Oh Crap! How to Get Poop Stains Out of Underwear

As a parent, I’ve dealt with my fair share of dirty underwear thanks to potty training accidents and blowouts. Poop stains in undies are the absolute worst! No one wants to spend their time scrubbing crusted skid marks out of their kid’s Dora panties or their own unmentionables. But have no fear – with the right techniques, you can get even the gnarliest underwear stains sparkling clean again.

While it may seem easier to just toss stained undies in the trash, you can actually rescue soiled underwear quite effectively. All it takes is a little elbow grease and the right concoction of stain-fighting ingredients. I’ve gathered the best tips and tricks for getting every trace of poop out of underwear through my own trial and error.

With a few common household products, it’s possible to make poop stains in underwear disappear like magic. Wave your wand, mix up an enzymatic potion, and let me show you how to remove those nasty skid marks once and for all! Your underwear drawer will be back to its former glory in no time. Just grab your stain removal cape and let’s do this!

Why It’s Important to Remove Poop Stains Quickly

When poop stains set into fabric, they can be difficult or even impossible to remove. The longer poop sits on underwear, the more it bonds with fibers. Enzymes and acids in feces literally start breaking down fabric over time.

That’s why it’s crucial to act fast when you notice poop in underwear. The quicker you can get to treating the stain, the better your chances of saving your underwear.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning, gather the following supplies:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Dish soap
• Enzyme-based stain remover
• Soft-bristled scrub brush
• Washcloth or sponge

Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Poop Stains

Follow these steps to get even the most stubborn poop stains out of underwear:

1. Rinse With Cold Water

As soon as possible after discovering the stain, rinse the underwear with cold water. Cold water can help stop stains from setting.

Hold the underwear near the faucet and let cold water run over the stain until it’s flushed out. Don’t scrub or rub the fabric at this point – just rinse.

2. Soak in Vinegar Solution

Next, fill a bowl or sink with a 50/50 mixture of cold water and white vinegar. Place the underwear in the solution and let soak for at least 30 minutes.

The vinegar will help break down enzymes and acids in the poop stain.

3. Apply Stain Remover Paste

Make a paste by mixing 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Spread the paste directly onto the poop stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

You can also use a commercial enzymatic stain remover instead of the baking soda paste at this stage. Look for one specially formulated for feces and urine stains.

4. Scrub the Stain

Gently scrub the paste or stain remover into the fabric using a soft brush. Don’t rub too hard or you may damage the underwear.

Rinse the paste out with cold water. Check to see if the stain has lightened or lifted – you may need to repeat this process.

5. Wash with Detergent

At this point, the poop stain should be gone or barely visible. Toss the underwear in the washing machine and launder as usual with detergent and (ideally) bleach.

The agitation of the washing machine will help further dissolve any remaining stain residue. Let the underwear air dry – avoid the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone.

6. Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Old Stains

For dried, set-in stains, break out the hydrogen peroxide. Soak the underwear in a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water mixture for 30 minutes before scrubbing.

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful whitening agent that can revive fabric discolored by old poop stains. But test it first, as peroxide may discolor some fabrics.

Poop Stain Prevention Tips

Once you’ve conquered that nasty stain, here are some tips to avoid repeat accidents:

• Potty train pets and kids – Pets and young children are common culprits behind poop stains. Make sure everyone in your household is properly potty trained or diapered.
• Clean up pet messes ASAP – When your pet has an accident indoors, get to cleaning right away. The quicker you get to the mess, the less likely it will transfer to clothes or fabric.
• Pre-treat stains – If you notice a stain before washing, pre-treat it with an enzyme cleaner or baking soda paste first.
• Wash regularly – Launder underwear after each wear to prevent the buildup of fecal residue that leads to staining.
• Bleach it – Add bleach to your wash cycle regularly to whiten underwear and kill bacteria that cause odors.
• Buy dark underwear – Poop stains will be less visible on black, navy or brown underwear. Save light colors for when you’re feeling “cleaner.”

FAQs About Removing Poop Stains

Still have questions about cleaning dirty underwear? Here are some common poop stain questions answered:

What temperature water should I use?

Always use cold water when rinsing or soaking stained underwear. Hot water can set the stain.

How long should I soak underwear?

Aim for at least 30 minutes in a vinegar or enzyme-based soak. For old stains, soak for up to a few hours.

Can I use Clorox or OxiClean?

Yes, bleach and oxygen cleaners can help remove set-in poop stains. But test them first, as they may discolor fabrics.

What fabric is best for hiding stains?

Dark-colored fabrics like black, brown and navy hide stains the best. Stains show up more clearly on light colors.

How do I get stains out of white underwear?

On white underwear, use hydrogen peroxide or bleach soaks to remove discoloration along with stains. Test first to avoid damage.

When to Toss Out Underwear

If you’ve tried every stain removal trick and the poop stain persists, it may be time to throw the underwear away. Fabric damaged by prolonged exposure to feces and acids may be too far gone.

Toss underwear if:

• The stain remains after multiple washings
• You can still smell feces even after washing
• The fabric is badly discolored or falling apart
• The stained area seems thin or worn

Some amount of staining may be unavoidable over time with underwear use and washing. But by treating accidents quickly, you can add to the lifespan of your favorite pairs.

Don’t Panic! You’ve Got This

Dealing with poop stains in underwear is never fun. But armed with the right techniques, you can zap even the nastiest skid marks.

Remember to stay calm, act quickly, and use cold water, vinegar, enzymatic cleaners and bleach to pre-treat and wash stained underwear. With a little patience and elbow grease, you can win the battle of the poop stains!