At the end of the day, It's just washing
How to Wash - Cloth Nappies
Dry Pail
Once you have finished changing your baby, remove the inserts from the nappy and place them in your dry pail (like pictured above), where they will wait for the prewash.
If your baby is exclusively formula or breast-fed, any waste is water soluble and no additional treatment is necessary. However, if your infant has started eating solid foods, their poo must be emptied into the toilet and rinsed off before being placed in the dry pail.
First Wash
It is recommended to run a prewash cycle on your cloth nappies every one to two days in the evening or the following morning.
A pre-wash is a shorter cycle on your washing machine intended to remove the initial soiling of your nappy. For optimal results, it is advisable to wash your nappy on a 40-60 degrees , utilising a 30 to 60 minute cycle.
Second Wash
After the prewash cycle, your nappies should undergo a second wash cycle every three to four days, comprising the last three or four days' worth of prewashed nappies that have accumulated.
This is a lengthier cycle, lasting a minimum of two hours, and should be set at a temperature of 40-60 degrees Celsius to guarantee that your nappies are deeply cleaned.
Dry & Fold
Once your main wash cycle has been completed, your nappies can be hung out to dry. For the extended lifespan of your nappy shells, it is advisable to line dry them in the shade or on a clothes horse beneath a fan.
While shells and inserts may be tumble-dried on low heat, utilising a dryer will speed up the wear and tear of your nappies.
Dry Pail
First Wash
Second Wash
Dry & Fold
Cloth nappy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wash my cloth nappies?
We recommend a two wash routine:
Step 1: A short pre wash every 1 to 2 days using detergent. This step removes the initial wee & poo.
Step 2: A long main wash every 2 to 4 days using detergent. This step will give your nappies a thorough deep clean.
Wash at 40°C to 60°C according to your machine and detergent recommendations. Always follow our detailed wash guide for best results.
How often do I need to wash my cloth nappies?
A pre wash should be completed every 1 to 2 days. Your main wash can be done every 2 to 4 days, depending on the size of your stash and how many nappies you're using.
Does the dry pail smell?
A well managed dry pail should have very little odour. Storing nappies in a well ventilated basket or laundry hamper and keeping up with regular pre washes helps prevent smells from building up.
What do I do with the poo?
Breastfed baby poo can go straight into the washing machine.
For formula fed babies and children eating solids, remove as much poo as possible into the toilet before washing. Liners can make clean up easier but are not essential.
Can I soak my cloth nappies?
No. Soaking nappies can damage fabrics, elastics and waterproof materials over time. Modern detergents and washing machines are designed to clean effectively without soaking.
Do I need special detergent?
No. Most mainstream detergents work well with cloth nappies. The key is using enough detergent for your machine size, water conditions and load size.
Can I wash my nappies on cold?
We recommend warm to hot washes. Cold washing is generally not sufficient for removing the bacteria, urine and soiling that builds up in cloth nappies.
Do I need to wash new nappies before using them?
Yes. All nappies should be washed before first use to remove any manufacturing residues. Natural fibre inserts may take a few washes to reach their maximum absorbency.
Can I tumble dry my cloth nappies?
Inserts can usually be tumble dried on a low setting. We recommend air drying nappy covers where possible to help extend the life of the waterproof fabric and elastics.
Why are my cloth nappies leaking?
Leaks are commonly caused by fit issues, insufficient absorbency, compression leaks, or a build up of residues affecting absorbency. If you're having trouble, get in touch and we'd be happy to help troubleshoot.