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Washing cloth nappies can seem a little daunting to start off with but once you get into the groove it will become a lot clearer. With a good wash routine your nappies will stay sparkling clean and last through multiple children.
If you are finding problems or having trouble with your wash routine please reach out to us, we would love to help!
-Dry pail
Store dirty nappies prior to washing in a laundry basket with plenty of airflow. Airflow minimises the chance of ammonia forming which can degrade nappies and cause rashes. You can store soiled nappies in a dry pail for 1-2 days prior to washing.
- Breast Feed poo nappies can go straight in dry pail
- Wee nappies can go straight in dry pail
- Shake off solids first.
- Dry pail for 1-2 days max.
- Good air flow = no smells
Prewash
A prewash is a first wash prior to the main wash. It gets rid of all the soiling so that nappies are not being washed in dirty water. Prewash every 1-2 days, everyday if using night nappies.
- Short cycle from 30 - 60 mins
- Choose a cycle that spins and drains
- Temp 40° to 60°
- Prewash every 1-2 days
- Prewash everyday if using night nappies
- Store prewashed nappies in dry pail to wait for main wash (no need to dry)
Mainwash
The mainwash is a long wash with all the prewashed nappies from the previous 2-3 days. This is where the actual cleaning happens.
- Choose a long cycle with good agitation such as Cotton for approx. 2.5 - 3.5 hrs
- Temp 40° - 60°
- Use the full recommended dose of detergent
- Make sure the machine is fully loaded (3/4 full when wet)
- Add other laundry items no larger than a hand towel if not full enough
This wash routine is intended for when you feel as though you do not have enough nappies to warrant a prewash in the washing machine. Great if you just starting out or if you have children starting to learn to use the toilet
Step 1 - Dry pail
Store soiled nappies in dry pail. (Max. 1-2 days)
Step 2 - Prewash
Hand wash with warm water and small amount of good quality detergent and spin in washing machine.
Dry pail until ready to main wash (Max 2-3 days)
Step 2 - Main wash
Add to other general laundry items for the main wash.
Step 3 - Dry
Line dry. Inserts can be tumble dried on low.
This wash routine is similar to full time use however you may have to add other laundry items to bulk up your main wash. Good washing relies on agitation so it is better to have a full load to ensure a great clean.
Items to bulk loading can include:
- Burp cloths and reusable wipes
- Baby clothes
- Flannels and tea towels
- Be mindful of colour run
Step 1 - Dry pail
Store soiled nappies in dry pail until prewash. (Max. 1-2 days).
Step 2 - Prewash
Give any heavily soiled nappies a quick scrub, Sard soap is great for this. Prewash on a 30 - 60min cycle at 40° to 60°.
Store prewashed nappies in dry pail until ready to mainwash, no need to dry (max 2-3 days).
Step 3 - Main wash
Pop all the prewashed nappies from the last couple of days into the washing machine. Ensure the washing machine is fully loaded, add items no bigger than a hand towel to bulk up the loading.
Use the full recommended dose of mainstream detergent.
Choose a long cycle with good agitation such as a normal or cotton cycle approx. 2.5 - 3 hours long between 40° - 60°.
Step 3 - Dry
Line dry. Inserts can be tumble dried on low.
Step 1 - Dry pail
Store soiled nappies in dry pail until prewash. (Max. 1-2 days).
Step 2 - Prewash
Give any heavily soiled nappies a quick scrub, Sard soap is great for this. Prewash on a 30 - 60min cycle at 40° to 60°.
Store prewashed nappies in dry pail until ready to mainwash, no need to dry (max 2-3 days).
Note: If using night nappies prewash everyday - see below.
Step 3 - Main wash
Pop all the prewashed nappies from the last couple of days into the washing machine. Ensure the washing machine is fully loaded.
Use the full recommended dose of mainstream detergent.
Choose a long cycle with good agitation such as a normal or cotton cycle approx. 2.5 - 3 hours long between 40° - 60°.
Step 3 - Dry
Line dry. Tumble dry inserts on low.
Night nappies need a little more attention as they have the capacity to hold a lot of wee for a long time. Having a poor wash routine when it comes to night nappies can cause ammonia build up which leads to degradation and rashes.
We recommend the following:
Prewash night nappies quite soon after they come off. You can either:
Hot hand-wash with detergent, spin in the washing machine and dry pail until prewash.
or:
Prewash straight away. This is our favourite option because it is less work. Do a morning prewash with the previous days day nappies.
For best results:
- 60 minute prewash
- Temp of 60°
- Mainstream detergent (eg. Persil)
- If using plant based detergent consider using 1.5 - 2x the recommended dose
- Wool Covers need a different wash routine
- No bleach or softeners
- No soaking or wetpailing
- No vinegar or baking soda
- Don't stretch or pul elastics when warm
- Tumble dry on Low
- Line dry PUL items in shade
Manufacturers Guarantee
It is important to note that manufacturers recommendations can vary greatly and must be considered if you would like to be covered by the guarantee. Please see our resources page for links to each brands washing and care recommendations.
