The Stink Stops Here: A Guide to Removing Poop Smell from Clothes

Ugh, we’ve all been there. You’re changing your baby’s diaper or cleaning up after your toddler uses the potty and suddenly an odor wafts up that nearly knocks you over. Poop smells bad enough when it’s fresh, but getting that stench out of clothes after the fact can seem downright impossible.

As a parent, you’ve already got enough on your plate without having to battle never-ending stinky clothes. But don’t worry, you can win the war on poop odor in laundry! With the right techniques and products, you can get clothes fresh and poop-smell free again.

In this post, we’ll explore the most effective methods for removing that offensive poop smell from clothes and fabric. From using simple household products to more heavy-duty odor eliminators, you’ll learn how to get the stink out for good. Wave goodbye to cracking open the washing machine only to still catch a whiff of eau de poop. Let’s get right down to the dirty details on erasing that stubborn stench! Your nose will thank you.

First Things First: Remove All Traces of Poop

Before you can tackle the smell, you need to remove any visible skid marks or poop stains from the clothing. Here are some tips:

Use a plastic bag or glove to scrape off any solid poop gently into the toilet.
For liquid poop, hold the fabric taut and gently blot with toilet paper or a damp cloth.
For stubborn stains, let the poop dry fully then brush the solids away with a dry towel.
For cloth diapers, do an initial rinse in the sink until water runs clear before washing.

Removing all excess poop right away keeps the smell from setting further into the fibers. Now let’s get that stench out!

Baking Soda – A Simple Poop Smell Solution

One of the most readily available products in your pantry can work wonders on poop odor – baking soda!

To use it:

Add 1 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle along with detergent.
For badly soiled items, soak in a baking soda solution first.
Use it to pretreat stained areas before washing.
Sprinkle baking soda in laundry drum and wet clothes then let sit 30 mins before washing.

The baking soda dissolves the odor causing particles. Its antiseptic properties kill bacteria that make poop smell too. It’s gentle enough for all water temperatures and fabric types.

The Power of Vinegar for Cutting Poop Smell

Vinegar is another common household item that neutralizes poop smell in laundry. Use it to:

Fill a spray bottle with 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water. Spritz on any smelly spots and let sit 10 minutes before washing. The acid in vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria.
Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. An acidic final rinse further removes soapy residue that can trap odors.
Soak heavily soiled clothes in vinegary water before washing.
Pour vinegar in the washing machine drum, dampen clothes, and let sit 30 minutes to disinfect.

Enzymatic Cleaners – Poop Smell Eliminators

For severe cases of lingering poop smell, turn to enzymatic cleaners like Biokleen Bac-Out or OxiClean. They work by using natural enzymes that literally eat away the particles and compounds causing fecal odors.

To use an enzymatic cleaner:

Check label for proper usage directions based on washer type.
Apply directly to stained/smelly spots at least 15 minutes before washing.
For heavy duty odor, soak the item overnight in an enzymatic bath.
Add an enzymatic booster to the wash and rinse cycles for maximal effect.

Enzymatic cleaners are powerful on all sorts of organic stains and smells beyond just poop too.

Harness the Power of the Sun Against Poop Smell

One of the best natural odor fighters is the sun! The UV radiation in sunlight acts as a disinfectant and the fresh outdoor air helps carry away poop particles.

Try these sun tricks:

Hang smelly clothes outside in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours before washing.
Dry already washed clothes outdoors for an extra odor fighting boost.
Wet clothes then let dry in sun to combine sun and moisture against smell.

If hanging clothes outside isn’t possible, open windows to air items out as much as possible.

Don’t Underestimate Pre-Treating for Poop Smells

Before washing clothes, pre-treat any smears, visible stains or heavily soiled areas that might harbor lingering poop smell with a targeted odor cleaner.

Some great pre-treaters:

Mix 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide, 2 tbsp dish soap, and 1 tbsp baking soda.
Spray undiluted white vinegar then sprinkle baking soda and let bubble up.
Use an enzymatic cleaner like Biokleen Bac-Out.
Make a paste of OxiClean powder and water and let sit 10+ minutes.

Pre-treatment gives you a head start on breaking down poop odor before clothes even go in the wash.

Optimize Washing Machine Settings Against Poop Smell

Use proper wash settings to maximize poop smell removal:

Hot water dissolves and rinses away poop particles best.
Double rinse cycles ensure soap residues that trap smell are removed.
Extra spin cycles force more water out reducing lingering smells.
Sanitary or allergen-friendly cycles boost detergent power and heat.
Extra washing time never hurts to loosen all poop smell from fabric weave.

Refer to clothing labels for heat and water settings that are safe. But go as hot as you can.

Poop Smell Be Gone Laundry Detergent Tips

Picking the right detergent optimizes the washing process. Look for:

Enzyme-based formulas designed to digest organic matter like poop smells
Oxygen-based cleaners like OxiClean that lift stains and odors
Detergents with disinfecting properties to kill bacteria
Natural detergents without dyes, perfumes, and fillers if you have sensitivities

Use an extra dose for badly soiled loads. Adding a detergent booster on top provides extra punch against poop odor.

Borax and Other Laundry Disinfectants

For tough poop smells that persist through normal washing, try these heavy duty disinfectants and odor eliminators in your laundry routine:

Borax: Add 1/2 cup Borax and washing soda along with detergent
White vinegar – Add 1-2 cups in rinse cycle
Baking soda – Add 1 cup along with detergent
Hydrogen peroxide – Add 1 cup to wash cycle
Tea tree or eucalyptus oil – Add 10 drops to rinse cycle
Odor eliminating packets – Place right in drum

Disinfecting the laundry of all poop bacteria prevents any lingering “phantom” smells after washing.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Poop Smells at Bay

Once you’ve conquered that nasty poop smell, be proactive to prevent its return:

Immediately rinse soiled clothes in sink before washing.
Treat stains ASAP – don’t let crusted poop sit.
Check that diapers/training pants have absorbent gel layer.
Use an antibacterial diaper spray during changes.
Wash clothes inside-out to push smells away from fabric.
Let washing machine run an empty sanitizing cycle occasionally.

Staying vigilant will keep the washing machine poop odor free!

Breathe Easy – Your Poop Smell Troubles are Over!

Now that you’re equipped with all these laundry tricks to banish poop smells for good, you can rest easy knowing your clothes and washer will stay fresh. No more holding your breath when opening the lid!

With the right combination of technique, products, and determination, you can erase even the most offensive poop odors leaving clothes clean and stench-free. Wave goodbye to that nasty smell and keep things pleasant for the whole family. You got this!