How to remove milk and baby food stains from baby clothes

Quick answer: treat stains as soon as possible. For milk and protein stains, rinse in cold water first (hot water sets them), pour a little enzyme detergent on the stain, wait 10–15 minutes, then wash. For cereal and porridge, scrape off the excess, soak in moderately warm water, then wash. For vegetable and fruit stains, rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric, then treat with detergent.

Milk stains (breast milk, formula)

1. Rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric.
2. Pour detergent directly onto the stain and rub gently.
3. Leave for 10–15 minutes, longer for old stains.
4. Wash as normal, dry completely, then check again.

Old milk stains often turn yellow. If they’re not gone after the first wash, repeat steps 2–4 rather than tumble-drying or ironing, as heat sets stains.

Baby cereal and porridge

1. Scrape off thick residue with a spoon.
2. Soak in moderately warm water for a few minutes to soften it.
3. Pour detergent on the stain and brush gently with a soft brush.
4. Wash as normal.

Vegetable and fruit stains (carrot, pumpkin, orange)

1. Rinse with cold water from the back to push the colour out.
2. Pour detergent on the stain, wait a few minutes, then wash.
3. Drying in gentle sunlight can help vegetable stains fade on white clothes.

What not to do

• Don’t use hot water on milk and protein stains.
• Don’t scrub hard: it pills the fabric and spreads the stain.
• Don’t tumble-dry or iron until the stain is gone.
• Don’t mix different stain removers.

Why use an enzyme detergent?

Enzymes help break down organic stains: protease for protein stains like milk, amylase for starch stains like baby cereal. See What are enzymes in laundry detergent?

Abby is a Mother & Baby 5-in-1 laundry liquid from the Enzyme line, helping clean milk residue, starch and sweat from towels, nappies and clothes. Abby Merry Day has a bright, gentle scent, suited to nursery clothes, burp cloths and bibs that get changed several times a day.