Where do I start on Wash Day?
By: Karen Jackman On:21 October 2016
How to Wash Modern Cloth Nappies & Inserts
Which is the best type of washing machine?
Top loaders are great for washing cloth nappies!
High efficiency front loading machines are great because they don’t use much water, but they can cause a big problem because of that too. Not using enough water to wash and rinse your nappies can cause serious residue problems. Please see our info sheet on residues for further information.
Set your machine manually to maximum water level to wash your nappies. If this is impossible, call the manufacturer and ask them how to adjust your water level manually. If it is still impossible, use the wet towel trick! Reduce the number of nappies per load and add a wet towel or two to trick the machine into adding more water.
Multiple rinses are not necessary if you are using enough water to wash and rinse your nappies clean.
What do I do first with my brand new nappies?
Wash nappies in hot water with a small amount of zero residue detergent before first use in order to make them absorbent. If your nappies are made of unbleached cotton, bamboo or hemp, you will need to wash and dry them at least three times to remove natural oils and waxes that will inhibit absorption.
Test your nappies for absorbency before you use them! If your nappies are made of natural fabrics, you can test their absorbency by pouring a small amount of warm water onto the fabric. It should be absorbed immediately. If your nappies have any sort of ‘stay dry’ synthetic layer, you will have to apply light pressure before liquid absorbs. If the water beads on your nappies, they are not ready to use! If your cotton nappies do not absorb properly after 3 washes and your synthetic nappies after 1 wash, please refer back to the previous “note about washing machines”, as you probably need to increase the water level in your washing machine.
Please check the washing instructions for the specific product you have purchased as they may be different!
What do I Do With the Dirty Nappies?
Remove nappy and nappy cover from baby. Flush away flushable liner or shake off excess poop into the toilet. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, there is no need to shake excess poop into the toilet as it will wash out easily.
Unfold your nappies to ensure thorough cleaning and remove liners or inserts. Secure velcro type tabs by sticking them to the fold back tabs (on the inside back of the nappy cover or nappy).
Put wet or soiled nappies in a pail or a hanging diaper bag. Dirty nappy covers can be stored with your dirty nappies (never soak them!). Wash every 2-3 days. Polyester nappy covers can be washed with your nappies; nylon and wool nappy covers should be washed separately.
Comments (1)
Great tips thanks~
By: Elizabeth on 26 October 2016I have a baby with very sensitive skin so this is a real boon to have local washing powder which is so gentle on the skin and it really works so well - no urine smells linger after washing and v good and remving stains! thanks will share - I like to support small business especially one which is so committed to selling responsible products cudos! xxx
