Baby Clothes Stain Identification Chart
What this tool is for: Quickly identify common baby clothing stains and get the right treatment method to remove them safely and effectively.
How It Works
Click on any stain type below to reveal the specific treatment method. Use the color-coded urgency guide to prioritize your stain treatment.
Treatment Urgency Guide
URGENT
Treat immediately – stains set quickly
MODERATE
Treat within a few hours
CAN WAIT
Can wait until next wash cycle
URGENT
Formula/Breast Milk
White or yellowish stains from feeding time
Treatment:
1. Rinse immediately with COLD water2. Pre-treat with enzyme cleaner
3. Soak 15-30 minutes
4. Wash normally with baby detergent
URGENT
Diaper Blowout
Brown stains from diaper leaks
Treatment:
1. Remove solid waste carefully2. Rinse in cold water
3. Pre-treat with enzyme cleaner
4. Soak 1 hour, wash separately
MODERATE
Baby Food/Purees
Colorful stains from fruits and vegetables
Treatment:
1. Scrape off excess food2. Rinse with cold water
3. Mix 1:1 vinegar and water, apply
4. Let sit 10 minutes, wash normally
URGENT
Baby Oil/Lotions
Greasy stains from skincare products
Treatment:
1. Blot excess oil (don’t rub)2. Apply Dawn dish soap directly
3. Work in gently with soft brush
4. Wash in hottest safe water for fabric
MODERATE
Spit-Up/Vomit
Clear or chunky stains from reflux
Treatment:
1. Remove chunks, rinse with cold water2. Pre-treat with baby-safe stain remover
3. Soak 30 minutes
4. Wash with enzyme detergent
CAN WAIT
Drool/Saliva
Clear stains around neckline and sleeves
Treatment:
1. Rinse with cool water2. Pre-treat if stain has set
3. Wash normally
4. Air dry to check if stain is gone
MODERATE
Medicine/Vitamins
Colored stains from liquid medications
Treatment:
1. Rinse immediately with cold water2. Apply white vinegar to stain
3. Let sit 15 minutes
4. Wash normally, check before drying
CAN WAIT
Sweat/Body Oils
Yellowish stains on collars and underarms
Treatment:
1. Make baking soda paste with water2. Apply to stain, let sit 1 hour
3. Rinse and wash normally
4. Add white vinegar to rinse cycle