Image: MomJunction Design Team
You might experience stains and messes every day if you have a child at home. So, we have brought our list of the best stain removers for baby clothes to help you. Babies tend to be quite messy while eating and removing those food stains from their bibs and clothes using a homemade stain remover can be quite challenging. These tried-and-tested and safe stain removers for baby clothes are mild and can protect your baby’s delicate skin from irritation. So, check out our list to choose the right product.
Top Picks
11 Best Stain Removers For Baby Clothes In 2024
1. Best Fragrance-Free: Babyganics Stain Eraser Marker
Make stains disappear with the Babyganics stain eraser. This stain remover is formulated with plant-derived and certified organic ingredients and is free of toxic elements such as chlorine, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. The stain remover is fragrance-free, making it suitable for those with allergies. Moreover, the cruelty-free formula of this natural stain remover is capable of removing spit-ups and other tough stains.
Pros
- Pediatrician-recommended and dermatologist-tested
- Easy to use
- Screw-on cap prevents leakage
- Suitable for use on white clothes
Cons
- Scrubber might be slightly flimsy
- May require upright storage to avoid leaks
"It eliminates all kinds of stains effectively, and the sponge applicator makes it convenient. The fragrance-free formula, enriched with plant-derived ingredients, has proven versatile and safe enough for use on my baby's clothes too."
2. Best pH-Neutral: Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater
The stain remover can tackle savory and less savory stains fast and safely. It is a safe, fast, powerful, and universal stain-removing formula that effectively removes greasy stains on baby clothes and is available in a spray bottleor as single-use wipes. This baby stain treatment works gently on children’s clothes and powerfully on carpets and other fabrics. You may check out this product testing video.
Pros
- Pet-safe
- pH neutral
- Allergen-free
- Safe ingredients
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Safer Choice-certified
Cons
- May leave bleach marks on the clothes
"This stain treater is handy for removing stains from various fabrics, including my baby's clothes. Its scent is strong, but it works on wet and set-in stains. It is also easy to use, and the compact bottle takes very little storage space."
Do remember3. Best Non-Toxic: Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover
The rust stain remover from Grandma’s Secret can work on stains that have set in or have already been washed. It doesn’t have bleach, chlorine, or phosphates and has a pleasant citrus scent. The product does not discolor your clothes. Check out this product testing video and learn about a reviewer’s experience with using this stain remover.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Easy to use
- Biodegradable
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave a stain behind
"This stain remover is quite the ally for tricky spots on everything from grout to fabrics. While it may not be a miracle worker, it has proven remarkably effective when I applied it to fresh spills."
Babyganics Stain Eraser Marker Best Fragrance-Free | Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Best pH-Neutral | Grandma's Secret Spot Remover Best Non-Toxic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.38 x 1.38 x 4.63 inches | 1.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches | 1 x 1 x 1 inches. |
| Weight | 3.2 Ounces. | 4.5 Ounces | - |
| Weight | - | - | 0.01 ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 79 | 3,658 | 6,198 |
| Price | $11.97 | $14.5 | $12.09 |
4. Best Easy-To-Use: OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover
OxiClean stain remover effectively removes stains while being gentle on the baby’s clothes. It is activated by warm water and releases bubbling oxygen power to improve your detergent’s performance. The U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified solution safely removes spit-ups, dried-on formula, juice spills, diaper stains, poop stains, and baby food from your baby’s fabrics, making it one of the essential baby care products. You can use it as a presoak or in every load.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Chlorine-free
- Dye-free
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- May leave a stain behind
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 745 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
5. Best Cruelty-Free: The Laundress New York Stain Solution
A concentrated combination of plant-derived anionic and non-ionic surfactants, this solution can remove protein- and tannin-based stains, including wine, coffee, ink, grass, urine, and blood.
Pros
- Not tested on animals
- No artificial colors
- Petroleum-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Might take more than one application
Quick tip6. Best Color-Safe: Zout Triple Enzyme Formula Laundry Stain Remover Foam
The Zout stain remover is one of the best stain removers for kids’ clothes. It is a strong, enzyme-based formula that can remove all kinds of tough stains, making it a one-stop solution for cleaning baby garments. It can dissolve baby food stains, poop stains, greasy food stains, BBQ sauce, chocolate syrup, tomato sauce, etc. The two-pack contains 22 fluid ounces each.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Impressive cleaning power
- Pleasant fragrance
- Color-safe
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not work on wine stains
"Its enzyme formula tackles organic and deeply settled stains without leaving any discernible scent. Hence, I even use it for pretreating laundry. Overall, it has come in handy to keep my outfits spot-free."
7. Best Fragrance: Dreft Baby Laundry Stain Remover Spray
The stain remover is specially developed for difficult stains and spots caused by spit-up, food, and diarrhea on children’s clothing, bedding, and blankets. Its gentle formula can remove baby poop stains and odor effectively. It has no strong fumes and does not affect the flame resistance of children’s sleepwear.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works in all temperatures
- Suitable for colorfast materials
- Gentle fragrance
Cons
- Might not work on tough stains
"Thanks to this stain remover, I can eliminate those drool and baby food stains from my little one’s clothes without damaging the fabric. Besides, it provides results in just a few minutes and emits no strong odors."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,172 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
8. Best Ammonia-Free: Parker and Bailey Laundry Stain Remover
Parker and Bailey’s tried-and-tested formula effectively removes stains from garments, carpets, textiles, and other surfaces. You need to apply the stain remover to the stain and work it with the dull edge of a knife or spoon to remove it. This gentle cleaning solution can also be used as a stain pre-treatment to make laundry day quick and easy.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Sulfate-free
- Bleach-free
- Petrochemical-free
Cons
- May not work on tough stains
"I am amazed at how well this remover has worked on stains caused by wine, ink, grease, and even coffee. It must be applied before the stain dries out, but the results are remarkable. And the lack of ammonia smell is much appreciated."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 187 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
9. Best Hypoallergenic: Sun & Earth Laundry Stain Remover
With the strength of naturally sourced enzymes, Sun & Earth laundry stain remover fights tough stains efficiently, making it one of the best stain removers for toddler clothes. This effective stain-removal formula is non-toxic, fragrance-free, and produced using natural ingredients. It is also cruelty-free and hypoallergenic. Use the spray on baby poop stains and wash after a few minutes to make baby laundry a breeze.
