Laundry Tips: Baby Clothes Creates Challenges

(HIT) - When baby makes three, life on the home front sees many changes, not the least of which is a whole new set of laundry needs. Not only is there a massive increase in the amount of dirty laundry when an infant joins a household, say Whirlpool Corporation’s home economists, but there are also challenging new soils and stains to be handled. Infant formula, baby food stains, baby oil, baby powder and diaper soils are all tough stains that new moms and dads didn’t have in their laundry baskets before baby.

The key to removing these tough stains is early treatment. The home economists remind new parents that diapers need to be rinsed and presoaked before laundering in hot water with plenty of detergent—and liquid chlorine bleach as needed. Food stains should be pre-treated immediately with a paste made of powdered detergent and a few drops of water, then laundered in hot or warm water, depending upon the color and type of fabric. Oily stains should be soaked in heavy-duty liquid detergent.

Commercial formula stains, however, need special consideration. Unlike mother’s milk, commercial formula contains added iron. Using chlorine bleach to clean these types of stains will only cause the iron to precipitate out of the fabric, leaving yellow or brown spots. Instead, the home economists suggest pre-rinsing fresh stains with warm water, then soaking one to two hours in a solution (not in washer) of non-chlorine bleach and warm water. Launder as usual.

Another surprise to many new parents is that they can’t just leave baby clothing in the laundry hamper for a week, as they do their own. Because an infant’s clothing is usually damp from saliva, milk and other liquids, tossing items into a laundry basket can be a fatal error. In warm or humid weather, soiled and damp items in a hamper grow mildew (black, greasy-looking dots) that is almost impossible to remove and also weakens the fabric. The Whirlpool home economists advise that while there is no sure cure for a mildewed item, it is easy to prevent by not storing damp items in a laundry basket.

Doing a baby’s laundry can be easier and faster if the home’s washer has special soak cycles, second rinses, automatic dispensers for bleach and fabric softeners and multiple water temperature selections. Helpful dryer features include two or three temperatures, plus an air-only setting for baby’s plastic items; capacity for large loads of diapers; and a stationary drying rack for booties, canvas shoes and washable stuffed toys.

Handling the mounds of laundry generated by an infant can be made easier by using the special features on today’s appliances and following these basic rules: pre-treat stains immediately; pre-soak heavily soiled items; use hot water and plenty of detergent; never store soiled, damp items; and set the dryer for the proper temperature for the type of baby items.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center