Should you wash poop stains in hot or cold water?

Author: Corbin Wiegand  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Rinsing With Cold Water The second step, rinsing, involves washing the fabric under cold running water. This step might seem counterintuitive; one commonly hears about hot water being the superior choice for cleaning. But in the case of poop stains, cold water proves more beneficial.

Is hot or cold water better for poop stains?

Cold water is your friend for organic stains of all kinds - poop, blood, coffee, tomato sauce, etc. Hot water can make them set in more. So keep that in mind as you stain treat!

Do you use cold or hot water to clean poop?

Many people say to use cold water, and that's true for blood, but poop is different. Poop has a high amount of fat in it and hot water helps melt and rinse way more of it away than cold.

What is the best way to remove poop stains?

Instructions
  • Take soiled clothing or item and run it under cold water rinsing all poop off the item.
  • Get a bar of Fels Naptha soap and run it under the cold water.
  • Take the soap and rub it into the stained fabric front and back.
  • Leave the soap in the fabric and soak the clothing over night in cold water.

What temperature to wash poop stained clothes?

A hot wash above 55 degrees will kill most bacteria. Then line dry.

Is washing clothes in cold water better that warm water?

Does poop stains come out in the washer?

Machine wash the load in the hottest water recommended on the care label using detergent and more Clorox 2® for Colors Stain Remover.

At what temperature should soiled laundry be washed?

Washing clothes that have been soiled

Soiled clothing and other items such as towels from somebody with a known infection like clostridium difficile ('C. diff', an infection commonly found in hospitals) must be washed at 60 degrees or higher.

What is the best stain remover for human feces?

These pantry staples also prove effective at combating poop stains. Prepare a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water, accompanied by a generous pinch of baking soda. The acidic vinegar loosens the stain, while the abrasive baking soda scrubs it off.

Should I wash poop stained clothes separately?

Always wear disposable gloves when handling soiled clothes or linens. And always wash them separately from other items. Using disposable gloves, wipe off any stool with paper towels.

Does Dawn remove poop stains?

If you're looking for other ways to tackle stains or if you can't get some sunshine, pre-treating with certain products can also work wonders. Many parents on the Babylist team, including myself, swear by blue Dawn dish soap and Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Spray.

Does hot water clean colon?

Drinking warm water first thing in the morning improves the bowel movement by pushing the toxic waste out of the body along with it. It gives you the happy feeling that comes after a good and satisfying poop session. The practice of drinking warm water is also said to relieve bloating, flatulence, and acidity.

How to get poop smell off fingers?

Use odour-eliminating products, such as the stainless steel soap designed to tackle tough scents. Natural Remedies: Lemon juice or baking soda can work wonders in neutralising odours. Rub them on your hands, let them sit for a minute, and then wash them off.

Why do I have poop stains even after wiping?

Fecal incontinence or staining can be the resultant of constipation, not having the correct stool consistency, not fully emptying during defecation, and/or pelvic floor muscle weakness.

Is hot water or cold water better for removing stains?

Many food or beverage stains, such as chocolate, jam, baby food, beer, and dairy are more easily removed with cold water soaks and washes. Cold water is also recommended for urine and blood stains. Other stains, especially oily or greasy ones, do better in warm or hot water.

Does oxiclean remove poop stains?

This washing additive powder also helps remove leaky diaper stains and poop stains. It's also free of any dyes and chlorine-free, so it's tough on stains but gentle on your baby's clothes!

How do you remove old poop stains?

Pre-treat or soak in a product containing sodium perborate bleach. Apply a commercial pre-wash spot and stain remover to stain, front and back. Wait 1 minute. Wash in heavy-duty liquid detergent and sodium perborate bleach.

What temperature to wash poopy clothes?

If it's a fabric that could potentially be stained, initially wash with cold water to avoid setting the stain. Warm water can be used if you're not worried about a permanent stain.

Can you put sheets with vomit in the washing machine?

Gather up your bedding, even if it doesn't seem touched by vomit, and throw it in the washing machine. Yes, sheets, comforters or duvets, blankets, pillowcases, and more should all be washed to best keep odors from lingering and any germs from making you sick. Wash in hot water to best kill any harmful germs.

What is the best laundry detergent to remove poop stains?

Dreft Newborn Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent

It contains enzymes to remove protein stains like formula (or poop!).

Will baking soda and vinegar remove poop stains?

Sprinkle baking soda on the area, followed by several, generous spritzes of vinegar. Allow to sit for 4-5 minutes. Take another paper towel to dab and repeatedly press the area. If that lifts most of the stain, you can then use a rag to *GENTLY* rub the area clean.

What cleaner kills poop bacteria?

Cleaning with soap and water washes the bacteria away, whereas bleach (including baby-friendly bleach) actually kills the bacteria. Both options work to keep your home clean.

Is it better to wash soiled clothes in hot or cold water?

Hot: Heavily stained or soiled items are successfully disinfected and cleaned at hot temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.

Can Hep C survive in a washing machine?

The hepatitis C virus is transmitted through blood. So there is no risk in everyday life. You can kiss, touch, and use common toilets and washing machines.

What temperature kills bacteria in a washing machine?

60°C is the perfect temperature for killing bacteria, viruses and removing stains. This wash setting is also highly recommended for washing towels and bedding, but obviously this setting is going to increase running costs as the higher the temperature the higher the cost.

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