Cloth nappy cleaning
When it comes to cloth nappy cleaning the below info will keep you on track!
Best practices
- To prep before first use wash inserts 3-5 times - Absorbency will increase over 3-8 wash cycles. Nappy shells just need one wash.
- Our Reusable nappy liners can be used to minimise handling/rinsing once soiled before washing, minimises stains and acts as a barrier between nappy creams and nappy which can reduce absorbency
- Double pocket wet bags are recommended to carry clean unused nappies during the day with the additional pocket for containing soiled nappies/wipes/liners
Changing soiled nappies
- Remove liner and shake off excess solids into toiletÂ
- Never flush any nappy liner - even if they claim to be flushableÂ
- If required cold water rinse - hold nappy under fast flowing laundry tap/sprayer to remove any soiling
- Un-snap and remove inserts from pockets
- Add to our Laundry Bag/dry pail/bucket - lid not recommended (smell can build up if nappies cannot breathe)
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Washing instructions
Follow the wash care instructions below. These are also on the wash care label on the inside of the nappy.
- Always put nappies on a pre-wash with half the recommended detergent dose and fast spin speed first to loosen and remove as much soiling as possible before the main wash
- Machine programmes will vary - try to wash on long 2+ hour wash to ensure the warm water will allow the detergent to thoroughly clean - multiple rinse cycles within the programme are preferred
- Use the correct amount of a good mainstream washing powder based on the laundry detergent instructions for load size - water hardness will vary by location which will require an adjusted amount of detergent
- Wash in water temperatures 40°C to protect the life of the PUL
- To help with drying times an extra spin cycle can be used.
- There is little bacterial risk from only washing in cold water - the length of wash is more important if still concerned add a hygienic laundry rinse such as Canesten occasionally.
- Oil based products or fabric softeners will reduce the absorbency of the nappy and inserts
- If fats and oils do build up over time an occasional strip wash can be used but not recommended
- Never turn nappies inside out for washing or dryingÂ
- Turning the nappies inside will expose the PUL and increase the chances of damage to the waterproof liningÂ
- The UV from sunlight will dramatically reduce the life of the PUL
- Wash every 2-3 days dependent on load sizeÂ
- alternatively, small loads put on rinse/spin cycle then back to dry pale until a full wash load becomes available unless you run out of clean nappies first
- Optimum wash sizes - overloading the wash will prevent an effective wash as will a wash that is too small.
- 5kg washing machine will take ~ 13 Fudgey Pants Cloth Nappies + inserts
- 7kg washing machine will take ~Â 17Â Fudgey Pants Cloth Nappies + inserts
If time permits dry in order of the following preference:
- Clothes Horse (recommended)Â - inside/outside portable if the weather changes and no pegs needed
- Clothes line - peg nappy horizontally to minimise any elastic stretchingÂ
- Tumble dryer - inserts or FITTES only on a low heat
- We do not recommend drying the nappy shells in the dryer
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Please contact us if you have any questions around further advanced cloth nappy cleaning procedures.