If you’ve got a poop situation and wondering if your laundry detergent can help, you’re at the right spot. In this article, I discuss the efficacy of laundry detergents in cleaning poop and provide tips on how to use them for the best results.
First things first, the answer is yes; laundry detergents can help clean up poop. However, this will only work depending on the type of laundry detergent used and how it’s used. The most effective type of detergent will contain enzymes and other cleaning agents that are formulated to break down organic matter like poop.
Stick around as I double down on the details.
Why Does Laundry Detergent Clean Poop?
Here are a few reasons it’s feasible for laundry detergents to clean poop;
1. Laundry Detergents Contain Enzymes
When it comes to cleaning up poop, enzymes are the most common ingredients found in laundry detergents that do the job.
Enzymes are proteins that stimulate chemical reactions when they interact with their substrate. In this case, the enzyme’s job is to break down organic matter like urine, feces, and vomit.
There are enzymes specifically designed for tackling different kinds of stains. For instance, protease enzymes work best on protein-based stains like poop, whereas amylase enzymes help remove starch-based stains.
2. Laundry Detergents Contain Surfactants
Furthermore, laundry detergents contain surfactants that are helpful in removing odors and loosening up the poop particles stuck to fabric fibers making them easier to rinse away.
Surfactants are responsible for the foaming power of a detergent, and they work by decreasing the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid, allowing them to mix more easily.
Not only that, but surfactants are also effective at removing oils and grease, which can be beneficial for those dealing with poop that consists of fat.
3. Laundry Detergents Contain Some Form of Bleach
While not all laundry detergents will contain bleach in particular, they will have some form of chlorine-based bleach that is effective at removing and disinfecting organic matter.
When used in the right way, bleach helps to break down the proteins in poop, making it easier to remove from fabric fibers.
In addition, chlorine also helps to get rid of any odor left behind. Be sure to check out the label of any detergent you’re considering to ensure that it contains bleach or some other form of chlorine-based agents.
The bleach or chlorine-based cleaning agents will usually be listed as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide. These also help to disinfect and remove stubborn stains.
How Do I Use Laundry Detergent to Clean Poop?
Using laundry detergent to clean poop is fairly simple. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
1. Pre-Treat The Poop Stains
Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent, then gently scrub it into the fabric. This helps to loosen up the particles and make them easier to rinse off.
2. Soak The Item
Soak the item in a solution of warm water and laundry detergent for at least 30 minutes. This gives the enzymes enough time to break down the proteins and fats in poop, making them easier to remove from fabric fibers.
3. Rinse off
Next, rinse off the item with cold water to get rid of any remaining detergent and debris. Be sure to avoid hot water as this can set the stain.
4. Wash The Item
Finally, wash the item in your washing machine on a normal cycle with hot water and detergent. If you’re still noticing any residual odors, you can add some bleach to the wash cycle.
5. Dry
Dry the item in a dryer as normal, or hang it up to air dry if desired.
Alternatives to Laundry Detergent
There are other alternatives (both homemade and store-bought) that can help remove poop stains and odors from fabrics.
1. Vinegar
Using vinegar is a great, non-toxic alternative to bleach when cleaning up after an accident. Just mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and cold water and use it to pre-treat the stain.
Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing as normal. Vinegar is effective at removing odors and can even help to remove any residual stains.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another great option for removing poop stains and odors from fabrics. It is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that can be used safely on all types of fabrics.
To use baking soda for cleaning poop stains, make a paste using equal parts baking soda and water.
Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing as normal. Baking soda will help remove the odor and stain from the fabric.
You can also add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent when washing items with poop stains to help remove odors and residual stains. For best results, use warm water and pre-treat the stain before washing.
Remember, baking soda is great for removing stains and odors, but it won’t necessarily kill bacteria or other microorganisms.
If you’re concerned about the presence of germs on your fabrics, use a detergent with bleach or another antimicrobial agent specifically formulated to kill germs and bacteria.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another great option for removing poop stains and odors from fabrics. It is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that can be used safely on all types of fabrics.
To use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning up after an accident, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts cold water.
Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing as normal. This will help remove the staining and odors.
For added protection, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to the hydrogen peroxide solution. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be in the fabric and neutralize any odors.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check your garment’s care label before using hydrogen peroxide to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.
4. Lemon Juice
If the material you’re removing the poop from is white, lemon juice is an excellent option. Lemon juice contains natural acids that work to break down the protein in the poop, making it easier to remove from fabrics.
To use this method, combine lemon juice and water to create a cleaning solution. Apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Once the stain has been exposed to the lemon juice, rinse it off with cold water and either toss it in the washing machine or hand wash using detergent.
This method is often used on white clothing but can also be used on other fabric colors, although it is important to test the lemon juice solution on an inconspicuous area beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning up after a poop-related accident can be daunting. However, with the right supplies and knowledge, it is possible to remove the stain and odors from fabrics quickly and effectively.
Using laundry detergent combined with other household cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice can help make light work of even the toughest stains.
Remember to always read your garment’s care label first and test any cleaning agents on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before using them. With a bit of patience, you can get that terrible mess out in no time!