How to wash
How to wash
How Do I Wash my cloth nappies?
Caring for Ecobots cloth nappies is very simple.
Washing instructions will come with your order, but you can always find more info here should you need it.
This simple table gives the basics:
| Nappies | Covers | Liners |
| Machine wash at up to 90°C | A machine wash up to 60°C | Machine wash up to 60°C |
| Tumble dry low | Dry on a low tumble setting | Tumble dry low |
| Can iron (cotton setting) | Do not iron | Can iron (wool setting) |
Washing Hints
Your nappies need to be sanitised at some point. You can do this by washing hot (over 60 degrees) pre-soaking with a sanitiser, or adding a sanitiser to your laundry cycle. Some sanitisers (such as nappy san) contain bulking agents which can build up on your nappies, the natural ones are better to use.
Hanging out in sunshine also helps with this process, although sadly we can’t rely on sunny days every day.
SOAKING OPTIONS
You do not need to soak your nappies, but some people like to add this step. If you wish to, then:
Use a large bucket with a safe, toddler-proof lid and an appropriate dilution of nappy sanitiser (eg. oxygen whitener). Always follow the instructions on the pack or bottle.
Do not use bleaches, they destroy the fabric over time
If you are worried about the bucket getting tipped over, try standing it in the bath, shower tray, or laundry tub
The other option is not soaking – ‘dry store’ in your nappy bucket until washing (rinse off the soil first) and do a ‘pre-rinse’ in your machine prior to washing. In warmer months, this can mean that you end up with a slightly smelly bucket. A cloth placed in the top with a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil can help combat this, and the cloth can then we washed with your nappies.
WASHING OPTIONS
Nappies and covers soaked in sanitiser only require a cold wash in the machine.
Do not use fabric softener, it coats the nappy fibres and decreases absorbency.
For ‘dry stored’ nappies a 60°C wash in a washing machine is adequate to cleanse the nappies and covers. It is a good idea to do a rinse or pre-wash cycle without detergent prior to your main wash at 60°C, as this removes the urine and any remaining solids from your washing before the wash cycle. An extra rinse at the end of the cycle is also a good idea to remove any traces of detergent.
Only use half the recommended dose of washing powder, more may not fully rinse out, leading to build up. This can cause smelly nappies and even rashes in your baby.
If you’re choosing a new washing machine, go for one with an antibacterial cycle, it is ideal for nappies and if it’s a machine that heats its own water it won’t be expensive.
A tablespoonful of white vinegar or a teaspoon of citric acid during the final rinse cycle will help remove the limescale and detergent residues giving softer nappies.
To keep your velcro fastenings looking great:
Close Velcro fastenings to prevent damage to other items and to stop fluff collecting in the velcro, then turn the covers inside out to ensure they are properly washed. You could also use a laundry bag to keep them clear of lint.
If you find that they have picked up lint and pieces of cotton, a quick scrub with a nail brush will clear much of it.
DRYING OPTIONS
- Do not put covers on direct heat, and do not iron
- Covers will dry quickly, even inside on an airing rack.
- Sun-drying nappies will help to keep them white (sunshine is the best way to remove yellow, newborn poo stains).
- Tumble drying will leave your nappies soft and fluffy, a 10-minute burst will do
- Give nappies a good shake and rub together when almost dry to soften
- Line drying is the best option for the environment, and to keep your nappies at their best, try to hang out on the line as often as you can.
Comments
Post a Comment