When a diaper blowout occurs, get to cleaning as quickly as you can. The longer the area is left dirty, the more time there is for the stain to set. The first thing you should do is remove any excess, solid waste from the surface of the soiled area. As you clean, take care not to rub the mess further into the fabric. Then, rinse with cold water. Using cold water here is essential, as hot water can set stains.
Timing is also particularly critical when it comes to cleaning cloth diapers. This is because when urine sits in a moist environment, over time, the urea breaks down and converts into ammonia, creating that unmistakable, hard-to-remove smell.
A quick note that this trick works only with clothing or blankets you can bring outside (unlike carpeting).
Forgo harsh detergents with optical brighteners and bleach, and let sunshine naturally bleach the area and get rid of those unsightly yellow poop stains. Once you’ve rinsed your baby’s dirty clothing with cold water, bring it out and set it in the sun. Choose a spot where it will get direct sunlight, and leave it out for a few hours. After enough time has passed, check to see that the stain is gone. If it still remains, turn the clothing inside out, rinse it again, and set it out in the sun for a few more hours.
Before you throw those poop-stained clothes in the wash, be sure to use an enzyme cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners, like Truly Free Home Non-Toxic Enzyme Stain Remover, contain natural enzymes that specifically target and break down organic messes (think: vomit, blood, urine, and newborn poop) at the molecular level. This makes it easier to wash away those stubborn stains in the laundry, without all the scrubbing. When using our Enzyme Stain Remover, just add it directly to the drum of your washer with your detergent before you add your clothes.
Now that you’ve effectively handled those stains, it’s time for the laundry. Along with our Enzyme Stain Remover, add your detergent and your baby’s dirty clothes or blankets and wash with hot water. It’s best to use hot water here because hot water is more effective at removing stains.
Another important factor is using a good detergent. It’s important to use a fragrance- and dye-free detergent when washing your newborn’s clothes and blankets, like Truly Free Home Non-Toxic Unscented Laundry Wash, because of their sensitive skin.
Finally, when selecting your laundry settings, add a second rinse cycle. This helps ensure that nothing gets left behind on those adorable little onesies.
Diaper blowouts are something of a given with newborns, but they can be limited. Start by checking the fit of your baby’s diapers. The Two Finger Test is a helpful strategy for this. You should be able fit two fingers under the waist and leg openings without it feeling too snug or too loose. Next, make sure the diaper is centered and on well. The ruffles should be pulled out—they’re designed to help protect against leaks! If you’re still finding blowouts to be all too frequent, try sizing up or look for a different brand. Different brands have different fits, and if your baby’s diaper is too small, it may not have the capacity to handle your baby’s needs.
Cleaning baby poop is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Having a tried-and-true process and products you can count on to get the job done, make all the difference.