The truth is, if you’re washing your nappies properly you won’t be getting contact reactions like you would while using disposables. Ointments can create a film on the inserts causing nappies to repel and not function properly which can lead to ‘pooling’ and therefore leaks. If you find this is happening, try scrubbing the affected area with an old toothbrush and a little detergent. Nappies affected by nappy rash creams are not covered by any warranty. If you require a nappy rash cream, use a natural based product, one without cortisone or zinc-based products such as the Waleda Organic Calendula nappy change cream. If you need to use these ointments, make sure you put a liner (either flushable or wool) between your baby’s bottom and the inner layer of the nappy to maintain its warranty.

Finding the right detergent to use with your nappies is important, as it will impact on the absorbency and overall performance of your nappies. Don’t choose any detergent that contains fragrances, perfumes, fabric softeners or chlorine bleaches. Soaps are not detergents, and soaps are not suitable for washing nappies. Detergents to avoid – Detergents or Natural soaps containing various oils (e.g., soap nuts). These should NOT be used because they will leave a residue on fleece, causing it to repel liquids. Never use fabric softener of any kind on reusable nappies. Liquid fabric softeners leave a waxy residue which causes urine to repel, decreasing their absorbency. Using the wrong detergent will affect the performance of your nappies.  

Heavily soiled nappies are best washed in hot water. Laundry detergents can be added to assist in cleaning nappies. However, a hot wash will outperform every time. This is because heat helps to break down the chemical bond in dirt and stains. Ideally, cloth nappies should be washed at 60*C to avoid ammonia build up, stains and smells. Keeping in mind that to maintain the integrity of the shell’s elastics and PUL they should not exceed 40*C. If you do not have access to hot water, we suggest sanitising your cloth nappies once a fortnight. 

During toilet training, you will notice the number of nappies sitting in your dry pain decreasing. You can hand wash your nappies with a small amount of detergent, spin out excess water and dry pail before adding to your standard laundry wash. 

Due to their added absorbtion and capacity to hold on to more liquid we suggest doing a rinse soon after the nappy is removed from your child. For this reason, we suggest doing your daily rinse in the morning as part of your daily routine. You can also do a quick hand rinse using a bucket and small amount of detergent if you find you are getting some ammonia build up. A tip for those who live in areas with restricted water access can use shower water collected from their shower.  

Use bath/shower water with a small amount of detergent added for your daily pre-wash. Collect shower water by bringing a bucket into the shower with you. Add nappies to your normal laundry wash. Save the final rinse water and use for the first rinse of your daily cycle. Front loaders are known to use less water than top loaders. Choose main cycles that use less water.

So you’ve added your nappies to your main laundry cycle and found an item has run and eft colouring on your nappies! Before you start crying, return all the affected nappies back to wash with a Colour Run product (I like to keep one on hand) and add as directed to the nappies before they dry. 

If you are following an adequate wash routine, you should not be getting smells. Here are a few things to check and problem solve:

You shouldn’t be getting stains with an adequate wash routine. Be careful using the sun as a method of stain removal as this is not an effective method for sanitising your nappies as the UV light will not penetrate the multi layers of the inserts causing bacteria to become trapped.

We are committed to supporting you on your cloth nappy journey. If you have purchased cloth nappies and aren't feeling confident about cleaning them, or cleaning them is just not feeling EASY (the way it should be!) - then please book a free support session via our Cloth Concierge.