How to Clean Baby Food From Cotton Clothes

Baby food and formula stains are inevitable on the baby's clothing. We often don't notice it, however, until it has dried and stained the fabric. Harsh detergents and chlorine laundry products may harm the fabric and leave residue that can irritate the baby's skin. The following steps suggest ways to clean baby food from cotton clothes without harming the fabrics.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Rinse the garment as soon as possible so that the stain has little time to set. Hold the stained area under cold running water to remove any dried material. Blot the stain on the fabric.

2. Spray the area with a commercial non-chlorine, non-detergent enzyme laundry product. Let the garment sit for 10 minutes then brush the area gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse well and launder as usual.

3. Place the stained items in a basin of cool water. Allow garments to soak when stains cannot be treated immediately. Use a plastic, vinyl or glass basin.

4. Wring the excess water gently from the garment. Lay it flat on a large towel. Cover the stained area with thick layer of table salt. Use a soft toothbrush and work the salt into the stained area. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse well under cold water.

5. Soak stubborn or set stains in a solution of cold water and a non-detergent non-chlorine enzyme laundry product. Dissolve the product in the water as directed by the manufacturer, then add the dampened garment. Soak overnight and then launder as usual.

6. Make sure that the stain is gone before putting the garment in the dryer, which can further set the stain. Check the item in natural light before tumble drying.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use hot water to treat stains. Hot water sets stains.
• Test any cleaning product (including table salt) on an inconspicuous area of the clothing item to make sure the color is not affected.