Reusable nappies are not only great for the environment but also for your baby's comfort and your wallet. However, to maintain their effectiveness and longevity, it's essential to know how to wash them properly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to wash reusable nappies like a pro, ensuring they stay clean, fresh, and ready for your little one.
Step 1: Pre-Rinse
Before tossing your used nappies into the washing machine, give them a quick pre-rinse to remove any excess waste. You can use a diaper sprayer or simply hold them under the toilet's flush for a moment. This step helps prevent stains from setting in during the wash.
Step 2: Store Them Right
Until it's time to wash, store your used cloth nappies in a dry pail or wet bag. Ensure good airflow to prevent the growth of bacteria and odors. Avoid soaking them in water as it can lead to fabric deterioration.
Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Select a detergent that's suitable for cloth nappies. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce absorbency. It's best to opt for a detergent free from fragrances, dyes, and additives that can irritate your baby's skin.
Detergent Soaps that we recommend:
- Tide Original
- Champion
- Surf Active Clean
- Ariel
- Mild baby detergent soaps
or any non-bio detergents. Do not use PERLA.
Step 4: Wash on a Regular Cycle
Machine Wash
When it's laundry time, wash your reusable nappies on a regular cycle. Use warm water 40-60 degrees (not too hot) to prevent shrinking and wear. Be sure not to overload the washing machine to allow for proper agitation.
Hand Wash
When hand washing your reusable cloth diapers, follow a regular cycle for effective cleaning. Begin by filling a basin or sink with warm water, ideally between 40-60 degrees Celsius (avoid excessively hot water to prevent damage). Allow the diapers to soak for 10-15 minutes for optimal results. During this time, gently agitate and scrub the diapers using a mild detergent suitable for cloth diapers. Ensure thorough washing, paying extra attention to stained areas. After washing, rinse the diapers under clean water and squeeze out excess water. To preserve the fabric, avoid overloading the basin and allow proper agitation during the hand washing process.
Step 5: Extra Rinse
After the main wash cycle, run an extra rinse to ensure all detergent residues are removed. This step helps prevent any skin irritation for your baby.
Step 6: Drying
While some cloth nappies can be tumble-dried on low heat, it's best to line dry or hang them in direct sunlight when possible. Sunlight naturally sanitizes and bleaches the nappies, keeping them fresh and odor-free.
Step 7: Check for Stains
Before folding and storing, check your nappies for any remaining stains. If you notice any, treat them with a stain remover suitable for cloth diapers. Avoid using chlorine bleach as it can damage the fabric.
