Cleaning cloth nappies shouldn’t be difficult or stressful. By keeping it simple, you’ll be able to follow a routine that works for you and your family.

Here are some tips for cleaning cloth nappies and keeping a simple routine.

 

One

When you purchase or receive a new (or secondhand) nappy, make sure you wash it before its first use on a cold cycle. Not only for hygiene reasons, but also because it helps to activate the nappy’s absorbent technology. Remember not to use fabric softeners, or detergents containing fabric softeners when washing your reusable nappies.

Two

#2 in the loo. Remove solids from the nappy and flush down the toilet. Rise the nappy under clean tap water to remove any remaining solids.

Wet nappies don’t need this rinse.

Don’t forget to thoroughly wash and sanitize your hands before and after handling used nappies, and disinfect change mats and tables after a change.

Three

Keep nappies in a dry pail (with holes, no lid) until you have enough nappies and you’re ready to wash them. Storing used nappies in a dry pail before washing helps to prevent ammonia and bacteria build-up.

Four

Pre-wash used nappies every couple of days, if not every day. This should be a long wash (40-60 mins) at a warm temperature, between 40-60°C. You can use your regular detergent for this wash but omit any fabric softeners.

Fabric softeners work by coating fibers to make them feel softer, which can affect the absorbency of the nappies.

For deep disinfection and to ensure all bacteria and viruses are removed from the nappy (especially when there are bugs going around), SteriGENE Laundry Liquid can be added to this wash.

Five

The main wash could be done every 2-4 days, depending on your routine. Again, normal laundry detergents can be used for this wash, but omit fabric softeners.

Other clothing items can be added to this wash. However, we’d recommend these be smaller laundry items. Bigger laundry items (ie towels) can wrap around the nappies, which can mean the nappies don’t agitate in the wash as well as they should.

Six

Thoroughly dry the nappies. Nappies can be dried however you prefer to dry them.

Air drying them in the sun is best, as the sun can help to reduce and remove stains. It is also better for the environment and might save you a few dollars. If it is too windy outside, your nappies can be air dried on a clothing horse or sock airer inside to prevent elastic openings from stretching.

Cloth nappies can be dried in the tumble dryer at a lower temperature. Putting the outer shell in the dryer too often and/or on too high of heat can damage them in the long run.

 

To help make your cloth nappy routine even easier, we’ve put together our top products for new parents, to cover all basis – hand hygiene, change mat hygiene, and nappy hygiene – in our New Parent Bundle.

 

 

*SteriGENE products should be used according to label instructions.