How do I get rid of diaper stains on cotton?

To clean diaper stains from cotton, begin by blotting the stain with a paper towel or cloth. Then, pre-treat the area with white vinegar. After that, wash the garment with the hottest water temperature recommended by the fabric label, and a mild detergent. Finish by drying the garment following the care instructions on the label.

What if the diaper stain won’t come out?

If the stain won't come out, you can try treating it with an enzymatic cleaner. For more stubborn stains, you can add a bit of bleach to your pre-treatment solution.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Diaper > Cotton

Say Goodbye to Diaper Stains on Cotton with These Easy Steps

No parent wants to think about dealing with diaper stains, but it's an inevitable part of parenting a baby or toddler. Fortunately, with the right supplies and some patience, cleaning these messes off cotton can be easy. Read on to find out how.

Updated 07 Mar 2023

By Matej Kramberger

Step One: Blot the Stain

The first step to dealing with a diaper stain on cotton is to blot it, using a paper towel or cloth. You want to work from the outside in to avoid spreading stain. Don't rub or scrub the stain, as this will only drive the mess deeper into the fabric.

Step Two: Pre-Treat Area

Once you have blotted up as much of the mess as you can, the next step is to add a pre-treatment to the area. Spray some white vinegar onto the stain and then let it sit for several minutes. The vinegar will help to break down protein-based stains like those caused by diapers.

Step Three: Wash the Garment

Once you have pre-treated the area, you can then move on to washing the garment. Use the hottest water temperature that is recommended for type of cotton fabric you are dealing with. Add a mild detergent and then let the item run through a full cycle.

Step Four: Check the Stain

Once the item has finished washing, take it out and check stain to see if it is still visible. If it is, repeat steps one to three until the stain is gone.

Step Five: Dry the Garment

Once the diaper stain is gone, you can then dry the garment according to the care instructions on the label. Hang drying is often the best option, as this will reduce fading and shrinkage.

Additional Tips

If diaper stain won't come out, you can try treating it with an enzymatic cleaner.
For stubborn stains, you can add a bit of bleach to your pre-treatment solution.
Always test a small, hidden area of the garment before doing any treatment to make sure there is no damage.

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