Caring for your nappies
Pre-washing Nappies
Please note we do not accept returned nappies or wraps that have been washed.
All new reusable nappies should be prewashed before use to increase absorbency but also to remove any residue left over from manufacturing. You should prewash your nappies at least twice before use but there is no need to dry them in between washes. We also recommend that you wash your wraps once to ensure they are thoroughly clean.
When washing bright coloured nappies it is advisable to wash separately from light coloured nappies for the first couple of washes to avoid colour runs.
Using nappy liners
If using paper liners do make sure they are flushable before putting in the toilet. If they are just wet they can go in the bin or in the toilet. If they are soiled then dispose of them by flushing down the toilet, if after removing the liner there is still poo on the nappy the nappy can be sluiced by holding it tight and flushing it in the toilet.
If using washable liners just shake the liner in the toilet and most of the poo should fall off – if not simply sluice to remove it, then, place it in your washing bucket until you are ready to wash.
Dry pailing
When storing dirty nappies dry pailing is less work as you simply store them as they are in a lidded bucket. It is easier to use a laundry mesh bag in your bucket as then you don’t have to handle the nappies individually just simply place the whole bag in the washing machine, making sure the bag is open so when washing, the nappies can work themselves out of the bag so they get a good wash. You can add a couple of drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil to the bucket to help with odour but some nappy manufacturers do not recommend this as some oils are not compatible with some fabrics. You can then leave your nappies in the bucket for 2-3 days until you have enough for a wash.
Soaking nappies
If soaking you can use a laundry mesh bag but be careful of the mess from dripping water when transferring the bag to the washing machine. When soaking the nappies you can use a suitable nappy solution referring to their instructions or you can half fill the bucket with water and add a couple of drops of tea tree oil again being aware that some manufacturers do not recommend this. Do not soak wraps containing PUL. Always make sure the bucket is out of childrens reach at all times.
Washing nappies
When you are ready to wash your nappies you can put them on a rinse first to get rid of any remaining poo. When adding washing powder only use a third or half the recommended amount and use a non-biological detergent, or you can use a specially designed nappy wash according to their instructions (such as Potion that we sell) or you can use eco-balls. Do not use fabric conditioner as this can affect the absorbency of the nappies.
There is no need to wash your nappies higher than 60° with most people washing at 40° with occasionally washing at 60°. If at the end of the wash you notice bubbles left in the machine you can do another rinse as you may have added too much detergent.
Drying nappies
The most environmentally friendly way to dry your nappies is to line dry them. As well as being the most economical way of drying them the sun can also help to get rid of stains by naturally bleaching them.
When the weather is not suitable for line drying nappies can be dried on an airer or in a tumble drier. Not all nappies and wraps are suitable to be tumbled so check with the manufacturer and for the ones that can be tumble dried please follow the instructions to preserve the life of the nappies and wraps.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do wash nappies after every use
- Do fold Velcro (aplix/hook and loop) tabs back on to their laundry tabs
- Do remove boosters/inserts from nappies before washing
- Do use washable wipes
- Always refer to manufacturers washing and drying instructions
- Don’t use nappy creams without using a liner
- Don’t use fabric softener
- Don’t use bleach on your nappies or wraps