If you use reusable nappies, then you may have found that traditional laundry soaps are less than ideal for washing nappies. There are also many who need to add an extra rinse, add vinegar, or even use unscented detergents to protect their baby’s sensitive skin. These tips will help you find the perfect wash routine for your nappies.

Your Wash Routine

The first step to having a good wash routine for your reusable nappies is to rinse your nappies thoroughly, making sure you have dumped all the solid waste out of the nappy before throwing in the machine. The exception is when you have an exclusively breastfed baby. You don’t need to dump your nappies if you baby only eats breast milk, since the first rinse will remove all the solids easily.

You typically do not need to add anything to the first rinse. The actual wash is the next step to cleaning your reusable nappies. In this step, you can add oxygen cleaner if you have stains, as well as your detergent. It is always recommended that you use a detergent specifically made for cloth nappies, although you can also make your own detergent if you wish. If you have been having problems with rough nappies, then you should add vinegar to the last rinse. You can also add essential oils at this time if you want some scent in your nappies.

Your Detergent

Even though you may not believe it, the type of detergent you use on your reusable nappies has a huge impact on the absorbency and smell of your nappies. If you have been having problems keeping your nappies fresh smelling, then you will want to consider stripping your nappies. To strip your nappies means to take out all of the detergent build up, so the nappy is just like new. You can strip using hot water washes and dishwashing detergent.

To begin stripping your reusable nappies, start a hot wash and add a small squirt of dishwashing detergent. Then you need to wash until you no longer see bubbles in the wash and dry as usual. Make sure that the detergent you use is free of scents, optical brighteners, and other chemical additives for the best smelling, cleanest nappies. You can find a wide array of environmentally friendly detergents made just for cloth nappies.

Do I Need that Extra Rinse?

Another of the most common problems that cause build up and stink in reusable nappies is simply not using enough water. That one extra rinse really does matter, and can completely change the look and smell of your nappies for a cleaner and more desirable outcome. Also, make sure you aren’t overloading the washing machine. About 15 nappies makes a large load and anything more will reduce the amount of water flowing through the nappies.

Finding the perfect wash routine for your cloth nappies takes some research, but with these tips it is possible to clean your nappies perfectly every time you wash.