Cloth Nappies - Washing Instructions and Care Advice

This is a general guide on how to wash and care for your cloth nappies. Every manufacturer is different so be sure to check your labels for correct water temperature.

By following these easy guidelines you will ensure your nappies will last the distance!

Easy 3 Step Guide For Washing

Step One: Remove solids from nappy and rinse if required. Store in a dry nappy bucket until ready to wash.

Step Two: Place nappies in washing machine. Do a clean water rinse first on the highest water level possible in cold water. Continue with a long full wash cycle on warm or hot water (please check tags to see the highest temperature allowed) using half the normal washing powder or liquid you normally use.

Step Three: Hang nappies on the line or tumble dry on low.

Reference Guide and Troubleshooting

Here is an easy reference guide for washing tips and also some troubleshooting advice.

Stains

It is possible over time that your nappies will develop some staining. Here are a few tips to remove them.

• The best natural stain remover is sunlight. Hang the nappies in a bright sunny spot with the stains facing the sun and watch them disappear.

• For more stubborn stains use a spot treatment such as a commercial stain remover.

Note: Never soak nappies in bleach or Nappysan Use clean water only. Soaking nappies can reduce their lifespan.

Smells

Sometimes nappies can become a little smelly. This is generally from being left too long before washing or they are not being dried properly.

Here are some tips to remove smells from your cloth nappies:

• Do a “maintenance wash” – a full warm/hot cycle in clean water with no soap and a second full wash in warm/hot water using a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in the soap dispenser and a rinse with an antibacterial sanitizing product such as Dettol Laundry Rinse and a final clean water rinse.

• Ensure you wash your nappies everyday or second day. Do not leave nappies for longer than this as it will interfere with the quality and lifespan of the nappy.

• Ensure you dry your nappies completely before storing to avoid mildew, dampness and mould.

Tips

• Do not soak nappies in any product other than water

• Do not use fabric softener. If you want to soften your nappies a little use bi-carb soda to rinse them every few washes.

• Do not use zinc based nappy creams when using cloth nappies and if you use a nappy cream use a liner to prevent contact with the nappy. Nappy creams can build up inside the nappy and compromise their absorbency.

• Hang nappies in a shady area and allow them to dry slowly to prevent stiffening.

• Use half a scoop of laundry liquid or powder to prevent build up.