Here are some tips that we have found very helpful. There is no single product or technique that takes care of every spot and spill. If a garment isn't washable, the safest thing to do is take it to a dry cleaner. Please test a hidden area of the fabric first. The diluted dishwashing solution called for is made with 1 tablespoon of dye-free liquid soap and 10 ounces water poured into a spray bottle. Do not use an enzyme detergent mentioned on protein fibers, such as silk, wool, cashmere, or angora.
Before washing any garment for the first time, read the care label. Infants' and children's sleepwear often requires special care because it is treated with flame-resistant chemicals; some detergents (especially those with built in fabric softeners) can reduce that resistance.
Presoak stains in cool water as soon as they appear. Water is enough to remove many spots if you get them when they're fresh. Stains that have had time to set will loosen somewhat while they soak.
Choose a stain removal treatment formulated for baby clothes, or use a soft-bristle nylon brush and a small amount of mild detergent to gently work out a spot, but don't scrub or you'll risk damaging the fabric. After using a stain-removal method, always check for any leftover traces before tumble drying (heat will set the stain). If the stain remains, repeat the process over again, or try something stronger.
Fruit and Vegetable Stains (Pureed Foods, Juice, Berries)
Flush with cool water; soak in a mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half water. If the stain loosens, launder as usual. If not, apply an enzyme based stain remover (Oxy Clean or Borax), then wash. For a stubborn stain, lightly bleach the area by soaking in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Protein Stains (Breast Milk, Formula, Food Stains, Blood)
Soak in plain water first, then add an enzyme detergent. If the stain remains, apply an enzyme-based stain remover, then launder.
Leaky Diaper Stains
Bowel-movement stains should be treated in the same way as protein stains. For urine stains, pre-treat the area with a tablespoon of ammonia diluted in 1 cup water. Follow with an enzyme-based stain remover. Launder as usual.
Oily, Greasy Stains (Baby Oil, Desitin,Petroleum Jelly)
If fresh, remove any excess, and cover the area with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb oil; scrape off after ten to fifteen minutes. Apply an enzyme-based stain remover, then launder.
Dirt Stained Socks
Socks can be whitened on the stove! Fill a pot with water and a few slices of fresh lemon; bring the water to a boil. Turn off heat, add socks, and let soak for up to an hour; launder as usual. For extra brightening, spread them out in the sunlight to dry.
Ballpoint Ink
Build a "dam" around the stain with petroleum jelly. Always work within the confines of the dam. Using an eyedropper, treat the area with isopropyl alcohol. Remove any remaining pigment with a dry solvent (such as mineral spirits or acetone); let dry. Rinse with diluted dishwashing-soap solution, the launder with enzyme detergent in warm water.
Chocolate
Spray the area with the diluted dishwashing-soap solution. Follow up with an enzyme detergent to remove any residue before washing.
Fruit Juice
Spray the diluted dishwashing-soap solution on the stain to remove the sugars. Using an eyedropper, flush the area with vinegar and then hydrogen peroxide to remove any remaining color. Follow up with an enzyme detergent to remove residue before laundering.
Grass
Treat the area with a dry solvent (mineral spirits or acetone). Press with a cheesecloth; tamp with a soft-bristled brush. Repeat to remove as much pigment as possible. Flush the area with isopropyl alcohol, tamp, and let dry. treat the area with an enzyme detergent before laundering.
Mud
Shake off residue; pre-treat the stain with the diluted dishwashing-soap mixture, and soak.
Gum
Use ice to freeze the gum, or place the item in the freezer; scrape or crack off as much as you can, then use mineral spirits to remove any residue. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol, let dry, and launder with an enzyme detergent.
