We spoke to Lucy Kebbell from The Vendeur, to bring you our top eco-friendly techniques to clean and care for your baby's clothes. Keep reading to find out more...
"As I eventually got a grip on the washing situation, I realised that it wasn’t going to get any easier so endeavoured to use more eco friendly practices and formulas. Instead of throwing everything in the wash, regardless of smell, stain or wear, I started being more considerate. I now spot clean stains (not as time consuming as it sounds) and air things out to get rid of smells. I did a lot of research and now really enjoy washing and caring for my little one’s clothes properly. After all, loved clothes last. Plus once he has grown out of them, I can lend them to friends and family’s new arrivals and keep things in circulation for longer."
WHAT YOU NEED
"Like any good General, I always go to war with a plan. That includes Eco Wash For Baby in my arsenal. It’s gentle enough to use on new-borns' clothes, bed sheets and blankets and really does the job. It’s also good for our waterways, which I love."
In addition to this you’ll probably need a few eco friendly spot cleaning tools like the below.
- Bleach alternative solution: prepare this as you need it as it only lasts about an hour. Mix 1 tbsp of sodium percarbonate in 1 litre of water.
- Vinegar solution: 50/50 white vinegar and water mix in a spray bottle
- Stain Removal Tough Love
- Natural Sea Sponge
- Clothes Brush
SHOP STAIN REMOVER SHOP SPONGE
SPOT CLEANING STAINS
"This changed my life when I discovered it. Treating organic food stains such as baby formula, avocado, dairy and berries quickly, will save the garment in question. When at home, I rub my brush or sponge on the laundry soap or Tough Love Stain Remover and scrub the stain, then chuck it in the wash. Preventing the stain from drying will strengthen your chances of removal."
Tough Love Stain Removal will take care of pretty much anything you throw at it, such as pasta sauce, mayonnaise or fruit.
All you have to do is:
- Submerge the affected area into a bowl of warm water and add a capful of stain remover.
- Massage gently with your fingers, or the Clothes Doctor Natural Sea Sponge, and leave to soak for an hour.
- The stain should be lifted, but repeat this process until it has completely vanished, and then wash the garment as normal.
Grass stains are a fact of life, but don’t have to mean ruined clothes. Simply dip the stain in a solution of bleach alternative and water then wash it. Mud can easily be brushed away with a clean clothes brush once dried. For more information, check out our blogs dedicated to removing both grass and mud stains.
HOW TO REMOVE GRASS STAINS HOW TO REMOVE MUD STAINS
BABY MESS
"Those with a sensitive stomach might want to stop reading now because we’re about to get to the nitty gritty of cleaning baby and children's clothes. Being exposed to poo, vomit and wee are unfortunate but unavoidable parts of being a parent. I urge you not to panic and throw things away! Whatever unspeakable thing their clothes, or crib, or indeed you might be covered in, it’s all fixable."
REMOVING POO, VOMIT OR URINE
Poor you...we’ve been there. But unfortunately your pity party is over and it’s time to get down to business.
Poo: Remove as many excess as possible, then spray with a vinegar and water solution. After, scrub with a Natural Sea Sponge dipped in No.10 Tough Love Stain Remover. "I recommend burning your favourite scented candle and wearing rubber gloves if you really struggle with the smells."
You can then sanitise it by dunking it in a bucket of bleach alternative and water before laundering. Also wash the sponge after use.
SHOP STAIN REMOVER SHOP SPONGE
Vomit & urine: Another fun one. Rinse away as much as you can then dunk the offending item in a solution of bleach alternative and water, then throw it in the washing machine using Eco Wash for Baby. Its fully biodegradable formula has been specially adapted to be free from irritants and gentle on sensitive skin, whilst still tackling tough stains impressively. What did I tell you - not so bad.
NATURAL STAIN REMOVAL 
Our final tip is to always hang your washing in the sunshine. The sun naturally bleaches and ultraviolet light naturally sterilises any remaining bacteria on your clothes.
"Being a parent requires a strong stomach, but as I have found, finding the time and energy to be more conscious is the really hard part. I decided to instead discover the joy in it, and truthfully, when I manage to save an expensive linen shirt from strawberries, or a brand new white cotton baby grow from a dreaded avocado stain when weaning, I am a happy camper."
Lucy is the Founder of The Vendeur, and is a sustainable fashion and eco beauty nut. Her new platform The WIP aims to support eco aware brands on their journey to sustainable growth. Follow the launch by subscribing and be the first to know about their Kickstarter campaign and how you can help.
Check out our full range of products here, and find your laundry match to make wash day an absolute pleasure.
