How to Wash Cloth Nappies

If you’ve always wanted to try cloth diapering but are a little unsure about the washing aspect, you’re not alone. Many moms and dads are hesitant to choose cloth nappies over disposable ones simply because they think washing is overly complicated or messy. After more than 100 years in the laundry industry, we’re here to tell you that washing cloth nappies is not nearly as difficult (or gross) as you might think. While there are different wash methods, the main process generally stays the same — rinse, cold prewash, hot wash, and dry. Simple as that! We’re breaking down how to wash your cloth nappies step by step below — and adding in some helpful tips and advice as we go!

Step #1: Prepare the nappies for washing.

For sanitary reasons and best wash results, you’ll want to rinse poopy cloth nappies before washing.

• • You can easily rinse them in the toilet with a nappies sprayer or using a Potty Pail.
  • Once you finish rinsing, carefully wring the nappies out. This helps prevent mould growth between washes.
  • After it has been wrung out, you can place it in the nappies pail or storage bin until wash day.
  • Pee-filled nappies generally don’t require rinsing, although it is recommended to reduce staining.
  • Otherwise, simply place them in the storage bin until you’re ready to wash.

Step #2: Prewash the nappies in cold water.

On wash day, you’ll want to start with a cold water rinse. This is an important first step because it helps reduce staining.

• • • Use the pre-soak option or pre-wash option on your washing machine, if available.
    • Use a laundry treatment product that loosens minerals in the fabric that hold on to urine and fecal matter.
    • Add a scoop of OxiClean / Vanish Stain remover / Similar to sanitize.

Step #3: Wash the nappies in very hot water.

After the cold-water rinse cycle, you can continue on with a full hot water wash to finish cleaning the nappies.

• • • Use the heavy-duty cycle setting.
    • Add an extra rinse to reduce residue. The more water, the better.
    • Add the recommended amount of detergent for your washer.

Step #4: Dry the Cloth Nappies.

This is the final step in the process. One of the most popular methods is air drying — either outside or indoors on a clothesline. However, let’s be honest, that isn’t always an option for busy parents due to time and/or weather.

For faster drying, follow the below instructions for putting cloth nappies in the dryer.

• • • Use a low heat or air-dry setting on your dryer.
    • Set the drying time at the lowest possible amount, you may need to interrupt your first few cycles to get an understanding of how long the nappies really need in the dryer.