Hi, I'm looking into using bamboo modern cloth nappies instead of disposables but I'm unsure of what the cleaning involves. What detergent to use, hot or cold wash, rinse or soak, everything. I'd also like to know what I will need to buy to make sure I'm prepared for using them. I use lux flakes on all bub's washing, is that suitable for nappies? I have a twin tub as well, will this make it easier or harder? Thanks smile
How do you clean modern cloth nappies?
- Felicity xx
- TAS, Australia
- Total posts: 18
- Former Member
- -
Line the nappy with a liner from Woolies, or chux cloths cut in half work well too. There are flushable liners available from some places, but they are a bit more expensive.
When you change the nappy, rinse it and pop it in a lidded bucket. You don't need water in it at all. Sprinkling a bit of bi carb over each nappy when you put it in will help stop it getting too stinky (just check 1st that the nappy manufacturer hasn't said bi carb is a no-no). You can also get "Pail Powder" from Rockin' Green which is more expensive but will stop the stinks too.
Try to wash every day/every second day. If you leave them too long the wee will ruin the nappies.
Tip them into your machine and do a cold pre-wash or pre-rinse (no powder). Wash them in a cold/cool/warm wash (not hot - it will ruin the waterproof cover and elastic) with half as much powder/liquid as you normally would for a load that size or soapnuts. Don't use fabric softener as it will clog up the nappies and stop them being absorbent. Do an extra rinse when the wash is finished. Also, don't use bleach or vinegar because that wrecks the waterproof covers and elastic too. You can buy a special nappy washing powder from Rockin' Green. I have used it and it was good, but I find Earth and Eco Store just as effective without the high cost. Soap Nuts are also good for nappies. I haven't used Lux Flakes myself so I'm not sure about those.
Dry in the sun whenever possible.
If your nappies get really stinky or start leaking, do a strip wash. Wash them in hot water with a squirt of dishwashing liquid (top loader only) or a tablespoon of bi carb. Keep rinsing until all the suds are gone. Don't do strip washes too often though or you'll wreck them!
Oh, no zinc based bum creams either, they also clog up the absorbency!
Let me know if you have any other questions smile
When you change the nappy, rinse it and pop it in a lidded bucket. You don't need water in it at all. Sprinkling a bit of bi carb over each nappy when you put it in will help stop it getting too stinky (just check 1st that the nappy manufacturer hasn't said bi carb is a no-no). You can also get "Pail Powder" from Rockin' Green which is more expensive but will stop the stinks too.
Try to wash every day/every second day. If you leave them too long the wee will ruin the nappies.
Tip them into your machine and do a cold pre-wash or pre-rinse (no powder). Wash them in a cold/cool/warm wash (not hot - it will ruin the waterproof cover and elastic) with half as much powder/liquid as you normally would for a load that size or soapnuts. Don't use fabric softener as it will clog up the nappies and stop them being absorbent. Do an extra rinse when the wash is finished. Also, don't use bleach or vinegar because that wrecks the waterproof covers and elastic too. You can buy a special nappy washing powder from Rockin' Green. I have used it and it was good, but I find Earth and Eco Store just as effective without the high cost. Soap Nuts are also good for nappies. I haven't used Lux Flakes myself so I'm not sure about those.
Dry in the sun whenever possible.
If your nappies get really stinky or start leaking, do a strip wash. Wash them in hot water with a squirt of dishwashing liquid (top loader only) or a tablespoon of bi carb. Keep rinsing until all the suds are gone. Don't do strip washes too often though or you'll wreck them!
Oh, no zinc based bum creams either, they also clog up the absorbency!
Let me know if you have any other questions smile
- Felicity xx
- TAS, Australia
- Total posts: 18
Thank you so much smile
How would I get them dry in the wet winter months? I don't have a dryer, I normally get my laundry dry by hanging on a clothes airer and placing that in front of my heat pump, would this take too long with cloth nappies?
How would I get them dry in the wet winter months? I don't have a dryer, I normally get my laundry dry by hanging on a clothes airer and placing that in front of my heat pump, would this take too long with cloth nappies?
- Former Member
- -
I just put them on airers inside in the winter because we don't have a dryer either.