Pros
- Phosphate-free
- Dye-free
- Chlorine-free
- Color-safe
- USDA-certified biobased product
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May not work on old stains
"I was skeptical about its effectiveness, but it has become a staple in my cleaning arsenal since it removed a tough balsamic vinegar stain from my white tablecloth. I even add some of this liquid to my washing machine when washing clothes that are too dirty."
10. Best Chemical-Free: Mommy Wipes Stain Remover
Mommy Wipes’ stain remover for clothes is free of harsh chemicals, bleach, parabens, perfumes, and dyes and is safe for use on baby clothes. It comes in a portable pack, making them convenient to carry in your handbag or diaper bag when on the go. You can use this baby-friendly stain remover to tackle juice stains, food stains, oily stains, greasy food stains, spit, colors, and more from clothes, shoes, and fabric.
Pros
- Rainforest Alliance-certified
- FSC-certified
- Can remove makeup
- Gentle
Cons
- May have an alcoholic smell
"I always carry these wipes in my bag as they make cleaning everyday messes from my shoes and clothes easy. Their non-toxic build is much appreciated, and the individually wrapped design adds to the convenience factor."
11. Best HE-Compatible: Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Stain Remover
The stain remover combines a triple enzyme system with a potent plant-derived cleaning agent to remove set-in stains. Artificial brighteners are not found in this biodegradable composition, making it an ideal stain-removal solution for colored clothes. To use, allow it to rest for five minutes on a fresh stain and longer for an old one before washing for optimal results. It’s suitable for HE and ordinary machines and safe for colorfast washables.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Easy to use
- Contains plant-based ingredients
- USDA-certified biobased product
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Might not work on tough or permanent stains
"Its cruelty-free build was the first thing that appealed to me. The spray works like magic on those stubborn mud stains. However, streaks caused by grease may require some rubbing to disappear. Plus, the fragrance-free formulation is a bonus."
How To Choose The Right Stain Removers For Baby Clothes?
Consider the following factors when choosing a suitable stain remover for baby clothes.
- Fabric type: Consider the fabric type on which you will use the stain remover. As most baby clothes are made of delicate fabrics, choose water-based and plant-derived removers that are gentle, safe, color-safe, and pH-neutral.
- Stain size: Consider the size and the type of stain when choosing a cleaner. Some cleaners are designed for minor stains and mess, while others can handle larger areas.
- Safety:Choose safe and effective removers that do not have a strong fragrance and are hypoallergenic to keep your child safe. They should also be free of residue, harsh chemicals, and gentle on the baby skin to make them safe for infants.
- Ingredients: Take a look at the ingredients list on the product label. Choose a product with enzymes or other agents that can break down stains without damaging the fabric.
, a professional domestic cleaner, says, “Stains on baby clothing is a given–you can’t avoid them. As babies have delicate skin, you should choose a hypoallergenic cleaner that doesn’t irritate the baby’s skin.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it OK to use a stain remover on baby clothes?
The best way to remove stains from delicate baby clothes is to remove them when they are still fresh (1). If the stains are tough, it is essential to use a stain remover. You may rely on a stain remover that is non-toxic and safe for use on different colored baby clothes.
2. What are the ingredients to avoid in a stain remover?
Infants have sensitive skin, and therefore, it is advised to wash their clothes separately (1). Avoid stain removers that are infused with any of these ingredients: 2-butoxyethanol, quaternium-15, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (C10-16), disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate, sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), sodium borate, ammonium hydroxide (2).
3. How should I remove baby stains from baby clothes?
Try to wash the stain when it is still active. You can also soak the clothes for a while and wash them with a mild detergent. For stubborn stains, try to use stain removers. Paula Tarling says, “Always use cold water on stains, as hot water will set a stain and make it harder to remove.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is a highly skilled content writer and reviewer who is articulate and presents highly researched lists about baby products, nursing, and pregnancy. She has used a research-driven approach to curate the best stain removers for delicate baby clothes available in the market. Her list is of great help as parents don’t have to look around any further since all the information you need is right here in the article. These products are chosen based on customer reviews posted on different websites and are effective in the removal of various types of stains.
Baby clothes are prone to a variety of stains as babies eat, crawl, and play. Buying the right stain remover for baby clothes helps you ensure the clothes are stainless and clean. When choosing a stain remover for your baby’s clothes, ensure it is hypoallergenic and free of chemicals so that it does not irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Thus, it is wise to check the ingredient list and look for biodegradable, fragrance-free, dye-free, and eco-friendly products.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Stain Remover For Baby Clothes?
It’s crucial to carefully pick the appropriate stain remover to ensure your baby’s safety and the cloth’s durability. It’s also necessary for a hassle-free stain-removal experience. So, check out the following infographic to learn about the factors to bear in mind before finalizing your purchase. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Cleaning Baby Clothes
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Cleaning-Baby-Clothes.aspx - 8 Hazardous chemicals in your laundry stain remover
https://www.healthychild.org/8-hazardous-chemicals-in-your-laundry-stain-remover/
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