Laundering Reusable Nappies

New Reusable Nappies

For new reusable nappies, wash 2-3 times before use to remove any fabric coatings used by manufacturers and to improve nappy absorbency.  You can add the nappies to other household laundry and there is no need to dry between washes. Absorbency will continue to increase over next few washes.  Hemp and bamboo terry nappies will benefit from 5-6 initial washes - but can be used after 2-3 washes.

Storage of Soiled Cloth Nappies

Remove any poo to the toilet rinsing the reusable liner/ cloth nappy in the flush or with a shower attachment if necessary.  Modern washing machines are very efficient and the mandatory soaking of terry nappies in the past is not now required and nappies can be 'dry pailed' without soaking solution in a lidded bucket or a waterproof wet bag.  If you do choose to soak, Green Jelly recommend BioD Nappy Soak as a gentler alternative to Napisan or Milton.  It is important if wet pailing to keep the solution out of reach of young children and change on a regular basis.   A nappy mesh can be used inside a bucket to reduce handling of the nappies and if soaking can aid draining of the bucket before changing the soaking solution or before washing.  Place the mesh open in the machine to allow the nappies to tumble out when washing. A few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil on a cloth in the bucket can be included to minimise smells (but keep away from coloured nappies as it may affect the dye).

Washing Reusable Nappies

Secure any hook and loop fastenings and wash reusable cloth nappies at 40 or 60^oC using a third to a half of the usual amount of non-biological detergent to prevent build up of the detergent in the nappies.  (In hard water areas you may need to experiment with the level of detergent that is effective.) Nappy wraps (except wool wraps) can generally be included with the cloth nappy wash.

You may wish to perform a prewash or cold rinse prior to the main cycle if you dry pail, the cloth nappies are particularly soiled or if you use all in one nappies.  Avoid the use of fabric conditioner as it coats the fibres of the washable nappies making them less absorbent.

For wool nappy wraps, hand wash using wool shampoo and re-lanolise afterwards by soaking in a dilute solution of wool cure (lanoliser) overnight.  Air dry wool nappy outers without rinsing the lanolin from the fabric.  Wool wraps do not require washing and lanolising after each use - just air dry and reuse then wash every one to two weeks or sooner if the waterproof properties fail.

Drying Reusable Nappies

Air drying cloth nappies is environmentally friendly and free. When line drying outdoors the sun will sanitise the nappies and will bleach any stains in the fabric.  An airier or ceiling rack can be used and if sited by a radiator or in a warm room in winter will dry reusable nappies effectively. Avoid placing PUL nappy wraps, pocket/all in two outers or all in one nappies directly on a radiator as the waterproof properties may be affected. If you are in a hard water area your cloth nappies may become a little stiff after line drying but soften up as soon as they are wee’d on by your baby!

A tumble dryer can generally be used for reusable nappies (check washing instruction label). Drying on a low heat will prolong their life. If you choose to line dry and have a tumble dryer - a 15 minute cycle before or after air drying can help soften the washable nappies before use.

Tumble drying waterproof nappy wraps, pocket/all in two outers or all in one nappies may shorten the lifespan of the waterproof lining. Wool wraps are likely to shrink. Therefore air drying is recommended for these items.