Why You Need to Remove Poop Stains ASAP
Poop stains aren’t just yucky – but especially tricky to remove. Moreover, because of the composition of poop stains, mishandling of garments can lead to additional issues in terms of cleanliness. So, you want to act quickly to get poop stains out of clothing. That’s easier said than done.
Can You Wash Poop Out of Clothes?
You can wash poop out of clothes so long as you act quickly and use the right solutions. Since poop is a protein-based stain, it can be difficult to remove in the wash the very first time. You should not expect to run your clothes through a normal cycle and remove the stain that way.
In fact, you almost want to treat a poop stain as if you are removing a set-in stain. That means using a stain remover spray or laundry additive that can help amplify the stain-removing power of your usual detergent. We’ll talk in greater detail about the steps you should take in just a second.
Do You Use Hot or Cold Water for Poop Stains?
The water temperature you use varies depending on where you are in the process. But know you need cold water when initially treating the poop stain and warm water when machine washing or handwashing the stained items.
Rinsing poop-stained garments in cold water can help to loosen the stain and prevent it from setting into clothing fibers. However, once you throw your clothes into the washing machine, choose a warm water cycle. Always refer to the garment care label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper washing temperatures.
How to Get Poop Out of Clothing
As we mentioned, it’s important to treat poop stains similarly to how you might wash set-in stains, or other tough stains from things like blood. We mention blood specifically because, like poop stains, it’s another protein-based stain that can be difficult to remove. That means knowing about laundry pretreatment and choosing the right washing and drying methods for proper laundry care.
Need to remove poop stains from your underwear after finding skid marks? Follow these steps to help get poop out of all your fabrics.
1. Remove Excess Fecal Matter
Before pretreating or washing, it’s important to remove any excess solid waste from your clothes. You might use a tool like a spatula or something that can scoop up the waste so you don’t smear it further into the fabric. Remember to wear gloves to help keep hands clean, and dispose of the gloves immediately after using them.
2. Rinse with Cold Water
We talked about the importance of using a cold-water rinse before pretreating to help prevent poop stains from setting into the fabric. Consider aiming the water on the opposite side of the stain to help push the stain out of the fabric instead of through the garment(s).
3. Use an Enzymatic Laundry Stain Spray or Oxygen Bleach Laundry Additive to Pretreat
We noted this earlier, but using a laundry stain remover to help pretreat items can work effectively to make poop and other stains easier to remove in the wash.
Consider using a laundry additive with enzymes. These enzymatic stain removers can help target specific stains. For example, proteases work to loosen protein-based stains, like poop, so they are more easily washed away during the rest of the laundry process.
OxiClean™ Max Force™ Laundry Stain Remover Spray has protease, amylase, and mannanase enzymes to help you address poop stains, grease stains, and more.
1. Spray
Shake before use. Spray directly onto the poop stain until saturated.
2. Wait
Let stand for 5 minutes or up to a week, depending on the severity of the poop stain. For fabrics prone to color change, do not let the spray stand longer than 5 minutes.
3. Wash
Wash with laundry detergent in the warmest water the fabric will accept.
Test OxiClean™ Max Force™ Laundry Stain Remover Spray on an inconspicuous area before use. Do not use on silk, wool, leather, and fabrics labeled dry clean only. Pretreat old poop stains on clothes with OxiClean™ Max Force™ Laundry Stain Remover Spray and wash immediately or up to a week later. FOR BEST RESULTS: Treat stains with OxiClean™ Max Force™ liquid Laundry Stain Remover while they are fresh or as soon as possible. For set-in stains, allow to penetrate overnight or up to a week.
It doesn’t have to be laundry day with OxiClean™ Max Force™ Laundry Stain Remover Spray. This enzymatic spray allows you to treat stained clothes immediately and wash them up to a week later. Plus, OxiClean™ Max Force™ Laundry Stain Remover Spray also comes in a 2 FL OZ. travel-sized bottle you can bring with you in case you need to treat stains on the go!
You can also opt for soaking poop-stained clothes in a solution of water and a laundry additive powder with oxygen bleach. For example, you can use OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover, OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Free, or OxiClean Baby Remover to help get poop out of clothes.
2. Soak
Soak items for 1-6 hours. Depending on the severity of the poop stain(s), some items may require more time to soak.
3. Wash
Wash in the warmest water recommended by fabric care label.
*When creating a solution, mix until completely dissolved. Use the warmest water possible. Do not heat or boil. Do not mix or store solution in a sealed container. You can use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover, OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Free, and OxiClean™ Baby Stain Remover for all washable laundry items.
OxiClean™ laundry additive powders with oxygen bleach are up for most arduous laundry tasks. For example, in addition to clothing stains, OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover can help you remove stains from water-washable upholstery. And if you need to remove stains from baby clothes, OxiClean™ Baby Stain Remover is up to the job! Not to mention, all of these laundry additive powders are chlorine-free and color-safe.
4. Wash with an Enzymatic Laundry Detergent
Sticking with the theme of enzymes, try washing poop-stained fabrics with an enzymatic laundry detergent after pretreating. These detergents can further break down and remove tough stains following effective pretreating.
Some enzymatic laundry detergents include the ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ liquid laundry detergent line but always check the product label to confirm the list of active enzymes – remember to look for protease when washing poop-stained clothing. Many laundry detergents will also provide instructions for hand washing if you choose to go that route.
5. Choose Your Drying Method Carefully
Check the fabric care label on poop-stained items before deciding whether to air dry or tumble dry. For items prone to shrinkage, you might consider air drying. If you air dry stained items, make sure to fully lay your items out – whether hanging them on a line or a drying rack – and keep them away from direct sunlight.
Poo-Poo Your Poop Stains with OxiClean™ Stain Removers!
Whether it’s stepping in a mess, finding skid marks in your underwear, or a diaper blowout, poop stains can happen. While they’re an uncomfortable sight (and smell), they don’t have to be for long! OxiClean™ enzymatic stain remover sprays and laundry additive powders with oxygen bleach help tackle poop and other tough stains so you can cut back on the “pee-ew” and prolong the lifespan of your family’s clothing items and carpets.