How to Wash Cloth Nappies for the First Time.
One of the best things about using reusable nappies is the fluff post. When the postman brings your package full of brand-new pretty nappies. Who knows why is so exciting, but ask any cloth nappy parent and I’m going to stereotype here and say “Mums”, it is super exciting.
If this is totally new to you you’ll want to know how to pre-wash nappies before you can finally use them. And it is important even if the wait between the post-mans delivery and finally getting them on the bum is an excruciating one.
Brand-new reusable nappies will need washing several times before use. This is to wash off any manufacturing residue and importantly for certain materials to get them to full absorbency. For pre-loved nappies you may want to strip wash them.
Like towels material such as hemp, bamboo and cotton will not be at full absorbency until they have been washed several times.
How to wash new cloth diapers for the first time.
Nappy covers wraps and microfiber material will only need to be washed once before use. This is purely to wash off any manufacturing residue that could irritate babies skin. This can be done on any normal wash with your regular cloth or with an existing nappy wash.
For materials such as bamboo, cotton and hemp they will be need to washed several times before use to make sure they are at their full absorbency. Failing to do this will cause leaks from your nappies very quickly. Again you can do this on any regular wash, you do not need to dry them between washes. I recommend washing them at least 3 to 4 times before using on your baby however to quicken the process you could soak them in a bucket of water overnight or for at least several hours.
How to wash pre-loved nappies before use.
Even if you know where your pre-loved nappies have come from, even if they come from a sibling I do like to give them a good wash and a strip wash before using them on another baby. If you do not know where your pre-loved nappies are come from for example you have brought online, it is a good idea to give them a good strip wash before using them. This can be a basic strip wash or a full strip wash using bleach.
I do not often recommend using bleach on nappies as it is not normally necessary and it will reduce your life if you’re nappy. But using every now and again for good reason will also not harm it. Good reason would either be persistent ammonia spells or buying pre-loved.
A Basic strip wash for cloth nappies.
For a basic strip wash wash your nappies as you usually would with a good powdered detergent on a long 60° cotton wash. Then wash again on a full 60° long wash but with NO detergent.
For a full strip wash using bleach follow Clean Cloth Nappies instructions you can find them here. This will completely give your nappies the deepest deepest cleaned and almost reset them back to the original state in my opinion. Many do not like using bleach and like I said I would only use it in specific circumstances.
Do I need to wash nappies from a nappy library before using?
If you have borrowed used nappies from a Nappy Library or hired from a nappy company such as The Nappy Lady they will have given your nappies a deep clean so you will not need to strip wash them, however in this case I still like to give them a quick wash particularly because my daughter has been sensitive to different washing powders in the past.
Going forward washing nappies.
Now you’ve given your nappies a wash before using them your set to go but what about washing them once their used? If your unsure about this or haven’t found a decent washing routine for your reusable diapers follow my full washing guide here.
More articles for you to dive into…
5 Steps to leak free nights with cloth nappies.
How to fix your washing routine.
How to get stains out of cloth nappies.
Cloth nappies and potty training.
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