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The Real Nappy Information Service

Washing guidelines


All ways check the washing instructions for the brand of nappy you choose!


When you have newly purchased nappies they will need pre washing so they can reach their full absorbancy potential. This can be done really easily by soaking in cold water over night and then washing at a low temperature with non bio powdered detergent. Then air dry.


Washing used nappies...

  • Store the used nappies in a lidded bucket until you have a full wash load. Soaking is unnecessary, and is a personal preference. Be aware that traditional ‘nappisan’ can damage Velcro and modern fabrics.
  • However using a natural sanitiser can extend the life of your nappies because ammonia (what wee breaks down into) will damage the fabric over a long period of time- something to consider if you plan to use your nappies on more than one child. Check with the manufacturer of your nappies to see what they recommend. However some cloth nappy converts swear by other newer products on the market
  • Tip any solids in the toilet. As the poo goes down the toilet first there is little smell and it is easily contained in the bucket! 

When the bucket is full you are ready to wash…

  •  Use an eco, and/or non-biological detergent but do not use fabric conditioners or chemical sanitisers (as fabric conditioner reduces the absorbency of reusable nappies). Add an eco friendly nappy sanitiser if you wish. Never use less than half the recommended amount of detergent for your water softness.
  • Wash at 60 degrees C. Some parents find washing at lower temperatures adequate when the nappies have not been soiled with solids. Temperatures higher than 60 degrees C. may damage your nappies and will have more environmental impact. You should always wash at 60 degrees C if; your baby is under 3 months, your baby has a repeated nappyr ash, your baby is in any way unwell or your nappies are being used by more than one baby.
  • Wash in full loads – 10-15 nappies at a time is a good guide, or wash fewer nappies with other laundry such as towels.
  • If your machine has the option use an intensive wash cycle chose this. Nappies need a good 'jiggle' around to ensure they are cleaned and rinsed. A quick wash or "eco" setting may not ensure this.
  • A fast spin cycle is excellent for nappies and can really shorten drying times- especially during the winter, be aware that this may also shorten your nappies life though!
  • Avoid tumble drying – hang outside or use an airer. 
  • No need to use bleach on your nappies, we recommend hanging them on the line in the sunshine to keep your nappies sparkling.
  •  If you feel your nappies need “stripping” we recommend putting clean nappies straight from the washing machine on the washing line in the rain for a day or two. Then wash them as normal without any detergent.
  •   If you wish to use an Eco Egg or Soap Nuts, please check with the manufacturer as some do not recommend them. 
  • If you want to use essential oils when washing your nappies always consult a qualified aromatherapist first.

WARNING: In researching real nappies, you may come across some websites and forums that suggest using dishwasher detergent. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMENDED!
 

Stripping Nappies:

If you have a good wash routine in place there should be no need to "strip" your nappies. How ever if you have got a build up of detergent (this can happen if you have been using a liquid or home made detergent and sometimes if you have been using too much detergent), if your nappies are becoming smelly or you have used fabric softener.

  • Wash your nappies following our guide lines (if you have smelly nappies use a full dose of non bio detergent).
  • (option A) Put your nappies on the washing line in the rain for 24 - 48 hours! This will rid your nappies of anything that that is restricting their absorbancy or making them smell. The rain will also make your nappies lovely and soft!
  • Rewash if you wish and dry as usual.
  • (option B) If it is not raining or you do not have access to an outside drying space, after washing your nappies wash them 2 - 3 more times on a long cool wash with NO detergent.


Washing Nappies After a Fungal Nappy Rash (Thrush)

If you suspect your baby has a fungal nappy rash always see your GP to get the rash diagnosed and treated correctly.

After a fungal nappy rash it is really important to rid the nappies of the infection to avoid your babies skin becoming reinfected. This is very simple to do. Washing your nappies at 60 degrees C with a full dose of non bio detergent will sanitise your nappies. 

Do not use Tea Tree oil. Yes, tea tree has anti fungal properties, however you would need about half a pint of Tea Tree oil to actually rid your nappies of the fungus. This would be detrimental to your washing machine, your nappies and your babies skin.

If you do wish to use essential oils when washing nappies always consult a qualified aromatherapist first.

Do not use bleach. When searching the internet you may find websites and forums that suggest using bleach to sanitise nappies. Bleach in the UK and in the USA are actually very different. If you where to use British bleach on your nappies you would find it to be damaging to your nappies and any residue left on the nappies could be very harmful to your babies skin.


Nappies, Wipes and Tea Tree Oil

Do you use Tea Tree Oil with your nappies? Read on to find out why you should stop!