 minutes
- Launder the item in the hottest water recommended on the care label with laundry detergent.
- Check the stain before putting the garment in the dryer, if the stain is still there, repeat the process or try using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to pre-treat the stain before washing again.
- Dry the garment as usual.
It’s important to note that some formulas can be quite difficult to remove, in that case, you may have to repeat the process multiple times. Also, it’s recommended to test any solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain, to avoid any discoloration or damage to the fabric.
Prevention
Here are a few ways to prevent formula stains on clothes:
- Be prepared: Keep a spare shirt or bib handy to change into in case of spills.
- Be mindful of where you’re feeding your baby: Avoid feeding your baby in areas with light-colored or delicate fabrics.
- Use a bib: Using a bib while feeding your baby can help to catch any spills before they reach your clothes.
- Act fast: If a spill does occur, try to treat the stain as soon as possible before it has a chance to set in.
- Wear dark colors: when you have a baby at home, it could be a good idea to wear darker colors as they tend to hide stains better than lighter colors.
- Use a plastic cover: when traveling or when you know you’ll be in a place that would be hard to clean formula spills, consider using a plastic cover to protect your clothes.
- Consider using a bottle with a spill-proof design: There are bottles available that are designed to minimize spills and leaks, which can help to reduce the risk of formula stains on clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about removing formula stains from clothes:
Can I use bleach to remove formula stains?
Bleach can be harsh on fabrics and may discolor or damage them. It’s generally not recommended to use bleach to remove formula stains. Instead, try using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, or a stain remover specifically designed for baby formula.
Can I put the stained clothes in the dryer?
It’s best to check the stain before putting the garment in the dryer, if the stain is still there, do not put it in the dryer as the heat can set the stain making it harder to remove. Repeat the process or try using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to pre-treat the stain before washing again.
Can formula stains be removed from delicate fabrics?
Formula stains can be difficult to remove from delicate fabrics, it’s best to treat the stain as soon as possible and use a gentle solution such as equal parts white vinegar and water. Be sure to test any solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain to avoid any discoloration or damage to the fabric.
How can I remove formula stains from the carpet?
To remove formula stains from the carpet, try mixing a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the stain. Gently rub the solution into the stain with a brush or cloth, then blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much of the solution as possible. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, formula stains can be a common problem for parents, but with the right steps and solutions, they can be removed effectively. The key is to treat the stain as soon as possible and to use the appropriate solutions for the specific fabric. Soaking the stain in cold water before washing, pre-treating the stain with a stain remover or laundry detergent, and using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can all be effective methods for removing formula stains. Additionally, there are several ways to prevent formula stains, such as using a bib, keeping a spare shirt or bib handy, and using a plastic cover when traveling.
