If you are a new mom, then you know that breastmilk can sometimes end up on your clothes. It can be tough to get those stains out, but don’t worry – we have the ultimate guide for you! In this blog post, we will discuss how to remove breastmilk stains from clothing using different methods. We will also provide tips on how to prevent these stains from happening in the first place. So whether you are a new mom or an experienced one, read on for tips on how to deal with breastmilk stains!
Does breast milk stain?
Yes, breast milk can stain clothing. This is because it contains protein and fat, which can be difficult to remove from fabric. Breast milk stains aren’t usually noticeable in the beginning. They normally emerge gradually over time and, if noticeable, can be difficult to remove.
Breast milk stains are protein-based stains, like blood, excrement, and dairy products. They are brought on by animal-derived (or human-derived) products or secretions. These milk proteins, if not properly cleaned, can produce stains that emerge months to years later, especially if you store your baby’s garments in an airtight plastic container. Breast milk is a strong bonding protein that is difficult to remove once dried and hard to remove once aged owing to all of the contents.
Protein stains must be handled in a timely manner, away from heat, and using enzymes to break them down. It is important to note that if these milk proteins are not adequately cleaned, they might produce stains that emerge months or even years later, especially if you store your baby’s garments in an airtight plastic container.
What about colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk that a new mom produces, and it can also stain clothing. However, it is usually easier to remove than breastmilk stains. Colostrum appears as a transparent, creamy white, yellow, or orange liquid (orange is due to beta carotene content). It’s usually thick, although it can be thin, and it can be a touch sticky at times. Mature breast milk has a creamier appearance and is white or bluish-white in hue.
How Can I Remove Breast Milk Stains From Clothes?
First and foremost as soon as you seen the leak or spilled breast milk on baby clothes or your clothes rinse it off asap with cold water. It is important with a protein stain to try and prevent it from setting into the clothes.
Breast milk stains are protein stains and therefore you need a detergent and stain remover that can deal with protein stains. Natural stain removers are best particularly if you want to limit your exposure to harsh chemicals. You can use lemon juice which has natural bleaching properties.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used as an effective natural bleach. Create a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Soak the stained garment in the mixture for 30 minutes before laundering as usual.
If you don’t have any natural stain removers, then you can use a commercial product synthetic stain removers. However, these can irritate sensitive skin so you need to ensure that you do a test first when using for the first time on baby’s clothes.
If you don’t have any enzymatic stain remover, you can make a paste of dishwashing soap and water and use a soft bristled brush to scrub over the breast milk stain. Milk stains are usually resistant to scrubbing, so you might need to apply a little elbow grease to get the stain out.
After treating the breast milk stain, launder as usual following the care instructions on the garment’s label.
Apply the paste to the stained area and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Then, get a soft-bristled brush and scrub the area. Finally, rinse the garment with cold water and launder as usual on your normal wash cycle.
Can I use Bleach on Protein Stains?
Yes, you can use bleach or a natural bleach alternative like lemon juice. For tough stains and yellow stains, you might want to use a stronger stain removal agent or even stain removal wipes.
Check the garment’s care instructions to see if it is safe to use bleach. If you are unsure, do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before using any kind of bleach.
Remember that chlorine bleach can damage some fabrics, so it’s always best to check first before using. Once you have determined that the garment can be safely bleached, mix ¼ cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Soak the garment in this solution for about 30 minutes before laundering as usual.
If you are using an oxygenated bleach like OxiClean, follow the directions on the package. usually, a tablespoon per gallon of water will do the trick. soak for about 30 minutes and then launder as usual.
What if the Stain is Set In?
If the breast milk stain is set in, it might be more difficult to remove. In this case, you can try using a commercial spot remover or make your own with laundry detergents and water. For Stubborn stains like prominent yellow stains, greasy stains or baby stains , you can also use a pre-wash stain remover.
Apply the commercial spot remover to the stained area and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Then, get a soft-bristled brush and scrub the area. Finally, rinse the garment with cold water and launder as usual on your normal wash cycle.
What About Commercial Stain Removers?
There are many commercial stain removers available on the market that can be used to remove breast milk stains from clothing. Just make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly.
What About Sunlight?
Sunlight can be used to remove breast milk stains from clothing. Just leave your clothes hanging on the washing line or just in direct sunlight and it will naturally fade any milk stains on baby clothes or your clothes. It’s like stain removal magic!
What Can I Do to Prevent Breast Milk Stains?
Try some of the following suggestions to prevent dealing with breast milk stains in the future:
- Wear clothes that can be easily washed and dried.
- Avoid wearing light-colored clothing, as it is more likely to show breast milk stains.
- If you are going to be breastfeeding, wear a nursing shirt or camisole instead of a regular t-shirt.
- Use a breast pad to absorb any milk that leaks from your breasts.
- If you are returning to work, pump breast milk during your breaks so you don’t have to worry about leaking milk while at work.
- Fresh breast milk stains should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
- Make a cover for your nursing pillow out of an old blanket, towel, or T-shirt that you don’t care about.
- Clothing for your infant should be stored in a container with plenty of ventilation.
- Coldwater should be used throughout the stain removal process to prevent the stain from setting.
Take Away On Removing Breastmilk Stains From Baby Clothes
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience for mother and child. However, there are some drawbacks to breastfeeding that many new mothers aren’t prepared for, including the reality of stains on clothing! Luckily, we’re here with solutions for removing breastmilk stains from baby clothes and other garments.
If you find yourself in this situation or know someone who does, check out our article on how to get breast milk stains out of your favorite outfit! We hope these tips help make dealing with such an unpleasant task easier than ever before.
