How to wash my reusable nappies
Washing Instructions
Washing reusable nappies doesn't need to be complicated - reusable nappies can be washed in
ordinary washing machines with detergents that are available in your local supermarket.
Prewash your nappies before first use
We recommend washing your baby's brand new nappies a few times before use to remove anything from the manufacturing process and to increase the absorbency of your nappies. This can be with any regular wash at 60 degrees or less as long as you are not using fabric softeners.
Remove solids
After weaning, baby's solid poo should be flushed down the toilet. You can use our biodegradable nappy liner to help with this.
Store nappies
We recommend that nappies are stored in a wet bag. A storage bag is also convenient whilst you are out as most are water-resistant.
Pre-wash on rinse cycle
Heavily soiled nappies may require a pre-wash. We suggest a rinse cycle to do this. Soaking nappies is not recommended as it can damage elastics and PUL in the nappies.
Wash at 60 degrees for a full cycle
Use the full cycle - quick wash modes tend to use less water and may not clean the nappies as effectively. If your machine has an extra rinse function this can help to avoid detergent build up.
Dry without heat (if possible)
Direct heat (e.g. drying on a radiator) or high heats from tumble driers can damage PUL waterproofing, and can also damage some more delicate fabrics like bamboo. The best way to dry nappies is on an outdoor washing line on a sunny day. If you need to dry indoors, use a conventional airer or a radiator airer rather than placing nappies directly on to the radiator. If you need to tumble dry nappies, only use a cool setting.
Do I need to wash nappies separately?
There is no need to wash nappies in a completely separate load if you don't want to. As all parents will know, babies clothes can often be covered in things which need a good wash out, so it's fine for other items to be included in the wash cycle if they can be washed at the temperature you use for your nappies.
How can I remove an ammonia/detergent buildup?
Nappies occasionally need to be more thoroughly washed, to remove buildup of detergents or ammonia. You might do this if your nappies start to smell despite being washed.
1. Use a rinse cycle or cool quick wash with no spin and no detergent to wet the nappies.
2. Put the nappies in a full length 60 degree wash with a full dose of detergent. If your machine has an option for an additional rinse this is ideal.
3. Wash again at 60 or 40 degrees with no detergent.
4. If you can still see bubbles do an additional rinse cycle.
Do not use chlorine bleaches, vinegar, washing up liquid or any detergent or cleanser not formulated for washing clothing or nappies as this could invalidate your warranty.
Which wash cycle should I choose?
Heavily soiled nappies should be washed at 60 degrees, for a full wash cycle. Wet nappies (with no poo) can be washed at 40 or 60 degrees.
Detergents
An ordinary non-bio detergent is safest to use for babies delicate skin. Powder usually works out cheaper and is less likely to leave a residue on the fabric.
Do not use fabric softeners, detergents or soap-based detergents containing moisturising oils or butters, as they will coat the fibres and make the fabric less absorbent.
Do not use chlorine bleaches (the bleach you would use for your floor or toilet), or any detergents not recommended for use with clothing.
What about reusable wipes?
Reusable wipes can be washed with nappies, using exactly the same instructions. If you're already washing reusable nappies you can just pop reusable wipes straight in the same wash. If you've only used wipes for hands and faces they can be washed with any load of laundry, even at cool temperatures.
You can wash wipes in your cotton mesh bag to prevent them from getting caught in your machine.
Washing reusable nappies doesn't need to be complicated - reusable nappies can be washed in
ordinary washing machines with detergents that are available in your local supermarket.
Prewash your nappies before first use
We recommend washing your baby's brand new nappies a few times before use to remove anything from the manufacturing process and to increase the absorbency of your nappies. This can be with any regular wash at 60 degrees or less as long as you are not using fabric softeners.
Remove solids
After weaning, baby's solid poo should be flushed down the toilet. You can use our biodegradable nappy liner to help with this.
Store nappies
We recommend that nappies are stored in a wet bag. A storage bag is also convenient whilst you are out as most are water-resistant.
Pre-wash on rinse cycle
Heavily soiled nappies may require a pre-wash. We suggest a rinse cycle to do this. Soaking nappies is not recommended as it can damage elastics and PUL in the nappies.
Wash at 60 degrees for a full cycle
Use the full cycle - quick wash modes tend to use less water and may not clean the nappies as effectively. If your machine has an extra rinse function this can help to avoid detergent build up.
Dry without heat (if possible)
Direct heat (e.g. drying on a radiator) or high heats from tumble driers can damage PUL waterproofing, and can also damage some more delicate fabrics like bamboo. The best way to dry nappies is on an outdoor washing line on a sunny day. If you need to dry indoors, use a conventional airer or a radiator airer rather than placing nappies directly on to the radiator. If you need to tumble dry nappies, only use a cool setting.
Do I need to wash nappies separately?
There is no need to wash nappies in a completely separate load if you don't want to. As all parents will know, babies clothes can often be covered in things which need a good wash out, so it's fine for other items to be included in the wash cycle if they can be washed at the temperature you use for your nappies.
How can I remove an ammonia/detergent buildup?
Nappies occasionally need to be more thoroughly washed, to remove buildup of detergents or ammonia. You might do this if your nappies start to smell despite being washed.
1. Use a rinse cycle or cool quick wash with no spin and no detergent to wet the nappies.
2. Put the nappies in a full length 60 degree wash with a full dose of detergent. If your machine has an option for an additional rinse this is ideal.
3. Wash again at 60 or 40 degrees with no detergent.
4. If you can still see bubbles do an additional rinse cycle.
Do not use chlorine bleaches, vinegar, washing up liquid or any detergent or cleanser not formulated for washing clothing or nappies as this could invalidate your warranty.
Which wash cycle should I choose?
Heavily soiled nappies should be washed at 60 degrees, for a full wash cycle. Wet nappies (with no poo) can be washed at 40 or 60 degrees.
Detergents
An ordinary non-bio detergent is safest to use for babies delicate skin. Powder usually works out cheaper and is less likely to leave a residue on the fabric.
Do not use fabric softeners, detergents or soap-based detergents containing moisturising oils or butters, as they will coat the fibres and make the fabric less absorbent.
Do not use chlorine bleaches (the bleach you would use for your floor or toilet), or any detergents not recommended for use with clothing.
What about reusable wipes?
Reusable wipes can be washed with nappies, using exactly the same instructions. If you're already washing reusable nappies you can just pop reusable wipes straight in the same wash. If you've only used wipes for hands and faces they can be washed with any load of laundry, even at cool temperatures.
You can wash wipes in your cotton mesh bag to prevent them from getting caught in your machine.